Loads For Brass Framed 1851 Colt Navy 36 cal

[concretus]

Hello,
I just came into an Italian made 1851 Colt Navy .36 cal revolver. It in very good condition; the bore looks like it’s never had a round through it. It has a brass frame, TG, and BS. What is a safe load that could be put through the revolver without beating up the frame? If the load is with black powder, could I use T-7 reduced 15%? I have a couple of pounds of Alliant Black MZ. Can I use that safely also??? Thanks for looking.

 

[Grenadier1758]

I would use the equivalent volume of 15 to 18 grains of 3fg GOEX black powder. The would mean reducing the volume for the substitutes by 15%.

Measure the tip of the nipple cones to determine if you need #10 CCI (0.155") or #11 CCI (0.165") percussion caps. Probably #10.

Before you shoot your new pistol, remove all the nipples and use some never seize grease on the threads. Tighten only to snug. Be sure to clean all the grease from the cylinder and barrel too.

 

[sourdough]

I just came into an Italian made 1851 Colt Navy .36 cal. revolver.

It would be nice to know the manufacturer and date code. Any other marks on the gun would be very useful in determining exactly what you have.

All Italian revolvers are not the same, by far.

 

[Grenadier1758]

By the way, all grain measurements are volume equivalent.

Its strange that it has the navy rolled stamp cylinder. I would expect to see a smooth cylinder.

Are there any stampings under the loading lever? It was made in Italy. There should be a proof date code.

 

[concretus]

Here are some of the markings on the revolver:

 

[concretus]

And thanks for all the input...

 

[TexasAndy]

It's a Pietta and by the AB date stamped on the brass frame it should have been made in 1976. Personally the brass frame concerns in a .36 may be a bit overstated imo. The charges aren't that big in a .36 to begin with so I wouldn't be too concerned. If you stretch the frame after a few hundred or even a few thousand rounds (which is alot of black powder btw) it can be replaced if needed. Just shoot it and enjoy it. Most of my 36's seem to like 15-22 grains steel or brass.

 

[concretus]

Thank you for the information. So if I reduce the charge by 15%, I can yours T-7, correct? Can I use Alliant Black MZ? That would be at 1to 1 volume against BP as far as the charge goes, correct?

 

[TexasAndy]

Thank you for the information. So if I reduce the charge by 15%, I can yours T-7, correct? Can I use Alliant Black MZ? That would be at 1to 1 volume against BP as far as the charge goes, correct?

15% of 15 grains is a little over 2 grains...I don't see the point that isn't going to make any significant difference. Just shoot it.

 

[bang]

Stress on brass 36 way less than the 44. I've seen brass framed 44s in colt and remington ruined from too much load. Keep the loads 18 or less and it should last. Personality I'd keep it at 15 to keep recoil shield wear down.

 

[concretus]

Great! Thanks to everyone for the help!

 

[.36Rooster]

Mine shoots pretty good with 12.5 gr 3f and a felt wad, I don't add corn starch or anything. But it would probably shoot better if I did.

Also, it shoots point of aim exactly with 10 gr. So I just usually do that, even though the groups are a bit tighter with a bit more powder.

 

[nick_1]

I shot out two Navy arms .36 brasserrs in the 70s. all real BP. they both got too loose to function.