How do I find out the size of the .44 ball needed?

D

dgray64

New member
I just ordered an 1851 Confederate from Cabelas today. I was going to get the starter kit, but after reading the reviews, didn't. Now I wish I could tell the size of ball needed so I could gather up some supplies as this is my first black powder gun.

Second, what powder do you recommend? I know that there are modern replacements for black powder, and would like to use one. Which should I choose? Thanks.

Dave :)
 
As hawg said 454 and some wiil take 451.
Real bp i use schuetzen and goex cowboy
and goex 3fff and 2ff.
Sub i use jim shockeys gold 3fff
777 3fff 2ff.
goex pinnacle 3fff.
These are the powders i like to shoot.:cool:
 
Measuring

Borrow a caliper. Check the inside diameter of the chambers. Then get a ball that is a couple thousands bigger than the diameter of the chamber. If the chamber is .440, get a .445 to .45 ball. If it is .45, get a .454 ball.

The thing is that you want a ring of lead to shave off the ball as it is pressed into the chamber. This helps to keep the fire from one chamber explosion from going into another chamber and setting off a chain fire.

You also need to check out the stickies on loading cap and ball guns, and find some Bore Butter or felt wads to fit.

The Doc is out now. :cool:
 
I have yet to see a .44 revolver take a ball smaller than .451. Some do ok with .451 but all will take a .454, some need a .457. Rugers require them.
 
I had a 51 a long time ago from cabelas,
it would not take a 454 and the 451 was
tight.
my remmys one takes 454 while the other
takes a 457.:D
 
Well i will tell you what i will be stufing this friday,
it will be my brand new 36 cal rem new army with
hornady 375 round balls and 15 grns of goex pin.
HOW ABOUT THAT THEN.:D:cool:
 
Cool
cool36.gif
 
Now my Pietta 1860, mind you it was made 25 or so years ago, has a chamber bore of .455 & slugging the barrel made it a .454 so I've been casting .457 ball since.
My older Pietta 1858 has a chamber of .451 & the barrel slugged at .4505 it would take a .454 ball but since my .457's are pure lead they work perfectly, & my new Pietta 5.5" 1858 has a chamber of .4513 & the barrel slugged at .4504 so of corse I still use the .457 balls also because they weigh a few grains more too.

In most cases a .454 ball will do the trick but there will be a rare few like my old 1860 or if you had gotten a Ruger O.A. a .457 ball would be a better choice.
 
Depends on where you live. Here in Kalifornia. Black powder is cheaper than both pyrodex and triple 777. So i just use Goex. Until i start making my own.
 
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