? New 1858 new army police .36 cal.

[brudford]

Drove to Cabela's tonight and bought a Pietta 1858 New Army Police model in .36 Cal. $199.00 for display case model. I'am really surprised at the quality. An all steel pistol for $199. Wood to metal fit is great. Next to the pistols I spotted
Cabela's on brand of .36 cal. balls for $6.99
I thought wow ! what a price until I looked at the diameter of .350,is this a true .36 cal.?
Little confusing Pietta states to use .375 size
round balls, closer to .38 cal. ? Interesting ?

 

[Don]

.36 cal revolvers shoot .375 balls because they are swagged into the chambers not patched like single shot pistols. After you put a powder charge into the chamber and then a wad on top you place the ball over the chamber opening and use the rammer to push it down on the powder and wad. This will leave a small ring of lead behind telling you that there is an air tight seal. Cap and fire. .350 balls are for .36 cal single shot muzzleloading pistols and rifles and are used with a patch.

Don

 

[brudford]

Don , Thankyou, Is the .36 cal. pistol at a .375
diameter really closer to a .38 cal than a .36 ?

 

[Don]

Back in the mid 19th century they measured caliber from land to land rather than groove to groove as they do now. So yes the .36 is more like a true .38.

Don

 

[faw3]

Your right and isnt that the same as 357 and 38s?? :rotf: Fred