Cheers for all the replies and comments people!

Unfortunatelt I don't get much chance to use the pistol at mo due to the aforementioned, hence why I like to be pre-planned on my next move.

The pistol is definately a .36 and I am using .375 balls with Pyrodex, no wads and no lube, nice lead ring produced when seating this ball as well.

Will say that the RCO did comment that mine was very loud for a small charge? Dunno if the means anything but may support last suggestion of lowering the load?