RECOMMENDED BALL SIZE for 1860 COLT

[Norton Commando]

Does anyone know the "Colt-factory'' recommended ball size for an 1860 Colt Army? Also, does anyone know the size of the nipple threads for the same gun? Note that this is an original Colt, not a reproduction.

Thanks and regards,

Jason

 

[rcflint]

The original Colt nipple thread is .225x32. There are two lengths, differing by 1/64 inch, a "long" and a "short". Ball size was probably .454. Nippleas are available from Dixie Gun Works.

 

[beerman 45-70]

i have a second generation 1860 army with the colt book, it calls for a .457 ball.

 

[makos_goods]

The original Colt nipple thread is .225x32. There are two lengths, differing by 1/64 inch, a "long" and a "short". Ball size was probably .454. Nippleas are available from Dixie Gun Works.

Flint is correct. Of course...

I have one from 1861 and one from 1862 they both take Ø.454 balls. The largest chamber diameter is Ø.453 on the one that is much more heavily used. They still shave lead with the Ø.454 balls.

Personally I think Ø.457 is too large for a Gen 2 Colt's. Ø.457 is the correct bsall for the ROA, but they have a larger diameter chamber and they have a much more robust loading lever. I have loaded Ø.457 balls with a cylinder loader and you can definitely tell they are probably too tight. I wouldn't want to load them with the barrel mounted loading lever.

Regards,
Mako

 

[Norton Commando]

Thanks guys - I have some .454 dia. balls on hand for my Remington; I'll give them a try. My barrel wedge is original, I'm wondering if this needs to be replaced before I fire this old relic?