Roy’s Recs: Speer Empty Shot Capsules

This video provides expert guidance on appropriate black powder charges for various cap and ball revolvers. The instructor, with apparent extensive experience, details specific grain recommendations for .31 caliber pocket revolvers (10-12 grains), .36 caliber belt pistols like the 1861 Navy (17-20 grains), .44 caliber holster pistols with brass frames (20 grains) and steel frames (25-30 grains), and the Colt Walker (.44 caliber, 40 grains recommended over its 60-grain capacity). The benefits of using paper cartridges for efficiency and fun are also highlighted.

This comprehensive guide, presented with high authority by a firearms instructor, details the .30-06 Springfield cartridge. It covers its historical evolution from military adoption to civilian hunting versatility, its role as a parent case for other calibers, and key ballistic comparisons, particularly with the .308 Winchester. The information is rich with historical context and practical application for shooters and hunters.

This video explores the effectiveness of .44 Magnum shotshells for self-defense and varmint control. The instructor conducts pattern tests at 3 and 5 yards using CCI and vintage Speer shotshells, evaluating their spread and impact on targets like melons and soda bottles. While acknowledging their potential for close-range varminting, the instructor advises against relying on them for personal defense due to limited effective range and stopping power.

This video demonstrates two methods for lubricating black powder revolver chambers: traditional beeswax and tallow mixture versus modern pre-lubricated felt wads. The demonstration uses a Pietta Remington New Model Army in .44 caliber with 30 grains of Goex 3FG black powder and .454 round balls. The results show that while both methods improve accuracy and reduce fouling compared to no lube, the pre-lubricated felt wads provided superior accuracy and cleaner bore performance.

This guide, informed by Roy Huntington, Editor of American Handgunner Magazine, details the critical differences between buckshot and birdshot for home defense. It covers their physical characteristics, penetration capabilities through walls, and effectiveness at close range. The advice emphasizes choosing a load based on concerns about over-penetration while stressing the universal importance of training, target identification, and using a light for any home defense scenario.

This guide details the field stripping process for a 1911 pistol, presented by Roy Huntington, Publisher of American Handgunner. It covers essential safety checks, step-by-step disassembly, and reassembly, emphasizing techniques to prevent damage. An alternative 'cheat' method for faster disassembly is also demonstrated, along with advice on using specialized tools for tight components.

This video showcases an exceptionally rare find: a first-generation 1873 Colt Single Action Peacemaker, discovered via metal detecting in Arizona. The expert speaker details its museum-quality condition, dating it to 1875, and analyzes the authentic patina and wear, including specific gutta-percha grip details and muzzle wear from holster friction. The firearm's discovery context among homestead ruins adds to its historical narrative.

This guide, presented by Roy Huntington, Editor of American Handgunner Magazine, outlines an efficient '5-minute clean' for modern semi-automatic pistols like the Glock 26/27. It emphasizes that over-cleaning is unnecessary and can cause premature wear. The process focuses on targeted cleaning of critical areas like the barrel and slide rails, with minimal lubrication applied only to high-friction points. Proper function checks after reassembly are also highlighted.