#0 Buckshot for .31 BP Revolvers

[Blackpowdershooter44]

Hi,
Was wondering if you all use #0 buckshot for your .31 bp revolvers, and if so, is the buckshot soft enough to seat in the cylinders of your revolvers? I typically load my .31 cylinders off the frame of the gun with a brass rod and mallet, so perhaps I can get away with using lead that is a bit harder than usual. Interested in hearing your thoughts based off of experience with #0 buckshot in your revolver.
Thanks
https://www.ballisticproducts.com/Super-Buck-Lead-0-8-lb_jar-320/productinfo/SBK10/

 

[Patocazador]

I bought a Lee .311 mold and cast my own. It gives a ball that's bigger than 0 buckshot but smaller than 00 (.330).

I don't know if 0 buckshot would be tight enough.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

"A uniquely hardened lead alloy is swaged to form near perfect spheres."

This stuff is harder than regular factory buckshot, and factory buckshot is usually harder than pure lead. They are machine swaged to buckshot size. It's good that you wouldn't use the loading lever on the revolver, but keeping that in mind, I'd say no to this brand of buckshot, because...., it's not just the swaging done when loading the cylinders, but also the swaging done when the ball is sent through the forcing cone onto the rifling in the barrel which puts pressure on the piece. So even with a steel frame I'm not sure I'd want that much stress on the piece.
I'd say invest in a Saeco .321 round ball mold and have no worries.

LD

 

[arcticap]

They should work in the Pietta .31 Remington chambers.
Drobs mentioned that Mike B. was using the Ballistics Products #0 .320 Super Buck.
You could also check your chamber diameter.
A lot of folks use the Hornady #0 Buckshot that measures .321 - .323 but that's very difficult to find for sale.
The Hornady Buckshot was described as being 3% antimony, while the Super Buck was described as being 6%.

Log Cabin Shop sells .323 balls. --->>> https://www.logcabinshop.com/catalog.php?path=184_157_15&product_id=24935

 

[Pocket]

I have tried buck shot and the 311 balls.
I now use a .330 mold for my pietta 31
calibers. The 330s fit tighter and Ieave a nice solid lead ring.

Just my .02

 

[Loyalist Dave]

I now use a .330 mold for my pietta 31

Pure lead, right?

LD

 

[Pocket]

Yup... on my Pietta Rem Pocket Pistol, Wells Fargo and my Vest Pocket Derringer take the .330. The smaller balls just didnt make a good solid lead ring for my liking.

 

[TTv2]

It's worth trying. The ball will be a hard lead, but it's already trimmed to size once you get it into the chamber. It may not be as easy on the gun, but it's not like it's shooting a jacketed bullet. Hard lead is still much softer than copper.

I've thought about this myself because the .31's all seem to need a ball larger than what Speer or Hornady or others make and 0 Buck is much cheaper to buy. Even if the frame failed on the NMA Pocket, it's not like you can't replace the frame with a new one and say lesson learned. Were this a much more expensive gun, I wouldn't do it. Were this a Colt style revolver where you'd have to take the barrel off to load the cylinder I wouldn't do it given the time it would require.

You may already know this, but since I know you have the nickel plated Pietta that's not a steel frame, I feel obliged to say I wouldn't shoot these hard balls in that. Buy a steel frame if you want to do this.

Frankly, after seeing the nickel flake off that, I decided to only ever buy blued or stainless steel for bp revolvers.

This really is a .31 only issue as for .36 the price comparison with Speer balls when they have a 20% off rebate is the same as buying Ballistic Products 0000 Buck. It's different for the .31's because the cost of balls is as high or higher for some reason and 0 Buck is so much cheaper, which is why I say it is worth trying.

@Blackpowdershooter44, If you do buy from Ballistic Products send me a message as I have a coupon code for them that will take a few bucks off the shipping.

 

[kBob]

I have broken down single O shotguns shells for this purpose and loaded with a short starter and rubber mallet off the guns... a Pietta Remington and I think and ASM brass frame Colt '49

-kBob

 

[TTv2]

I have broken down single O shotguns shells for this purpose and loaded with a short starter and rubber mallet off the guns... a Pietta Remington and I think and ASM brass frame Colt '49

-kBob

I was going to recommend OP cut apart some 12 gauge shells with 0 Buck, but IDK how available that shotgun ammo is currently.

 

[Blackpowdershooter44]

I will consider this. I have a Lee .319 RB mold that casts balls that work just fine, but if I could get 1200 rounds for $50 like ballistic products sells that would be easier than casting for days lol.

 

[Cowhide Cliff]

I shoot 321 lead balls in mine

 

[arcticap]

I will consider this. I have a Lee .319 RB mold that casts balls that work just fine, but if I could get 1200 rounds for $50 like ballistic products sells that would be easier than casting for days lol.

You can always consider buying or making a loading press to make loading easier off the frame.
Then the lead hardness wouldn't be an issue. --->>> https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...ng-stand-where-are-they.876028/#post-11662582

This eBay vendor isn't selling any at the moment, but probably does have some. --->>> https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...s-at-buds-for-271.869780/page-4#post-11710207

Stimulus checks should be coming soon.

 

[Pocket]

↑
I will consider this. I have a Lee .319 RB mold that casts balls that work just fine, but if I could get 1200 rounds for $50 like ballistic products sells that would be easier than casting for days lol.
You can always consider buying or making a loading press to make loading easier off the frame.
Then the lead hardness wouldn't be an issue. --->>>

Blackpowdwershooter44 already has a nice loading press..

 

[arcticap]

Blackpowdwershooter44 already has a nice loading press..

Thanks Pocket, you're right about that. --->>> https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...3-cap-and-ball-revolver.806845/#post-10308376
Maybe his current press doesn't work with the Remington .31.

I typically load my .31 cylinders off the frame of the gun with a brass rod and mallet, so perhaps I can get away with using lead that is a bit harder than usual.

 

[Blackpowdershooter44]

I do have the loading press with the various loading jags, but it doesn't work with the little .31 cylinder. I might be able to take a .36 cal loading jag that comes with the press and sand it down to fit a .31 cylinder though.
Currently, I use a brass rod and a mallet to seat the balls and it works just fine; it get's the job done. If there is a vendor that sells softer buckshot I would be interested in that. Otherwise I will continue to cast .319" RB's.