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Here is one of my first attempts loading for my Cavalry Carbine.

60 cal round ball in new Bertram brass.

I used the big Lee dies. I struggled to get the Seating Die to push the RB down any further into the brass without mods.

I managed to get a modest crimp, just over the widest part of the RB.

This round chambers if I give a stout push with the thumb when loading and there's a 'friction fit' close of the action.

I'd have preferred if it chambered 'freely', I wonder is this still okay to have the modest amount of effort described needed to chamber?

I'd have hoped after once firing, things would be easier.

Just lookin for comments really.

knowing nothing about loading round ball, is it normal for the ball to be a larger diameter than the neck of the cartridge ?

What are the dimensions from your chamber/throat/groove/bore slug?

The slugged balls (entered muzzle to chamber) are .592 widest reading to .584 minimum.

Throat/Chamber, I haven't measured and don't think I have the kit to do so.

The brass without the balls chambers free and loose.

Looks like you will need to seat the ball shallower in the case so that there is less flare on the case mouth.

If you are using BP then boolit retention isn't important for good combustion.

Breech seating might be the way forward.

Depending in the shape and length of your chamber throat trimming the cases might help but seating the ball out more would the first thing to try.

Excuse my ignorance but why a ball.

Thanks, yes I could try seating them out further. I didn't realize crimp wasn't as important.

Regarding the shells I already loaded, is my need for thumb pressure to chamber followed by some tightness and friction when squeezing the Breach Block down on the cartridge rim, a danger? By that I mean I find the effort itself trivial, but if it's dangerous that's another matter entirely and I'll pull the bullets.

Alpha1 wrote:Excuse my ignorance but why a ball.

I have a short Carbine, from what I can gather so far, a slow twist carbine barrel will not be accurate with Minnies. RB are invariably accurate at short ranges. Hope this is so in my case of course.

Dromia, could you explain the term 'breech seating'?

kennyc wrote:knowing nothing about loading round ball, is it normal for the ball to be a larger diameter than the neck of the cartridge ?

From what I have gathered, the neck on this unfired brass, will more or less disappear and be almost straightened out after first firing. That's why I was hoping loading RB's would be easier using fired brass.