Actual RB SIze

[mikewinn]

Is anyone 100% sure that they know the actual size of the RBs that come in the starter kits that Cabelas gives away free with their .44 Pietta 1858 New Army. My digital micrometer only measures in hundredths and not thousandths. When I asked the manager at Cabelas he THOUGHT they were .454s

 

[Rifleman1776]

Only a good micrometer can tell you.
However, for a c&b revolver the actual diameter is not critical. All it needs to be is slightly oversized in comparison to the cylinder. Meaning, when you seat the ball a ring of lead should be shaved off when it goes down. That sizes the ball to what is needed for the forcing cone and barrel.
However, if you are considering buying a mould to cast your own for lots of shooting, I'm sure someone here with you model cap pistol will chime in with their advice.

 

[mikewinn]

Well I've just heard that the .454s are better. Tighter fit = better accuracy with the right BP load.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Well I've just heard that the .454s are better. Tighter fit = better accuracy with the right BP load.

Once shaved and seated in the cylinder all are the same, can't be "tighter" in forcing cone or bore.

 

[longcruise]

My pietta .44 1860 comes with a recommendation of a .451 ball. Have used.451, 454 and .457. They all seem to work fine, but have not done any accuracy tests.

 

[mikewinn]

I just re-read the Pietta 1858 manual and the suggested ball size is .454 but like I said I'll at least use the .451 jus for fun shooting until I either geet some .454s or after trying Kaidos 200gr and 240gr for fit.

 

[hawkeye2]

I bought a couple of Cabela's revolvers with starter kits last year. The balls were .451" which is too small. I had no intention of using the kits and sold them. If you have no intention to rework the cylinders any ball which shaves a ring of lead and loads without excessive force will work. I recommend .454" minim. Most of the .44's I have slugged have a bore diameter about .454".

 

[Rifleman1776]

Just be sure to use pure lead. Don't try forcing balls made with hard lead. :nono: