.31 bullets from original mould

[mec]

Steve499 sent along a batch of bullets and balls cast from an original 19th century case set mould. the bullets are heavier than the ones from pedersoli moulds with a longer shank and sharper point. They weigh 72 grains as opposed to 60. They loaded very straight but the suggested load of 13.5 grains of fffg will not work. Ten grains + the bullet absolutely fills up the chambers.

On this occasion, the 90 +year old powder was a good bit slower than goex fffg. In some revolvers the ranking is reversed. I would guess the old powder loads were sub lethal while the goex loads were into the deadly range of velocity. The smart and lucky 19th century pocket model owner would have done well to stick with balls and heavier charges.

group is ok for the guy type. I fired the lower one at 15 yards and chickened out. I kind of wanted a closely spaced group so fired the next four from ten yards.
Thanks to Steve499 for the opportunity to do this experiment.

 

[MCgunner]

I got a mold out of Dixie that throws one conical that looks like that one and a round ball. I guess it's probably the 60 grainer you mentioned. It shoots good and if I HAD to use this .31 Remmie I have for close in SD, I like the pointy design for penetration.

 

[mec]

Ive managed to get 12.5 grains in under those 60 grain ones. they won't fit under the loading window on my remington 31 though.

 

[Tallyman541]

About the .31

Honestly I'm new to black powder pistols and the likes. I can't figure out what is a good deal and what isn't. I was on Cabelas and they have a New Model Pocket .31 Caliber Steel Frame Pistol for $219.99 Do you think this is a good deal? Thanks for any info about it if you want e-mail it to me at [email protected]

 

[mec]

I got one of those- on purpose from cabelas because they seem to be the only ones handling steel frames at the time. I suspect its the going rate on them. the gun turned out very nice. It functions smoothly thought it is not really suited for long range or precision shooting, I suspect it is a good representation of the historic gun. It has less powder capacity than the colt replicas and the frame window is too small to allow using the original bullets like I did in the colt replica. One thing i did that wasnt good was to try to jam too heavy a charge into the chamber and broke off the loading lever. tore out the screw hole . It was clearly a case of excessive force and not the fauil of the gun/design/ etc. temporary problem too as vti gun parts had the loading lever assembly and I had a new on eon the gun in a few days.

 

[Tallyman541]

.31 revolver

Do you think the little pistol is worth it or should I get an 1858 Remington? I am just looking for a nice starting pistol to help me get used to the whole black powder thing. I am used to fireing my friends .22 pistol but nothing black powder. Thanks for any help!

 

[Tallyman541]

Their neat little guns but there is this thing nagging at the back of my mind (my older brother) telling me to research some pistols before I buy. I am trying to stay in the $100-$220 range. I have narrowed it down to two guns the .31 pocket pistol or the 1858 Remington.:banghead:

 

[mec]

for a versatile first gun, I'd pick the bigger one. the pocket models are harder to shoot and less accurate all the way around.

 

[Old Dragoon]

Go with the '58 Remmy. You will not be sorry. Also you can get them off Gunbroker that may be used(second Hand) but unfired for less money. But you can't go wrong at Cabela's. If you don't like the fit or function you can return it for another one.

 

[dwave]

+1 for the Remmy. If you don't care about having an exact replica, I suggest the target model. It has adjustable sights on it, and they are much better than the originals in my opinion.

 

[mec]

Here/s several loads from a remington pocket model (pietta/cabellas) smaller capacity than the colt pocket models.

fragile loading lever set up so many shooters either remove the cylinder for loading or exercise extra care about load density, ball size and compression. I

 

[Tallyman541]

I found a '58 remington for $187 I think but the catch is it is completly disasembled I also found the same one assembled for 2-3 bucks more. What do you think I should get? Disassembled(lean about innerworkings of gun and have fn) or assembled(just have fun)

 

[mec]

for a first gun, I would go with an assembled model over a kit. You'll learn plenty about the lock work cleaning and tuning.

 

[Tallyman541]

Thanks Mec I'll tell you how it fires when I get it.

 

[Tallyman541]

My brother was just worried that I would get a gun I would never use so do you have any other suggestions?

 

[The Sicilian]

I started out on an 1858 and I think it's the best over all revolver to start with and as a favorite. It's easier (quicker) to load and remove the cylinder than the Colt type models and is very fun to shoot. A good starting load would be 25 grains and a range of anywhere from 50 feet to 25 yards. I'd stick with what you're comfortable shooting, shoot to your ability and increase the distance as you gain more experience and expertise. Have you thought about what kind of powder you're going to use? I'd also go with at least a .454 sized ball. The manufacturer's usually recommend a .451 and that always seems to be too small to properly engage the rifling. I hear that the Pietta's have smaller chambers so maybe a .451 would be fine for a Pietta, but in my Uberti 1858 I use a .457 round ball and it works great. I don't even bother with wads anymore, though I do hit the top with grease every few cylinders to keep the fouling soft.

When will you be getting the revolver? have fun and read some of the stickies at the top of the forum list, they will give you all of the basic information on how to start shooting them. Gatofeo wrote probably the best treatise I've seen to date on how to shoot and maintain a BP revolver, very good/useful information. Also mec has a book out that is supposed to be very good I just haven't had an oppertunity to pick up a copy for myself yet. Good luck and God bless!

The Sicilian.

 

[Tallyman541]

The stickies

Honestly, I have read them all! I really liked the one about the paper cartraiges. Seems nice and easy I also had an Idea you might want to throw around if you took a block of something or other(wood, plastic, aluminum, styrofoam) and drilled how ever many holes you could fit all the size of the bullet you would use and put the ball in the rolling papers like all the others then plop the ball and paper into one of the holes and fill with powder and then seal it off. you would have a little case(heavy!!!) or just something to make the cartraiges in. just a thought but might no be practical. feel free to use but remember to add my name in there somewhere