Well I guess it does sound like a bonkers hobby!

The forward venting cartridge pistols are limited due to the blocked barrel, so the only way to get range is to use the long cased catridge and up the load, which is not working well with my horses (they do have ear plugs in). Also I've been too chicken to try home loading, but the ability to put primers in would be good, as a cartidge with just a primer and no load are an excellent training tool with the horses (one up from the cap gun toy where I start them).

What I was hoping is that a cap and ball pistol with a lower load, but the clear barrels would be a good half way house for competition. However I am completely inexperienced with percussion pistols; chain fire and the load dropping out from shaking are a big worry.