ball diameter

[jbwilliams3]

I hate to ask a dumb question, but when out to buy my first lead for my .45 cal long rifle, I picked up a case of balls that said .45 cal on it, but next to it said ".457" If that's the ball diameter how on earth would it fit in a .45 caliber. Is not .440 better for .45 cal? Held off on buying them cause I couldn't find any with .440 or something close

 

[boar]

dON'T know about the 457, my molds are 440 and 445 and 445's are hard to load in my 45's. Like the 440 the best as can use a heavier patch. Dilly

 

[rice1817]

the .457s are for Ruger Old Army cap and ball pistols. They are a tight fit in the Colt and Remington replicas. For your .45 rifle you need .440 or so to allow for the patch.

 

[bwhoffman]

the ruger old army uses the 457's. revolvers take an oversize ball that gets s.haved just a tad during seating into the chamber.
your rifle probly wants .440's like was mentioned in the above replies!
Good question!

 

[Stubert]

Try a .433 ball, I use a .433 and a .010 oxyoke pre-lubed patch, It loads like silk, will shoot cloverleafs at 25 yd. and the patches look almost new. I'm using 70 gr. Goex 3f in a .45 flinter with a 41" barrel.

 

[Bountyhunter]

I use the .457's to make gallery loads and plinker loads for my .45-70's. .440's for your rifle..

 

Those 457 dia. balls are for cap n ball revolvers. For a patched RB rifle you need 440 or 445 in a 45 caliber rifle.

 

[jbwilliams3]

thanks a ton