FIE 1851 Navy Brass Frame .44

[rhtwist]

Hello,
Would like to fire an 1851 Navy in .44 Caliber. Need info on the charge/ball and cap sizes. It is marked FIE Italy. Can anyone help or direct me to some place to get the info. Is there a way to tell the replacement nipples and possibly the manufacturer?
Thanks for any help!
rhtwist

 

[mykeal]

Charge: 20 gr/volume fffg real black powder. Inert filler as desired.
Ball: .454 lead round ball. If this doesn't leave a small ring of lead when loaded, change to .457. .451 might also work, but odds are it will be too small.

I'd also advise using a lubed felt wad between powder and ball, even if you use an inert filler. Using grease over the ball is ok, but messy and unnecessary in my opinion.

Caps: No way of telling. I'd start with Remington No. 10's, then try Remington No. 11's if those are loose.

Nipples are probably 6x.75mm but it would be a good idea to remove one and take it to the local hardware to test with a thread gage or compare with a bolt thread. Call Track of the Wolf for replacements once the thread size is known.

FIE is an early Italian manufacturer long ago defunct.

 

[Malachi Leviticus Blue]

FIE was an importer. They did import some Italian revolvers. The actual manufacture, or manufactures are generally Unknown. The quality, especially the finish tend to be on the low side. A lot of FIE revolvers also have a overlapping "PR" logo. (I have always seen it on the Butt). "PR" is likely the manufacturer, but I've yet to hear a convincing argument who or what specifically"PR" is.

 

[Hellgate]

Dittos on the 20 grain FFFg powder charge. Untold thousands of brass framed C&B revolvers have been ruined by shooting 30+ grains of powder. The cylinder pin gets loosened or else the recoil shield gets battered inward and the cylinder gap opens up to an intolerably wide gap i.e. "shot loose".

 

[rhtwist]

Hello mykeal,
Thank you for the comprehensive information. I've seen that a .38 special case is supposed to through 22 grains. With the caps, a major issue in sizing is that it is secure on the nipple?
Will start with your suggestions.
Thanks again,
rhtwist

 

[rhtwist]

Thanks Malachi Leviticus Blue,
Can't make out the stamping on the butt. Thanks for the info, you have!
rhtwist

 

[rhtwist]

Good Day Hellgate,
Appreciate the caution!! Certainly do not want to stress the firearm or lose a bodily appendage.
Thank you!
rhtwist