Cap and Ball energy

olmontanaboy · May 24, 2009, 08:18 AM

In terms of power, how would a .456 caliber ball fired from an 1860 army with a safe maximum load compare to a 45 Colt cartridge cowboy load fired from the same gun with a conversion cylinder? Just curious.

Hawg · May 24, 2009, 08:31 AM

With 30 grs. of powder about 750 fps compared to around 900 fps with the .45 Colt cartridge. You can't overload a steel frame revolver with bp tho. If you can pack it in there and the cylinder will turn it's safe to fire.

D.Delozier · May 24, 2009, 08:41 AM

I would say that the energy level is on par with a 38 spl. Given the wieght of the ball and the speed.

Hawg · May 24, 2009, 08:46 AM

Quote:

I would say that the energy level is on par with a 38 spl. Given the wieght of the ball and the speed.

It would be closer to the .38 S&W with the S&W being a tad faster.

olmontanaboy · May 24, 2009, 09:02 AM

I guess if using a conical in place of a round ball the energy would be up a bit, do you think?

Raider2000 · May 24, 2009, 09:59 AM

I know that my Pietta NMA w/ 5.5" barrel loaded in this fashion:

.456 222gr. Lee Conical Lubed w/ Crisco & Beeswax
30gr. FFFG Goex
Remington #11 caps

Will produce 718fps. & 250ft. lbs.

Almost what a .45 Schofield would produce during that time.

olmontanaboy · May 24, 2009, 10:15 AM

Quote:

.456 222gr. Lee Conical

That's the mold I have. I have not used it yet. Do you have any diffculty in loading it? Do you size the bullet in a sizing die or load it as cast?

Raider2000 · May 24, 2009, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olmontanaboy

That's the mold I have. I have not used it yet. Do you have any diffculty in loading it? Do you size the bullet in a sizing die or load it as cast?

No I do not size it but I did modify my lil Cannon "as my wife calls it" to accept that larger conical including radiusing the loading window a little to allow easier loading.

May 24, 2009, 09:02 AM	#5
olmontanaboy Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2009 Location: Northeast for now Posts: 266	I guess if using a conical in place of a round ball the energy would be up a bit, do you think? __________________ Olmontanaboy No good deed goes unpunished. A loaded gun, a faithful dog,,, consider yourself lucky.

May 24, 2009, 08:18 AM	#1
olmontanaboy Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2009 Location: Northeast for now Posts: 266	Cap and Ball energy In terms of power, how would a .456 caliber ball fired from an 1860 army with a safe maximum load compare to a 45 Colt cartridge cowboy load fired from the same gun with a conversion cylinder? Just curious. __________________ Olmontanaboy No good deed goes unpunished. A loaded gun, a faithful dog,,, consider yourself lucky.

May 24, 2009, 08:31 AM	#2
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,190	With 30 grs. of powder about 750 fps compared to around 900 fps with the .45 Colt cartridge. You can't overload a steel frame revolver with bp tho. If you can pack it in there and the cylinder will turn it's safe to fire.

May 24, 2009, 08:41 AM	#3
D.Delozier Member Join Date: March 28, 2009 Location: S.C Posts: 35	I would say that the energy level is on par with a 38 spl. Given the wieght of the ball and the speed.

May 24, 2009, 09:59 AM	#6
Raider2000 Senior Member Join Date: July 23, 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 719	I know that my Pietta NMA w/ 5.5" barrel loaded in this fashion: .456 222gr. Lee Conical Lubed w/ Crisco & Beeswax 30gr. FFFG Goex Remington #11 caps Will produce 718fps. & 250ft. lbs. Almost what a .45 Schofield would produce during that time.