The cylinder of the Colt Navy 1862 Confederate replica holds five rounds. As it is a percussion revolver (muzzleloader), the loading mechanism involves filling the individual chambers of the cylinder from the front with black powder and lead balls. The balls are then pressed firmly into the chambers using the loading tool located under the barrel. To fire, percussion caps must be placed on the pistons at the rear of the cylinder. To prepare for loading, the hammer is moved to the half-cock position, allowing the cylinder to rotate freely.