Using 0000 buckshot in .36 cap and ball revolvers?

[Mannix]

I was reading through the stickied threads and I saw that Gatofeo suggested using .380" balls in .36 revolvers instead of .375" because they were more accurate. I found some 0000 buckshot that fits the bill as far as advertised diameter.

Ballistic Products Inc. is selling them here for $26 per 8lb jar, which assuming each ball is about 82grains, works out to about 675 balls per jar. I've seen some other sites offering balls specifically for black powder guns, but they sell them for about $8/100, or roughly $54 for the same quantity.

My main worries are that since they have a 3% antimony content that there may be an issue with hardness(doubt it, but thought I'd throw it out there), and that they may not be made to strict enough tolerances to be any more accurate than .375" balls.

Sorry if I seem like a dink, I know jack crap about bp guns and need to crunch the numbers a bit to see if it would be feasible on my budget to get into it.

TIA

 

[ArmedBear]

since they have a 3% antimony content that there may be an issue with hardness

I reload shotshells and I have cast a lot of BP balls. I can vouch that antimony alloy shot is a LOT harder than pure lead.

One purpose of the antimony alloy is to allow heat treating. Lead alloy shot is heat-treated for hardness, AFAIK.

Don't do it. An oversized hardened alloy ball is a very bad idea.

 

[Bad Flynch]

You may be able to find some soft shot somewhere, but in the meantime, cast your balls. Hard shot may put too much strain on the loading mechanism for long-term use.

Actually, the exact diameter of the lead ball that fits one's revolver is a compromise number. The ball should cut a very thin ring of lead when seated so that there is a friction fit and it should shoot well. The tight fit also helps a to prevent chain-fires. Some have found that oversized balls shoot better sometimes, too. You just need to try and see. "The proof of the pudding is in the eating thereof." So, if soft shot works well, shoot some; we are not fussy as long as it works.

 

[robert garner]

I,ve cast

many thousands of ball from wheelweights supposedly pretty hard for my Rugers for yrs. NOT A PROBLEM! I believe its at Beartooth bullets where HARD balls are recomended for accuracy I wouldn't use them for self defense or hunting but I imagine you aren't contemplating such use yourself.
robert

 

[O.S.O.K.]

buckshot

Yes, I'll throw in my agreement with Mr. Flynch - the real issue is the stress on the loading mechanism. If these 0000 balls load without undue stress in your revolver, then there is no reason not to use them for target shooting and small game hunting for that matter.

And I agree with Mr. Bear that the soft lead balls are much better (easier on the whole process/mechanism) and Mr. Garner about using them for defense, should you be using it for that purpose!

I guess I'm just feeling agreeable today

 

[Brian Williams]

I use them when ever I shoot my 1851 Navy clone.