Ball size for 44 cal 1851 Navy

[jtmattison]

Hey Y'all,
I'm thinking about trying BP revolver for the first time. Cabelas has an 1851 Navy in 44 cal at a descent beginner price.
What size ball would be needed for this pistol? I cast my own so I need to know what mould to order.

Thanks,

HD

 

[mykeal]

.44 cal revolver usually means .451, .454 or .457. I suggest you buy/borrow some of each to see which will work best in the particular gun you get (there has been some reported variance in chamber sizes on those inexpensive guns).

If that's not possible, and you need to spend money to buy a mold, go with the .454.

 

[Gote Rider]

I shoot .451 in mine and get a good lead ring.They shoot good.

 

[Blizzard of '93]

the manual with the pistol should state ball size, most .44's use .454 (all my Pietta's use that dia.) except for the ROA at .457.

 

[rebel727]

I'd go with .454's. Even if .451's would work ok .454 won't be much harder to load if any and will give the rifling a lil more bearing surface.

 

[Rollover Jack]

I used to shoot .457 in my .44 just to see the ring that shaved off when the ball was rammed home. Perhaps it was excessive, but I never experienced a "chain-fire" even without using Crisco, wads or "bear-grease" on top of the balls. See if your accuracy suffers if you try that. Buy your round balls at first. Speer balls are rather consistent. If you determine that one size may be more accurate than others, when you obtain that size mould, you can throw the other balls into the melting pot. I used to load two balls into each chamber "for the hell of it" with no adverse consequences, except that if there was too much lead and the cylinder would not turn into battery, I would cut the overhanging lead off with my knife. Wasn't as accurate, but it sure was a "blast". This is only my opinion/experience.

"When you see the smoke on the wind, look for me."