Seating Lead In 1851 Navy

[Anneman]

I'm using Hornaday .375 36 cal lead balls in an 1851 Navy. I loaded with 20 grains and and a wonder wad. I used a loading stand (1st time) All of the balls fell out. Any suggestions? The cylinder chambers still have the powder and wads. Should I try larger balls?

 

[Phil Coffins]

Yes.

 

[wiscoaster]

I use 0.375 balls in my .36 cal Uberti 1851 Navy and they work fine for me. Uberti's black powder revolvers manual suggests 0.375 or 0.380 balls for their .36 cal revolvers.

 

[WV_WenderMan]

It’ll shoot better with larger balls or you could grease each chamber

 

[D Yager]

Do you have a way to measure the chambers? That would be best way to determine what size ball you need.

 

[Tyler L]

Each gun can be unique. My Uberti 1851 is good with .375", but my Uberti 1862 has slightly larger chambers and needs .380" balls.

 

[Anneman]

Each gun can be unique. My Uberti 1851 is good with .375", but my Uberti 1862 has slightly larger chambers and needs .380" balls.

I bought 4 boxes assuming the .375 would work

 

[wiscoaster]

I bought 4 boxes assuming the .375 would work

Hmmmmm......a lesson learned to not make assumptions where BP muzzleloaders are involved, I think.

 

[Anneman]

Hmmmmm......a lesson learned to not make assumptions where BP muzzleloaders are involved, I think.

Don't make assumptions about anything

 

[William P Sepessy]

That's pretty unusual for .375 balls to fall out the cylinder on their own. You didn't mention the manufacturer or if it is a new or used gun. If the balls are indeed .375 I would measure the chamber mouth diameter. Pietta's normally run .367/.368 and Ubertis are around .370/.371.

 

[Anneman]

That's pretty unusual for .375 balls to fall out the cylinder on their own. You didn't mention the manufacturer or if it is a new or used gun. If the balls are indeed .375 I would measure the chamber mouth diameter. Pietta's normally run .367/.368 and Ubertis are around .370/.371.

This is an original Colt Navy

That's pretty unusual for .375 balls to fall out the cylinder on their own. You didn't mention the manufacturer or if it is a new or used gun. If the balls are indeed .375 I would measure the chamber mouth diameter. Pietta's normally run .367/.368 and Ubertis are around .370/.371.

 

[Eutycus]

Is this a new gun or did you purchase it second hand? It almost sounds like someone may have "customized" it.

 

[D Yager]

Aha, it's an antique! The chamber size could be different due to Colts machinery and or wear. Best bet is to measure the chambers and go from there.

 

[Anneman]

Is this a new gun or did you purchase it second hand? It almost sounds like someone may have "customized" it.

Lol. It was manufactured in 1852. The same serial number is on the cylinder, and even the wedge.

 

[Anneman]

I've ordered some .380 balls and see if that solves my problem. I've been reading that original colts use .380 while piettas and Umbertos use. 375.

 

[nick_1]

let us see photos of the gun please good luck with .380 balls.

 

[wiscoaster]

I've ordered some .380 balls and see if that solves my problem. I've been reading that original colts use .380 while piettas and Umbertos use. 375.

Good plan.

 

[Sorry Dude]

I've ordered some .380 balls and see if that solves my problem. I've been reading that original colts use .380 while piettas and Umbertos use. 375.

Originals had slightly larger chambers then the Italian repros. Try 140gr. conicals from Grimcrack&Bunkum