Loads for a Pietta 1858 Brass Remington, .44 cal.

[j.silvertip]

:hmm: I just traded for a new Pietta 1858 Brass Remington, .44 cal Pistol. I do not have any loading info on it. I normally shoot Pyrodex fffg
because that is all we can get here and RB.
Does the brass frame hinder the strength any?
Anyone recommend a good Mid-range load is for it?
Thnk!

 

[Zonie]

For a brass framed (around the cylinder) Remington .44 I would suggest that you use a .451 dia round ball and 18-20 grains of Pyrodex P.

Yes, the brass frame guns are weaker than the steel framed guns and IMO, loading it up with powder to the point that the ball will barely fit below the mouth of the cylinder will (over a period of time) cause the frame to stretch.

A full powder load isn't dangerous but it will take it's toll on the gun so stick with the lighter load.
If you find the ram isn't long enough to seat the ball on the 18-20 grain powder load, insert a short piece of wooden dowel between the ram and the ball to assure the ball is fully seated on the powder.
Then the next time, pour a little corn meal or Cream of Wheat on top of the powder to bring it up to about 3/8 of an inch below the chamber mouth before seating the ball.

Although Remington never built a brass framed Army sized pistol you might be interested to know that Remington did indeed build some of their revolvers with a brass frame.
Their little .31 caliber New Pocket Model (which looks like a tiny version of your gun) was very popular in the 1850-1860 period.

 

[j.silvertip]

Thank you Zonie!
That is just exactly the kind of info I was looking for. :hatsoff:

 

[Rebel]

The brass frame Remington is stronger than the brass frame Colts and can take a heavier charge. Between 20-30 gr should be fine. Also, a .454 ball normally works better in the Remingtons, and is normally what they call for.

 

[bulletman]

I went to the 454 in my remington, the smaller ball would not give me a shaved ring when seating, didnt feel right, kinda loose, 454 fits it perfect.

 

[Rebel]

Yea, the .451's are pretty loose fitting. I actually used .457's in mine and they worked fine.

 

[FV Rago]

Sivertip,

I have a small package of balls that came with the gun that I will put in your package.

I would start out with about 18 grains of 3F and work up a load. The Navy I spoke to you about shoot very well with 23 grains of 3F.

The DGW Shooter I started out with 35 grains, way too much to start out with. Could not get a good group, first time out shooting problems, good to start light.

Frank