Brass frame revolvers...

[Mr. 16 gauge]

I would like add some more handguns to my BP collection; currently, I have just one: a copy of the 1858 Remington.
I have heard that the brass frame revolvers "shoot loose" after a while.....anyone have any experience? I kinda like the look of some of the brass frame pistols. How many rounds are we talking about, to "shoot loose"....100, 1000, .....10,000? Also, I've heard that "stiff charges' will cause a gun to shoot loose.....so how much should one decrease the BP charge by? I've heard no more than 25 grains (I currently use 30 in my 1858). Since I'm only punching holes in paper, and not facing any Yankees or grizzly bears, I'm thinking that this is more than acceptable.
Finally, if they do "shoot loose", can a qualified BP gunsmith "tighten 'em up" again after the fact?
Thanks for your input...........

[skeet]

By shootin loose..Well all BP guns of the Colt type will shoot loose.. just keep the screws tightened. Quite often a lot of the originals had buggered screws just for that reason..tightening them. What you need to worry about on brass framed revolvers is stretching the frame with too heavy loads...But most will only hold only so much in the cylinders anyway. Just don't pack a cylinder down in the larger calibers with 4F..it's an ok powder in the 31 cals etc...maybe even in the 36..but not in the 44s. It do burn pretty quick..Brass frames are much cheaper to cast and machine than steel. That is why you see so many of them from foreign makers..especially in the past. And they were..well... prettier till ya shot 'em and hadda clean 'em. those ol cap and ball guns are fun..Try to find one with an extra cylinder..and you can find some cylinders for center fire conversions