BP cartridge conversions?

[martysport]

I have a few questions about cartridge convertors for BP revolvers (aimed at the 1858 becasue thats what I have )

1. Why do people convert? is it for convenience?
2. How does accuracy compare to C&B?
3. What do people normally use for projectiles (in other words what bullet mold works best)
4. Is it worth the money? for the price of the convertor (and possibly all the reloading gear to make your own cartridges) you could buy quiet a few C&B revolvers
5. Pros? Cons?

One quick non-ralated question, are the stainless steel versions of C&B revolvers much stronger than the steel ones? (I know they will be stronger but by how much?)

 

[junkman_01]

What makes you believe that stainless steel is any stronger than carbon steel? It all depends on the grade of steel being used. Some stainless is NOT as strong as some carbon steel, and can be brittle in cold weather.

 

[martysport]

I just assumed stainless was stronger. So a stainless gun is really only cosmetic? (unless used outside alot in ****ty weather) and I would imagen a C&B firearm wouldn't work too well in the wet

 

[mykeal]

1. Why do people convert? is it for convenience?

Simply put, yes. It's easier, and faster, to load, shoot and reload cartridges than ball, powder and cap.

2. How does accuracy compare to C&B?

Both are generally more accurate than the shooter.

3. What do people normally use for projectiles (in other words what bullet mold works best)

That varies based on many factors.

4. Is it worth the money?

Worth it to whom? Is it 'worth it' to buy a Jeep instead of a minivan? That depends entirely on what you want the gun for and what you enjoy doing.

5. Pros? Cons?

Pro: faster loading and unloading with cartridges, more flexibility and earlier historical connections with loading powder, ball and cap.
Con: cartridge conversion is more expensive, powder, ball and cap is slightly messier, slower.

One quick non-ralated question, are the stainless steel versions of C&B revolvers much stronger than the steel ones? (I know they will be stronger but by how much?)

I'm tempted to provide a flippant answer, but I'll be nice. Strength means many different things to different people. Stainless steel firearms are, in my opinion, a cosmetic variant. They do seem to have some advantages in cleaning. But as far as strength is concerned, both blued and stainless steed guns are generally adequate in strength for the job they are designed to perform. If you need more 'strength' than a blued steel gun provides, then you're abusing the gun.

 

[junkman_01]

Cosmetic and more rust resistant. Stainless parts moving on each other tend to gall and stainless will pit worse than carbon steel when it does corrode. Also, stainless steel is harder to machine than carbon steel.

 

[BHP FAN]

Most of the interior parts of stainless guns are [in my experience] the same ones they use in their ''normal'' steel guns, [springs and such] so while there is a certain amount of corrosion resistance, don't forget to clean your guns.

 

[andrewstorm]

stainless not really strong but good looking

google (firearms technical trivia 2001) this article will teach you a bit about metal, also don't be fooled by stories of percussion revolvers being unreliable,if you apply candle wax where the seated caps meet the nipples and apply bore butter over the balls,it will be as water proof as a cartridge gun general lees 1860 reb was left loaded 7 years and still all cylinders fired ,extra cylinders on a 1858 style gun are actually faster loading than cartridge conversions of that day. you can get 4 spare 1858 percussion cylinders for the price of one kirst konverter