Pietta 1858 .44

[English Phil]

Hi Folks,
My first post, very informative site. I live in U.K. and have a holiday place in Arizona. This Spring I bought a Pietta 1858 .44 in Tombstone, and had great fun at a municipal shooting range with it. Is possible could you answer some questions for a novice such as me.
What would be the best type of powder to use. I can't remember the powder I have as its over in the USA.
I am currently using 30 grains.
I am OK re balls and caps and have used a gun butter? to seal each chamber.
Can you use wonder wad instead of the messy stuff to seal the chamber or should you use both?
I am thinking on my next visit in June to buy 1 or 2 additional cylinders, where would be the best place to get them from, I can visit either Phoenix or Tucson gun stores.

Regards,
Phil

'Once more into the breach dear friend, once more'

 

[bigbadgun]

While I was in Arizona recently on vacation I had the chance to try 777 this is some really good stuff. I was using 30 grains topped off with a wonder wad then a .454 ball worked great just make sure you use caps that fit or pinch the loose ones so they fit better. You can get the powder balls and wad in Phoenix at a place called Sportsmans Warhouse.
As far as the spare cylinders they are $40 from Cabelas.

 

[John Wayne]

According to my Pietta manual:

.30 grains is the maximum powder charge. They reccomend 22-30 grains of FFFG black powder or a substitute. I have heard you can use FFG in .44 caliber and higher guns, though it will be dirtier and you will lose some velocity due to a less complete burn. I'd imagine ignition would be less reliable as well.

You can use specially designed black powder grease to seal the chambers, or even Crisco (vegetable fat). You can use wonder wads over the powder and under the ball instead of grease--they're less messy but more expensive.

Most people use .454 diameter round lead balls, though you can use .457 diameter for a slightly better seal and accuracy.

I'm not sure about the extra cylinders; the cylinders are often hand-fitted at the factory to ensure a good fit. I've never priced an extra cylinder but you could probably contact the factory and find out.

 

[Tommygunn]

I have obtained extra cylinders for Pietta. Maybe 40-$50 at most -- I forget.
In my experience they all fit fine -- one or two better than original in fact.

 

[English Phil]

Cabelas

Hi,
Many thanks for the info. I have just found Cabelas in Glendale, Phoenix who appear to be a good store for all bits and bobs.

'Once more into the breach dear friend, once more'.

 

[Im283]

Phil why don'cha get you a conversion cylinder for the Remmy and shoot some cartridges? I don't think you can do that on your side of the ocean. you ought to take advantage of it and do it on this side.

I am pretty sure you can get the conversion from Cabelas.

 

[Voodoochile]

Cabelas does not offer the conversion cylinder but there are plenty of vendors that do like Taylors..

As far as 30gr. being a maximum load with FFFG, maybe Pietta & Uberti have that in their information but I've had up to 42gr. .457 ball & grease over in both of my Pietta 1858's & have never had any issues "not a normal charge for me but on occasion I'll load the cylinders up Hot."

My normal load in my 5.5" barreled 1858 is 35gr. FFFG Goex, wad, .457 ball.
My normal load in my 8" barreled 23 year old 1858 is 30gr. FFFG Goex, wad, .457 ball.

I've yet to try any 777 in my C&B revolvers but I may give it a shot the next outing I take..

 

[Omnivore]

My manual for the Pietta '58 (the one printed by Cabela's) says 35 grains, while Pietta gives a much lower figure as a maximum charge. FFFG, or "Three Eff" black powder is the standard for C&B pistols, but a substitue will work fine. Back in the day, one would have to wonder why the cylinder was made so long if there was no intention of using more than twenty-something grains. I've been using 30 of FFF BP with very good results. Metallurgy has come a long, long way since 1858, also, meaning far better consistency and strength in your repro. It's just that once you get close to 30 grains, you get a case of diminishing returns on the amount of extra powder you stuff in there.

Shortening, or other natural grease, over the balls is messy, but it seems to make cleanup easier. The powder fouling just seems to wipe right off, grease having been blown all over the gun and keeping the fouling soft. I also never any more have problems with the cylinder tying up due to fouling-- Remmy or Colt. I don't mind the mess. Just keep a shop rag with you. Others will have very different opinions, so it's best to experiment with the standard methods and see what works for you.

I've also used Wonderwads. Recently, I've been making consumable paper cartridges, but soon found that my methods of rolling them do not allow use of a wad, and I just haven't had the "gumption" to alter that method so as to accommodate the wads. Grease it is.

Why not move to the States and become a citizen? Bring some friends. Then you can all shoot whenever it pleases you. Keep the holiday place on the Island.

 

[Gaucho Gringo]

Cabela's sells cylinders for $39.99.
__________________

 

[waynecrothers]

1858 remmies

I have been shooting these for years and found them to be more than forgiving on loads.Lately I,ve been using the pyrodex pellets just because they are easier to load in the cold and wind. I also use the wonderwads and a 454 ball and have never had any chain fires. I own three piettas and have extra cylinders for all of them and have interchanged between guns and never had any problems. Extra cylinders are available at cabelas as well as everything else I,ve mentioned. Dixie gun works is another good source for black powder stuff.