Sheriffs model and things to come

[bobthemotorcycle]

8

I just got me a new Taylor/Pietta 1851 Navy with 4-7/8 barrel in .44 cal. I like the checkered grips but I bet after prolong shooting your hands will get tender.

I will be putting this 4 and 7/8 barrel on a 1860 birdshead frame like the picture above but that picture is on a 7.5 inch barrel.

This project will include reaming fluted cylinder.
Re angling forcing cone.
I already have slixshot nipples for it.
Then build up a load. I ultimately want (I hate saying this here as I don't want to disrespect) a accurate load at about 950fps with a 220 or 240 gr bullet.

Time will tell.

 

[bobthemotorcycle]

this is now my personal full time gun. 1860 birdshead frame and 1851 4 and 7/8 barrel in .44cal.
Now to machine and work up a load and decide on holster, hip or shoulder.

 

[bobthemotorcycle]

Was the wedge machined to frame or barrel.

Left over parts....

 

[bobthemotorcycle]

It don't look as good as the snubnose on this frame but I will be able to produce hotter, more powerful loads for better kill shots.

 

[rodwha]

Well, you’ll certainly need to use an energetic powder. And to obtain that kind of velocity with that much weight would require a very wide meplat. I think I’m in the ball park using a weighed 33 grns of 3F Olde Eynsford. I still need to further work on the bullet, but so far it looks like it will weigh close to 230 grns.

What I’d suggest is use an adjustable measure that you can work in 2.5 grn increments and see where your best groups are with a ball. I’ve fired nearly a dozen bullets in my Ruger and a couple in my NMA and I’ve found that the projectile doesn’t seem to effect the powder charge. So use a ball and measure how much excess chamber space you have. Subtract 1/16” each for the amount of space needed to keep gas cutting from happening, one for possible powder volume variance, and one more for punched cardboard over powder cards if you want. That should maximize your gun’s capabilities. 25 grns of an energetic 3F with a bullet should get you low 300 ft/lb range or .44 Spl performance levels, which, to me, is the minimal I feel is humane for hunting.

Your shorter barrel should do just fine as long as it’s not a primary. I’ll see if I can dig up the info from another forum, but someone chronographed theirs and was blown away that a 200 grn Lee bullet was giving upper end .45 ACP performance.

 

[bobthemotorcycle]

Art with .45 ACP potential.

 

[Griz44Mag]

If I were thinking about that type of conversion and looking for that much energy - I would not chose an open frame.
Look at something in a closed frame like a '58 New model army. They will be able to take the extra punishment.
Capnball has a video that shows you what happens when you load a high energy powder load in a cap and ball conversion cylinder.

 

[Treestalker]

Art with .45 ACP potential.
View attachment 84199

The banshee Screams for Buffalo meat!

 

[Bad Karma]

If I were thinking about that type of conversion and looking for that much energy - I would not chose an open frame.
Look at something in a closed frame like a '58 New model army. They will be able to take the extra punishment.
Capnball has a video that shows you what happens when you load a high energy powder load in a cap and ball conversion cylinder.

The same load in a Remington NMA would result in similar destruction. Easily the weakest of the full frame revolver designs.

 

[Griz44Mag]

The same load in a Remington NMA would result in similar destruction. Easily the weakest of the full frame revolver designs.

It would be interesting to know what was actually loaded in the gun that did so much damage.
What I know that I will never do - is to load smokeless in any BP firearm, or deliberately overload BP in a BP firearm for that matter.
Fools are everywhere - YOUTUBE proves it every day.

 

[bobthemotorcycle]

RANGE REPORT.......

Took it to the outdoor range today.

30gr of Goex FFFg.
.451 roung ball.
#10 Remington caps.
Straight ball over powder, no wads or lube.

At 25 yards it's about 18 inches high of point of aim and about an inch left. Now I know why their called belly guns. Aim at belly to hit chest.

Recoil is a quick pop, lots like a medium power .357.

Absolutely no cap jams or failers.

Great fun for a stock gun. Now the build up begins. After i chronograph this stock gun i will next ream cylinder, put on slixshot nipples.