Loading 1873 cattleman

turkeybuzzard · September 5, 2016, 11:46 AM

My wife bought me a uberti 1873 44cal cattleman. It has not arrived yet! It is my first black powder revolver but not my first black powder gun. Since it doesn't have a ram, I have been looking at the cylinder loaders for one. It seems that ones made like the 20 dollar traditions ones are all junk. I guess I will save up for a powderinc press. In the mean time how can I load it without a press? Can I use a bullet starter then a wooden dowel to finish seating. Any body have plans for a homemade one, it would have to be out of wood, I am not a machinist. Thank you for any help.

maillemaker · September 5, 2016, 12:46 PM

I was confused at first because the 1873 is a cartridge gun. Evidently they make a cap and ball version.

The cheap swing-arm $20 loaders are junk, but they will suffice.

I've seen some people use a pair of large washers and a through-bolt and nut to load all 6 chambers simultaneously.

I have the powderinc loader and it's great.

Steve

Smokin'Joe · September 5, 2016, 02:26 PM

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthrea...33#post7121933

BlackPowderBen · September 5, 2016, 02:42 PM

I use the powderinc cylinder loader to load my 1873 cap and ball and it works great.
Smokin Joe, that is a great idea!!

turkeybuzzard · September 5, 2016, 04:31 PM

Thanks, I will use smokin joes 3 ball press till I can get a powderinc one. I will need a wood dowel to finish loading, guess I will make a fixture to hold the cylinder while I seat the balls. Is powder inc closed down, their web page has not been up in a while?

dr1445 · September 5, 2016, 05:44 PM

i did some mods to my powder inc press. i added a wood block to raise the handle when the press engages the ball, otherwise it was at the bottom of it's stroke. then i had a length of 30 cal barrel i added for a better feel.

dr1445 · September 5, 2016, 06:03 PM

you can also get a press from harbor freight.

Gavlan · September 5, 2016, 06:46 PM

No they ( powder inc ) ain't closed , just updating their web page.
I E-mailed them about a month ago and they said they should have it up and running sometime this month.
Oh, if I recall right their loader is $88 and change. SHIPPED ..

James K · September 5, 2016, 09:22 PM

People who carried those rammer-less revolvers in the olden days were folks who didn't expect to need more than 5/6 shots or be very far from a spare cylinder or tools.

Jim

Hawg · September 5, 2016, 11:16 PM

Quote:

People who carried those rammer-less revolvers in the olden days were folks who didn't expect to need more than 5/6 shots or be very far from a spare cylinder or tools.

True but the 73 C&B is a whole new ballgame. It looks like an 1873 cartridge gun with an ejector and loading gate but it's a percussion. Calling it a Cattleman isn't right. The cattleman is a cartridge gun.

Driftwood Johnson · September 8, 2016, 01:13 AM

Howdy

This is an Uberti Cattleman.

I believe this is what the OP is talking about.

https://www.dixiegunworks.com/produc...j25b7v9c002bj3

drobs · September 8, 2016, 05:14 AM

I snagged one of these loading presses:
http://www.rydoncorp.com/inc/sdetail..._stand/175/204

Works with both my 1860 and 1858 Pietta BP Revolvers.

Strafer Gott · September 8, 2016, 07:34 AM

A spare cylinder or two increases the utility of the revolver for field use. I usually load everything up, and then only reload the 60 Colt or the Remington 58 in the field. The cylinders change out in a minute, and it probably takes longer to cap.
It still isn't something you would do well under fire.

jaguarxk120 · September 8, 2016, 07:43 AM

The 1873 Cattleman is made by Uberti in black powder, both Midway and Taylor's have them in stock.

Kilibreaux · September 20, 2016, 04:36 AM

IF you are committed to using the Cattleman as a BP gun, then you will likely need the loading tool available from Uberti, yet you CAN load the chambers without a tool if you understand the process!

On the other hand, I tend to think Uberti built the 1873 Cattleman BP specifically for guys like me who instantly converted it to chamber the .45 Colt. By fitting a .45 Colt cylinder and fitting a centerfire firing pin, the BP model can be made to function quite well with the low pressure .45 Colt factory load.
I took the "conversion" a bit farther and fabricated a steel insert for the recoil shield and drilled a new firing pin hole...
The actual bore diameter of a .44 BP is .451-2" which is WHY this conversion is possible.

EdwinDrood · April 16, 2017, 12:36 PM

I know this is an old thread...

I have purchased the Black Powder Only version of the Uberti 1873 Cattleman.

I found a special price for a new one and am very pleased with it. This is a special make by Uberti and is intended for markets that do not allow a replica of the REAL Cattleman cartrige gun. I live in the US, so I am sure that people will think I am crazy--but I love Black Powder revolvers.

This particular gun (not sold as much in the US) is really cool and has some interesting features. (I won't go into all the details now)

It was designed specifically so you could NOT use a cylinder from a REAL Cattleman revolver. Not even a talented Gunsmith would want to alter it to make it work for cartridges (At least one has tried--proved to me that it would not be worth the effort).

Loading it

The cylinder must be removed to load this BP revolver.

I purchased Dick Dastardly's "Tower of Power" loading tool. This tool is pretty universal and will work with this cylinder. I need to get a couple of thick washers (outside diameter of 1.5" to 1.75" and Inside Diameter of about .64") to support the cylinder well so I can load .457 round ball.

I hope other BP enthusiasts are able to find this interesting revolver at bargain prices in the US!

drobs · April 16, 2017, 02:50 PM

Edwin,

Welcome aboard. Start a new thread and post up some pics of your BP guns.

While I understand the BP addiction I just can't bring myself to buy a BP 1873. At least not till I see a deal on one I can't pass up.

Here's my Uberti 1873 Hombre 357mag.
Was about $280 with shipping and transfer a few years ago.

Model12Win · April 18, 2017, 04:15 PM

Them boys would always carry an extra cylinders when out on the trail for a fast reload when on horseback.

Strafer Gott · April 18, 2017, 05:55 PM

I saw an Uberti Hombre about 4 months ago for similar money, They probably function just fine. The finish on the bp cattleman is beautiful, but the Hombres just look unfinished to me. The convenience of a cartridge gun is obvious. I still prefer the good looking bp cattleman. They shoot great as well. I have 2 model 73 cartridge guns. They just don't deliver enough smoke to suit some days.

Crunchy Frog · April 18, 2017, 08:34 PM

Use black powder cartridges in your Hombre. That's what they shot in the late 19th Century after all.

drobs · April 18, 2017, 10:01 PM

I plan to load some BP cartridges for the Hombre. Just need some quality home time. The ugly finish of the Hombre grows on you after awhile.

September 5, 2016, 11:46 AM	#1
turkeybuzzard Member Join Date: February 22, 2009 Posts: 78	Loading 1873 cattleman My wife bought me a uberti 1873 44cal cattleman. It has not arrived yet! It is my first black powder revolver but not my first black powder gun. Since it doesn't have a ram, I have been looking at the cylinder loaders for one. It seems that ones made like the 20 dollar traditions ones are all junk. I guess I will save up for a powderinc press. In the mean time how can I load it without a press? Can I use a bullet starter then a wooden dowel to finish seating. Any body have plans for a homemade one, it would have to be out of wood, I am not a machinist. Thank you for any help.

September 5, 2016, 02:26 PM	#3
Smokin'Joe Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2010 Posts: 211	Home-Made Loader http://www.thehighroad.org/showthrea...33#post7121933 Last edited by Smokin'Joe; September 5, 2016 at 02:44 PM.

September 5, 2016, 02:42 PM	#4
BlackPowderBen Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2015 Posts: 380	I use the powderinc cylinder loader to load my 1873 cap and ball and it works great. Smokin Joe, that is a great idea!! __________________ "If you have to shoot, shoot! Dont talk"

September 8, 2016, 05:14 AM	#12
drobs Senior Member Join Date: July 17, 2015 Location: South Central MO / Africa Posts: 1,111	I snagged one of these loading presses: http://www.rydoncorp.com/inc/sdetail..._stand/175/204 Works with both my 1860 and 1858 Pietta BP Revolvers. __________________ NRA Life Member

April 16, 2017, 12:36 PM	#16
EdwinDrood Junior Member Join Date: May 28, 2016 Posts: 1	Loading the 1873 Cattleman BP Only I know this is an old thread... I have purchased the Black Powder Only version of the Uberti 1873 Cattleman. I found a special price for a new one and am very pleased with it. This is a special make by Uberti and is intended for markets that do not allow a replica of the REAL Cattleman cartrige gun. I live in the US, so I am sure that people will think I am crazy--but I love Black Powder revolvers. This particular gun (not sold as much in the US) is really cool and has some interesting features. (I won't go into all the details now) It was designed specifically so you could NOT use a cylinder from a REAL Cattleman revolver. Not even a talented Gunsmith would want to alter it to make it work for cartridges (At least one has tried--proved to me that it would not be worth the effort). Loading it The cylinder *must* be removed to load this BP revolver. I purchased Dick Dastardly's "Tower of Power" loading tool. This tool is pretty universal and will work with this cylinder. I need to get a couple of thick washers (outside diameter of 1.5" to 1.75" and Inside Diameter of about .64") to support the cylinder well so I can load .457 round ball. I hope other BP enthusiasts are able to find this interesting revolver at bargain prices in the US!

September 5, 2016, 12:46 PM	#2
maillemaker Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2010 Posts: 1,635	I was confused at first because the 1873 is a cartridge gun. Evidently they make a cap and ball version. The cheap swing-arm $20 loaders are junk, but they will suffice. I've seen some people use a pair of large washers and a through-bolt and nut to load all 6 chambers simultaneously. I have the powderinc loader and it's great. Steve

September 5, 2016, 04:31 PM	#5
turkeybuzzard Member Join Date: February 22, 2009 Posts: 78	Thanks, I will use smokin joes 3 ball press till I can get a powderinc one. I will need a wood dowel to finish loading, guess I will make a fixture to hold the cylinder while I seat the balls. Is powder inc closed down, their web page has not been up in a while?

September 5, 2016, 05:44 PM	#6
dr1445 Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2009 Location: CT Posts: 199	i did some mods to my powder inc press. i added a wood block to raise the handle when the press engages the ball, otherwise it was at the bottom of it's stroke. then i had a length of 30 cal barrel i added for a better feel.

September 5, 2016, 06:03 PM	#7
dr1445 Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2009 Location: CT Posts: 199	you can also get a press from harbor freight.

September 5, 2016, 06:46 PM	#8
Gavlan Senior Member Join Date: September 27, 2015 Posts: 108	No they ( powder inc ) ain't closed , just updating their web page. I E-mailed them about a month ago and they said they should have it up and running sometime this month. Oh, if I recall right their loader is $88 and change. SHIPPED ..

September 5, 2016, 09:22 PM	#9
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	People who carried those rammer-less revolvers in the olden days were folks who didn't expect to need more than 5/6 shots or be very far from a spare cylinder or tools. Jim

September 8, 2016, 01:13 AM	#11
Driftwood Johnson Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2014 Location: Land of the Pilgrims Posts: 2,033	Howdy This is an Uberti Cattleman. I believe this is what the OP is talking about. https://www.dixiegunworks.com/produc...j25b7v9c002bj3

September 8, 2016, 07:34 AM	#13
Strafer Gott Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2011 Location: New Mexico Posts: 1,315	A spare cylinder or two increases the utility of the revolver for field use. I usually load everything up, and then only reload the 60 Colt or the Remington 58 in the field. The cylinders change out in a minute, and it probably takes longer to cap. It still isn't something you would do well under fire.

September 8, 2016, 07:43 AM	#14
jaguarxk120 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,619	The 1873 Cattleman is made by Uberti in black powder, both Midway and Taylor's have them in stock.

September 20, 2016, 04:36 AM	#15
Kilibreaux Member Join Date: October 4, 2012 Posts: 57	IF you are committed to using the Cattleman as a BP gun, then you will likely need the loading tool available from Uberti, yet you CAN load the chambers without a tool if you understand the process! On the other hand, I tend to think Uberti built the 1873 Cattleman BP specifically for guys like me who instantly converted it to chamber the .45 Colt. By fitting a .45 Colt cylinder and fitting a centerfire firing pin, the BP model can be made to function quite well with the low pressure .45 Colt factory load. I took the "conversion" a bit farther and fabricated a steel insert for the recoil shield and drilled a new firing pin hole... The actual bore diameter of a .44 BP is .451-2" which is WHY this conversion is possible.

April 16, 2017, 02:50 PM	#17
drobs Senior Member Join Date: July 17, 2015 Location: South Central MO / Africa Posts: 1,111	Edwin, Welcome aboard. Start a new thread and post up some pics of your BP guns. While I understand the BP addiction I just can't bring myself to buy a BP 1873. At least not till I see a deal on one I can't pass up. Here's my Uberti 1873 Hombre 357mag. Was about $280 with shipping and transfer a few years ago. __________________ NRA Life Member

April 18, 2017, 04:15 PM	#18
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	Them boys would always carry an extra cylinders when out on the trail for a fast reload when on horseback.

April 18, 2017, 05:55 PM	#19
Strafer Gott Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2011 Location: New Mexico Posts: 1,315	I saw an Uberti Hombre about 4 months ago for similar money, They probably function just fine. The finish on the bp cattleman is beautiful, but the Hombres just look unfinished to me. The convenience of a cartridge gun is obvious. I still prefer the good looking bp cattleman. They shoot great as well. I have 2 model 73 cartridge guns. They just don't deliver enough smoke to suit some days.

April 18, 2017, 08:34 PM	#20
Crunchy Frog Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2008 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 591	Use black powder cartridges in your Hombre. That's what they shot in the late 19th Century after all.

April 18, 2017, 10:01 PM	#21
drobs Senior Member Join Date: July 17, 2015 Location: South Central MO / Africa Posts: 1,111	I plan to load some BP cartridges for the Hombre. Just need some quality home time. The ugly finish of the Hombre grows on you after awhile. __________________ NRA Life Member