185 or 200gr .451 SWC from an 1858 Pietta?

[Snowdog]

I might get some time to do some shooting sometime next week and have an itch to get some time in with my .44 Pietta 1858 Remington replica.

Having some Hornady .454 swaged round ball for my revolver, I'm just curious if it's also possible to load in a .451 swaged 185gr or 200gr SWC in this revolver over 25gr or so of Pyrodex Pistol. Not that I have serious intentions to do this, but the prospect crossed my mind.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Snowdog]

I guess then, I'll be the one to try this out. I'll dig out some of the softest 185gr SWCs I have for my .45acps (Brinell's around 10, IIRC). I'll keep the powder charge down to 20-25gr max as the length of the conical slug may not allow for much powder room anyway.

I'm not concerned much about the forcing cone or barrel causing issues as the .45colt conversion kits that allow one to fire modern .45Colt cartridges out of their 1858 (albeit loaded to "Cowboy Action" in power) by installing a special cylinder. These haven't yet fielded any problems I'm privy to. Therefore, I'd imaging if I run into any problems, it might involve the cylinder and seating. I'll pay close attention to this.

I only have 30 or so .454 Hornady swaged RB left whereas I have thousands of various .451 and .452 LSWCs for my .45acp handguns laying about.

I'll attach an update when I get the chance.

 

[frosty]

Slugs in Cap and Ball

Two things-It must have proper press to the cylinder, so that it stays in place. The second, black powder lube must be used, or you will probably lead up around the forcing cone. Have fun

 

[mec]

A few years ago, Warren (Ozark) was selling 200 grain .45acp wadcutters as .44 percussion conical bullets. they were too tall to fit under the loading lever and had no bevel on the base for alignment. They wouldnt work at all. I ran a few part way into a .429 bullet sizing die and caused a bevel on the base. They would then fit under the lever and seat. No particular accuracy though.

 

[MCgunner]

I've never used BP lubes on my conicals, just alox or alox/beeswax and have never had a leading problem on the old army. I shoot Lee's 220 grain conical. I have one for the .44 Navy I had, .454 I think, and two .457 molds for my Ruger, one with a hollow point.

Just get a mold and make your own, much better IMHO than trying to adapt a CF bullet.