.454 vs .451 balls

[CoyoteJoe]

There are a lot of variables among imported C&B revolvers, bore diameters and chamber diameters are perhaps the greatest variable as you can see from some information posted above. For best accuracy with any revolver, C&B or modern magnum, the bullet should arrive at the forcing cone at least as large as the groove diameter of the bore and .001" or .002" larger may be even better. Therefore the diameter of the chamber mouth must not be smaller than the groove diameter of the barrel. Cap & ball revolver often have chamber's very much under bore size and can be greatly improved by reaming. Without knowing the exact diameter of your revolver's barrel I think I'd not be going very far out on the limb to say "if a .451" ball fits the chambers tightly then they need to be reamed".

 

[CVA Enthusiast]

I agree with you AZbpBurner.

And, for the nurds in the audience, here's some numbers.

With a .451 ball being reduced by the mouth of the cylinder to .449 diameter (Uberti 1860 Army)the width of that engagement band will be .042.

If a .454 diameter ball is used in the same chamber the width of the engagement band will be .067.

That's a 28 percent increase in the driving bands width.

YES the larger the ball the better the bands the better the seal, what is given up which is minimal in the velocity is repaid 3-fold in accuracy, I cut teeth on .451 it is better in the sheriff line with that short rammer, however in the .44 Navy steel frame 8-inch barrel I am not receiving the full potential with a .451 ball. Yes I can shoot it get an unpleasant shot group however the .454 prints a 1.75-to-2-inch group whereas the .451 more of a 5-inch group at same distances.

 

[Smokerr]

Hewy, the .451 is the recommended ball size, by Uberti, for the 44 Army

The Uberti 47 Walker calls for a .454 ball and the manual says all .44 caliber should be .454 ball or Conicals.

Chain-fire testing I have watched cautions that .451 and below can and or will get a chain-fire going.

I shoot some .451 balls just to see but I put a lubed wad under the bullet.

 

[Rifleman1776]

All good responses. Stick with wat works. Or, as they say in the south "dance with him wat brung ya".

 

[TFoley]

The broader 'belt' or 'band' made by loading a larger diameter bullet also makes for more accuracy.

 

[Smokerr]

I have not seen any increase with a .457 ball vs a .454 but I am still testing. The band on a .457 as I recall is .125.