Cylinder conversion for 209 shotgun primers
I would like to inform you that I manage to find the source of those conversion cylinders using 209 primers in Cap & Ball revolvers.
Just to remind you:
Well, those cylinders were manufactured by Howell Old West Conversions LLC.
http://www.howelloldwestconversions.com/index.html . I contacted them several times and they are willing to make them for us. The prices are estimated from $255 to $345, depending on quantity ordered and material, (blue steel or stainless steel).
Also, according to their website
http://www.howelloldwestconversions...38accca6a-C27188B8-0314-A039-CDECE4DA2EE93311 , stainless steel will be $15, and fluted and beveled cylinder will be additional $35. I expect that for our cylinders charges will be close to those listed.
Idea is to have option for stepped cylinder, so it will take one of those SWC 250-255 grains, and have powder space as for 45 Schofield, hence we can use those loading data for smokeless powder. Stepped cylinder will prevent from pushing bullet too far into cylinder, thus preventing powder space to be reduced.
In addition, I would like to have option of very short counterbore .456-.457 dia so SWC and other standard bullets with oversized dia could be inserted, and squeezed on .4520-.4525 when pressed in, instead of shaved as we have situation with original cylinders. I will contact them and see if they could make a sample, first without initial counterbore, and later with it as described, and check is any difference in accuracy. I expect tighter seal with later, especially with standard bullets, however, standard bullets will certainly require some sort of press to drive them in.
As for firearms, I was thinking of Ruger Old Army and Remington 1858, because they are the most numerous. I can list other models, but be aware that if the number of potential customers is small, the cost will be higher than for Ruger or Remington.
Cylinders:
Ruger Old Army, 45 cal, Schofield chamber
Ruger Old Army, 45 cal, straight chamber
Remington 1858, 44 cal, Schofield chamber
Remington 1858, 44 cal, straight chamber
Other options; stainless, fluted and beveled
Please let me know what do you think. Also, let me know if you would like to have Remington 1858 36 cal cylinder. If there is sufficient number of potential customers, I will start the thread on Castboolits, and inform shooters on other websites. More customers means lower prices.
Important note; manufacturer informed me that they will ship noted cylinders within USA only. Regarding potential buyers outside USA, as far as I know, Cap & Ball (front loaded) firearms and parts are not subject to USA export permit. However, this will be checked by a dealer located in Canada, and if everything works OK, he will be shipping them world wide.