[ezypikns]

I just bought an 1851 Navy .44 with a brass frame from Traditions Firearms, which are made by Pietta of Italy. I sent Traditions an email and they said they don't recommend pellets in any of their pistols. Also I noticed in their owners manual that they make the statement that bullets an powder should never be patched in revolvers. Using pellets and pre lubed patches would sure make shooting less messy.
Does anyone else use pellets and pre lubed patches in traditions pistols? Any comments would be appreciated.

[Sistema1927]

One of the reasons you don't use patched balls in a revolver is due to the fact that they are designed to take a slightly oversized ball and a portion of the lead is shaved off while seating in the chamber. Actually, I find revolver loading less messy than rifle, due to the fact that you don't have to worry about patches, and only pour the powder, seat the ball, and then top it off with a touch of lube (I use Crisco).

[bp_cowboy]

but I don't think Traditions makes prelubed patched specifically for their revolvers. They may be afraid of incorrect placement when ball is seated. As for the pellets I think the max powder charge is under 30 grs (maybe 28), and the pellets are made in 30 gr sizes, thus over charging the weapon.

[Mark whiz]

A 30gr Pyro "P" pellet is the max load for a Pietta revolver...............it is safe to fire. However, since the Navy model doesn't have a frame "backbone", firing max charges out of it constantly is likely to create clearance problems between the frame & cylinder over time.

Plus I've found that the pellets aren't as accurate as loose powder charges anyway, at least not in my Pietta 1858 Rem model. 25 to 27gr of 3fg 777 powder is THE load in my pistol.

Sistema is absolutely right about patched balls - the revolvers are different critters than rifles or single shot pistols. Patches are a BIG no-no and potentially dangerous to even try :O
I DO use lubed wads between the powder and ball and a grease over the top of tha ball as well, but NO patch.