Revive your antique pinfire shotguns

Reloading kit for 16 gauge pinfire shotgun shells

How does it work

One quite innovative element of this kit is the threaded percussion cap holder. A massive piece of brass that can be used almost infinitely.

The basic kit is delivered with a long screw on which can be fixed the cap holder. Slide a fresh cap into the cap holder with the cap's opening facing the small hole (pin hole) drilled in the holder.

The inside bottom of the case (left picture above) has circular depression, or seating area,  to accommodate the cap holder.

Using the long screw as a handle, place the cap holder into its seating in the case. Then rotate the screw clockwise until the holder pin hole becomes aligned with the case pin hole.

Note that the percussion cap MUST be flush with the holder. If it remains beyond the holder's edge, as shown above left, the holder pin hole and the case pin hole will not align perfectly, and you will have great difficulties to enter the firing pin (perhaps even it will be impossible).

Insert the firing pin through the case hole into the hole of the cap holder, and drive it inside until its pointed extremity bears against the bottom of the cap.

Percussion cap and firing pin installed

The cap holder is now retained in the bottom of the case by the firing pin. Unscrew the threaded rod from the cap holder, and fill the case with the right quantity of black powder.

Using a specific measuring cup, pour about 4.00 - 4.50 grams of black powder (coarse to fine granulation - Fg to FFFg) into the shell. The good choice of black powder granulation will be the result of experimenting different loads with your own gun.

When the powder is loaded, slide a shell wad (preferably of the greased type) into the case, and drive it until bearing against the powder. You should not leave any gap of air between the powder and the wad.

Black Powder comes in four granulations. Fg being the coarsest (slowest to burn), and FFFFg being the finest (fastest to burn). You will find the same grades under the following labels : 1Fg to 4fg or even 1F to 4F

Warning ! From now on, a sufficient blow onto the pin can ignite the primer and the powder.

Federal law allows unlicensed individuals to possess no more than 50 pounds of commercially manufactured black powder for use in antique firearms or replicas and reproductions of antique firearms for hunting, sporting or cultural purposes only.  Any other use of black powder is a felony.  Local ordinances may further restrict the possession and storage of black powder,  It is your responsibility to know and obey local statutes and regulations.

Now that the shell wad has been placed above the powder, tip some 28 grams of lead pellets of the size you desire into the case. The upper level of the pellets must not go beyond the first set of sealing holes.

Insert now a thinner sealing wad above the lead pellets. Push it until reaching the level just below the first set of sealing holes.

Insert two tooth picks through the two sets of sealing holes in order to get a cross that will prevent the sealing wad to get out of the case. Cut the tooth picks flush with the external face of the case.

The case overall length is about 2.579 inches

You have now a hunting shell ready to be used. Note that due to the high quality and thickness of the brass these shells are practically usable, if not for ever, at least for numerous shots.

Your are now ready for a pleasant hunting party, and the game, this time, will have more than a fair chance to go through. This is real sport.

Basic one shell 16 gauge caliber kit

Includes a brass case, a cap holder, a firing pin and a long screw

The case overall length is about 2.579 inches

$32,00 shipping included (out of Europe shipment)

21,00 Euros shipping included (Europe shipment)

Other pinfire calibers available

Test the 7mm Pinfire with our Mini Kit

Content : 5 lead bullets + 5 cartridge cases + 5 firing pins + 5 percussion cap holders, and a screw to hold the cap holder.
Note that percussion cap shown are removed when shipping to the USA

This starting Mini Kit is sold for : US$36,00 Shipping by unregistered mail included

Instant purchase with Paypal

Test the 9mm Pinfire with our Mini Kit
same as above but in 9mm

Content : 5 lead bullets + 5 cartridge cases + 5 firing pins + 5 percussion cap holders.
Note that percussion cap shown are removed when shipping to the USA

This starting Mini Kit is sold for : US$36,00 Shipping by unregistered mail included

Test the 11/12mm Pinfire with our Starter Kit

RELOADING KITS PRICE LIST

SYSTEM LEFAUCHEUX by Chris Curtis
Click here for more info

SYSTEM LEFAUCHEUX, Continuing Study of PINFIRE CARTRIDGE ARMS Including their role in the American Civil War by Chris C. Curtis. This 11 1/2 inch by 9 inch, 312 page book has 329 black and white photos; 80 patent drawings, document and historical advertisement illustrations; shows 53 inspection and proof marks used on pinfire guns; 70 illustrations of head stamps used on pinfire cartridges. The Pinfire was invented in 1835 by Casimir Lefaucheuux and was the first practical breech-loading system for shotguns, handguns and rifles. Pinfires were the first metallic cartridges for military revolvers and during the American Civil War was the forth most commonly used revolver surpassed in numbers only by Colt, Remington and Starr. The double barrel break-open shotgun used commonly today was first invented and used for pinfire shotgun shells in 1835. The name PINFIRE comes from the design of the cartridge which has a pin sticking out the side, when struck, fired the shell (see photo of cartridge below). The book covers the design, development, and manufacture of the pinfire arms and ammunition from the simplest single shot pistol to rarities like 20 shot revolvers, plus technical data, patents, commercial sales, military contracts and much more.

Specific Firearms Search Engine

H&L Home Page
Email : Pro1258@skynet.be

KITS PRICE LIST

Pinfire Prices

7mm
9mm
11/12mm

Centerfire

11mm for French Model 1873/74