Can't load Lee conical in 1851

[jtmattison]

Got rained out for shooting today so instead of trying my 1851 for the first time I decided to experiment with charges and ball/bullets to see how they loaded.
I tried the Lee 200 grain conical first and much to my disappointment they will not clear the recess to go under the loading plunger. So needless to say, I couldn't load them.
Now I guess I need a loading stand so I can remove the cylinder to load the conicals.
:cursing:

I did find out that my .454 RB's are perfect. Also found that with 20 grains of powder, wad, and RB the ball sits way below the mouth of the chamber. I guess I better get some filler.

HD

 

[Blizzard of '93]

bad news on the conicals but keep at it they likely won't disappoint. sure you are getting the 'reduced heel' all the way down into chamber?

 

[jtmattison]

bad news on the conicals but keep at it they likely won't disappoint. sure you are getting the 'reduced heel' all the way down into chamber?

They go in right up to the band between lube grooves and that's it. Not enough to get under the plunger.

HD

 

[Don]

Gonna need a loader. I load mine off the frame most of the time anyway. You could use a short starter but you would need a firm grip on the cylinder as your pressing the bullet in.

Don

 

[jtmattison]

I ordered a loader. Good thing these revolvers disassemble so easily or it would be a real pain. O hope the conicals shoot good for all the trouble I am going through to get started.

HD

 

[Poor Private]

If the conicals are not up to your expectations, the cost of the loader won't be wasted. Seeing that your not dry balling a chamber(which can happen easily while still mounted). And don't forget the bigger lever with the handle is much easier on your wrist and hand. Also if you have spare cylinders it's much quicker to load them all with the loading stand than fumbling them in and out of the pistol. :thumbsup:

 

[Don]

I get good accuracy from the Lee bullets. Groups open slightly compared to balls but still pretty darn good groups. The Buffalo bullets are lousy IMO. I think you'll like the results with the Lee bullets.

Don

 

[rickystl]

Hi. I'm assuming you have an 1851 Navy in copy in .44 caliber. The reason you can't load conicals is the original Navy was designed in .36 only. The new copies simply cut the Navy frame a little deeper to accept the larger .44 rebated cylinder. If you look closely at your Navy you will notice this. I found this out with my .44 Navy. I also found that the round balls are more accurate. I have often thought the military like the conicals because they weigh more and would be harder hitting.