revolver ?

G

grubbylabs

New member
So what would a .44 compare to in modern guns? I assume it is going to be nothing like a modern 44 but what would be a close comparison?
 
Wow that is amazing they have that much oomph, So I could expect one to shoot as well as a 44 mag? Would that be with a round ball?
 
There are several different size .44 cap and ball revolvers. The Colt Walker can hold up to 60grs of holy black and is on parr with a typical .357 158gr bullet. Dragoons hold about 45-50grs and are like a 38+P. The smaller holster frame guns hold much less powder and are on par with a 38spl. The .36's would be like a .38S&W or .380acp.
 
madcrate is right.
The most common .44s, such as the 1860 Colt Army or the 1858 Remington have about the punch of a .38 special.
 
A .44 cap and ball revolver isn't even close to a modern .44 magnum in power. You might be able to match a .44 special if you use conical bullets.

Also, .44 cartriage revolvers are really .429 caliber and .44 cap-and-ball revolvers are really .45 caliber.

A .457 roundball weighs 144 grains.
 
Mad Crate is right also.

Hi, have been shooting Black Powder revolvers since mid 70's.

and going by the numbers, (ball weight & muzzle velocity) .38 spl for the standard 1858 Remington .44 load.

But there is something to be accounted for, that slightly modifies the equation.

Projectile diameter.. the larger surface area of the ball delivers its energy into the target quicker and penetrates less.

Couple that with a soft lead that expands more when it hits a bone and that surface area gets bigger.

Just my observations from a LOT of shooting these things, and harvesting a Deer, a cow, and several hogs, and i can't remember how many rabbits with black powder revolvers.

Ian
 
Well most of you are telling me what I was originally suspecting. I just wasn't sure what would be a fair modern comparison. This answers my questions quit well thank you for all your input.
 
Using a heavier bullet, especially in the larger guns, increases their power quite a bit. You can break 1000 fps in a Walker using a 200 grain bullet, and that would be approaching a low-end .44 mag load.
 
Revolver.

Oh, and just another thought.

IF you were to have to use this for personal protection, the design of the human body has not changed much since 1850-60 so, it worked well back then, and will still should be just as effective now.

And whether the target is 2 legged, or 4 legged, it still goes to bullet placement.

If you hit it right it will go down.

I have a old marlin in .32-20 and an original 1873 winchester in .38-40. both of these have killed hogs and whitetail deer and by MOST peoples accounts they are very weak cartridges.

Ian
 
My main use for the gun would be self defense against wolf and bear, that is all I would really want them for, other than just being fun to shoot.
 
Stick & A string? man, braver than i...

Not wimpy in a handgun, but considered kinda wimpy in a rifle for deer.

It is about equal to the .40 s&w round in bullet weight & velocity.

Since it is an original 73, that was my great grandfathers, i use black powder and a 180 gr bullet, and get in the 900 fps range.
Don't shoot it much, just every now & then.

not too bad condition, buttstock has been replaced, and mag tube shortened my dad fell while using it, broke stock, and bent mag tube, in about 1938 or 39, used mahogany for the wood to replace buttstock.

it currently resides in my brothers safe, while i have been in transition moving

Ian
 
I don't think I'd want to go up against a bear with a cap and ball .44

better than harsh language, or pepper spray..

or in his case.. a sharpened stick..

Ian
 
I put a lot of faith in my bow and arrow. I shoot it almost weekly so I feel good about what I can do with it and what it can do to a critter. But here in Idaho if you go hunting any more you have to think about your friendly neighbor hood wolf, so having some thing that I can shoot more than once seems like a good Idea.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top