I use 25grs. in the 1860 Army. A full charge doesn't do anything but shake everything loose, caps included. I use wonder wads between powder and ball, used grease before they came out. Got to have something to keep it from cross-firing. They will, trust me. I also carry a little bottle of windex with vinegar and some cleaning patches in my belt possibles bag for cleaning the cylinder when it starts gumming up. Need something, cause like was said, they'll gum up to the point you can't cock your revolver. At home it gets a good hot soapy bath just like my rifle.