Oversize ball

[sequoia]

I have a 1851 Navy from Cabelas. The instructions say to use a .375 ball. I have a .380 mold that came with another revolver and a .385 mold from Dixie. Would using the balls from these molds affect the accuracy of my pistol? I know that I need to shave off some lead when I seat the ball but how much is too much?

 

[RADeO]

You will be fine with the .380" balls as long as they are cast of pure lead. In fact, as long as you can ram the .385" balls into the chambers without straining yourself or the revolver, which shouldn't be a problem if it is a steel frame, they will work as well. You will in effect be creating a slightly greater amount of bore contact area if using the .385" diameter balls.

If the balls you have are NOT cast from pure lead, you'll know it real quick when you try to ram them into the chambers. :cursing:

By the way Post Rider, what part of Kalifornistan do you hail from?

 

[mykeal]

.380 is not oversize for Pietta .36 cal revolvers; in fact, it's probably the right size despite the manual's directions. And I believe Cabela's .36 revolvers are made by Pietta.

 

[wulf]

I reamed all of my 36 cal's cylinders out to .380 because the rifling is so shallow and the larger bullet gave me a wider belt...The Patersons have very deep rifling and when pushing a 375 ball in the barrel you can see all kinds of light through the groves so the 380 fills them in better...and with the 380 my pistols seem to shoot like a 38 special, now that is my opinion............