1847 Walker - Loading

[jolasa]

Getting ready to shoot my new 1847 Uberti Walker.

Using Swiss FFFg and 0.451" balls.

Starting with 40 grains powder, then will try 50, then will try max of 60 grains (which I read somewhere was the max load to try).

40 grains fits fine in cylinder with 3/16" lubricated wad and the bullet.

60 grains comes to within 1/8" of the top of the cylinder, so will require much powder compression to get wad and bullet in.

Any experience out there with Walker loads?

 

[Doc Hoy]

ASM Walker

Best accuracy is at 40 gr. Higher speed is at 50.

 

[arcticap]

You may have some trouble fitting in more than 55 grains.
On average a volume of Swiss powder weighs ~10% more than Goex and is faster as well.

 

[mkk41]

Don't be surprised when the loading lever drops upon firing. They do that. Which is why Colt went to the little clip/latch at the end of the lever on later models.

 

[madcratebuilder]

I bet you need .457 round ball to shave a good ring with the Uberti Walker. Using a smaller ball may cause the ball to move forward from recoil.

The Walker cylinder is 2.450 in length and you have to compress your load to get 60grs in it, 45-50 grs is much more accurate. Colt specified 35-55grs with 50 grs recommended. 60gr loads well leave unburned powder.

 

[Legionnaire]

.451s don't work well in my Walkers; I shoot .455 minimum, and prefer .457s. I've shot up to 60 grains of Goex FFFg, but prefer 40-45 grains. I can shoot 45 and still fit a lubed felt wad between the powder and ball.