Pietta 1862 Army .36 cal.

4

44lover

Inactive
I just got one of these today, I am impressed with it so far. I haven't shot it, yet, I got it from a friend who doesn't know much about BP, there was no Manual for it, I was wondering if anyone out there can help me figure out what size ball I need for it. I know that the ideal powder charge is @ 18 grains/Volume, and a wad over that, then the ball. I'm just not sure if it is a .368 , .372 , or a .376 . I hope someone out there knows. I'm used to my 58 Remy's and Dragoons also my Walker. 44's are usually my thing and am trying to expand my horizons.
 
.36 cal Piettas will usually take a .375 ball, but it may be necessary to go to a .380 if they don't shave a lead ring on loading, or if accuracy suffers. The real discriminant is the chamber diameter vs the barrel groove diameter, so I'd suggest you slug both the chambers and the barrel and get those measurements. Ideally, the chambers will be .001 to .002 larger than the groove diameter.

Regarding 18 grains: the 'ideal' load will be what your gun likes, not what other people's guns like. You should start at about 15 grains and shoot 3 shot groups from a rest to see what load groups best. It may be 18, but it may also be 20 or even 25.

Finally, I'm confused by your title. If the gun really is .36 cal, then it may an 1861 Navy. The Colt Army revolver was an 1860 Army in .44 cal. Both were 6 shot revolvers. The 1862 Pocket Navy or Pocket Police were both .36 cal 5 shot revolvers.
 
Cabela's has a fluted cylinder 1861 navy replica that they call an 1862 police but is neither fish or fowl. It is a full size navy, not a pocket model like the real life 1862 police or pocket navy models. It is a fluted 1861 model which Sam Colt never produced as far as I am aware.
 
Cabela's offers it for sale as an 1862 Army/Police, .36 cal. 6 shot, with semi-fluted cylinder. That was my reference for it. Pietta's version is a 6 shot, while others are 5 shot.
 
I understand. I was aware of Pietta's penchant for 'revisionist' history, and Cabela's creative writing skills, but had forgotten about them. Thanks for clearing that up.
 
It may not be a true replica but it is my favorite gun to shoot. I also changed the cylinder to the 1851 cylinder and antiqued the finish. It came out great, I really like the look.
 
Well, if you replaced the cylinder with a kosher 1851 cylinder, you are now the proud owner of a bona-fide replica 1861 navy ;)....
 
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