Black powder handgun safety question

[jimdana1942]

I am thinking of picking up a .44 blackpowder handgun. I have heard that when you fire the gun there have been incidences of another chamber firing from the flash between the cylinder and barrel. Is there anyway to prevent this from happening? I have heard you can put a dab of grease over the end of each loaded cylinder but this sounds rather messy to me. Is there another way? Suggestions will be appreciated.

 

[dzelenka]

Black power guns are messy. Just a fact of life. The grease (really bullet lube) is the way to go.

 

[GBob01]

While a fact; chain fires are rare. I've never used anything over my cylinders and have never had a problem; guess there could always be a first time. Make sure you are using a properly sized ball for your gun (mine calls for .451 dia) and get a good lead ring when loading. That should show you that it's sealed well. If you choose to use anything over the ball, you can use the commercial lube or as some do, Crisco.
Anyway around it those BP guns need to be cleaned up, and the extra lube won't make it much more difficult or time consuming.

 

[LACamper]

I used to have one years ago. I put powder in, then a waxed or greased scap of cloth, then a lead ball. I never had a problem with chain fires. If you're really worried for the first few times load every other cylinder.
It was fun, but mine wasn't very accurate. At 25 yards it was 'sheet of plywood' rather than 'minute of angle'.