Many Question?

[John V.]

I have the opportunity to get a Colt 2nd gen 1851 Navy .36 cal. As I am sure there is someone here who shoots them who is very experienced. I have a couple questions. First: What size round ball is best to use in a 1851? Second: What slick shot nipple works in them with regard to thread size. I know my 1860 army uses Uberti slick shots, but not sure about the 1851? I appreciate any other advise on the 1851 anyone has to give. Thank you.

 

[Crow Choker]

Check the sources given you when you asked about your 60 Army. Spelled Slixshot--not slick. The most common reference to 36 balls is .375, many use that, but I use a .380" ball with better results and many have penned the same. I cast for my needs, but buy a box of both .375 and .380 and see what works best for ya.

 

[M. De Land]

I have the opportunity to get a Colt 2nd gen 1851 Navy .36 cal. As I am sure there is someone here who shoots them who is very experienced. I have a couple questions. First: What size round ball is best to use in a 1851? Second: What slick shot nipple works in them with regard to thread size. I know my 1860 army uses Uberti slick shots, but not sure about the 1851? I appreciate any other advise on the 1851 anyone has to give. Thank you.

With an unaltered factory gun the best practice I'm aware of is to mic the chamber throat diameters and then buy or cast a ball that is a couple thousands larger in diameter. If the revolver has been chamber reamed to the groove diameter than the ball or bullet after seating should fit or exceed that diameter by a thousands or two.
With the balls one wants enough diameter to shave a lead ring at seating for a good fire seal but with bullets this almost never seems to be mentioned.