1858 new army manuals ????

[jay4au]

My steel frame Pietta 1858 new Army arrived yesterday along with a Pietta owner’s manual and a “Cabelas Instruction Manual for Muzzleloading Rifles, Pistols and Shotguns.” In the Pietta manual, the ball size is listed as .454 and the maximum load is 15 grains of fffg. The Cabalas manual suggests a .451 ball and maximum loads of 35 grains of G-O FFFG or 28 grains of Pyrodex. I hope to use triple seven. I’m puzzled. I guess the Pietta manual should be the one to follow. Just wonder why the differences. Also, no mention is made of cap or nipple sizes. My #11 caps are too big, so I’m assuming the pistol uses #10 caps. This is my first black powder pistol. Any advice on loads, cautions, do’s, don’t’s would be appreciated. Thanks. By the way, the pistol looks and feels great. Can't wait to shoot it.

 

[Rebel]

I took my Pietta 1858 Remington out yesterday to shoot some. It likes a 42 gr equivelent load of Pyrodex P, a felt overpowder wad, a .454 rd ball and #11 CCI Magnum caps. With this load it shoots 1 1/2" groups at 25 yds if i do my part. I have Uncle Mikes stainless steel nipples in it that are designed for #11 caps.

 

[rebel727]

My Pietta 58 Remmy takes #11 caps, my Pietta 60 Colt takes #9. Go figure. I'd go with the .454 ball and 20-35 grs. of powder and an over powder wad.

 

[TANSTAAFL]

I got mine from Cablela's also, along with the confusing info. I think Pietta lists what they consider the most accurate load. I found 17 grains of 3f to be best accuracy with RB, not a real hard hitter, but IMO, dead on. 30 grains of 3f with the 200 grain Lee cast conical found to be accurate also, and quite a bit more potent, smacks rocks with good authority. I use Remington #10 caps, tight fit, but not unreasonably so, no misfires, after every shot I just rotate my wrist and give the pistol an inverted shake, the spent caps all fall clear.

Here is report on my first outing with the Pietta 1858 target: http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/217769/

 

[Blizzard of '93]

be certain a 'ring' of lead is shaved off the ball/slug when you press it down. a felt wad is good underneath. my '58 Pietta takes a .454 ball/slug.