1860 Army Conversion Cylinder
Howdy All,
Got a R&D .45 Colt conversion cylinder from Taylor's when I ordered my Pietta 1860 "Sherrif's model". Dropped it right in and it works great. I think the five shot thing is simply due to the smaller diameter of the cylinder versus say a Remmie or SAA. I really like mine. It locks up tight, the barrel-cylinder gap is tiny and accuracy is very good.
My only caveat would be that the case rims of some brands of ammo are thicker than others. For instance, Winchester "cowboy" loads are too thick and cause the front of the cylinder to drag on the barrel. If the barrel to cylinder gap was bigger and there was more end-shake that probably would not be the case. The big .45 Colt rounds are a TIGHT fit in a 1860 Army cylinder. If the overall length of the cartridge is too long the nose of the bullets may drag on the barrel and tie things up.
Ultramax cartridges work great.
Most flat nose "cowboy" loads will work fine.
R&D says a gated conversion is in the works. Midway USA estimates a late Summer ship date.
I'm not sure this will really speed up the reloading process that much. With a little practice, I can knock out the wedge, pull off the barrel and cylinder, leave the back plate w/ firing pins on the arbor, dump the brass, reload and reassemble. On a reloading table or shooting stand I can do this in about 10-15 seconds. Of course, out in the field, the gated conversion would have an advantage; no chance of dropping/losing parts in the grass etc.
Happy Trails,
Cincinnati Slim