Light BP loads & casting

Keegster · October 3, 2006, 10:04 PM

I have a brass frame 1851 .44 caliber. What would be appropriate loads in it as not to put too much stress on the frame and keep its life long.
Also I want to cast my own bullets. Would it be better to get a round ball
mould or conical pistol mould. What are the pros and cons of each kind of projectile. Thanks

Smokin_Gun · October 4, 2006, 12:23 AM

Try 20-22gr even 25gr shouldn't hurt it. But 22gr would be accurate and easy on the Rev. Lee 2 cavity aluminim molds are what I use and work great. I recomend round ball and soft lead for accuracy. Measure your chambers with dial calipers and get the size ball .002" to .003" bigger than the chambers. i.e. .446" chambers use .451 ball or .452 Lee mold(Pietta), .450 chambers use .454" or .457" ball Uberti.

October 3, 2006, 10:04 PM	#1
Keegster Member Join Date: July 22, 2006 Posts: 44	Light BP loads & casting I have a brass frame 1851 .44 caliber. What would be appropriate loads in it as not to put too much stress on the frame and keep its life long. Also I want to cast my own bullets. Would it be better to get a round ball mould or conical pistol mould. What are the pros and cons of each kind of projectile. Thanks

October 4, 2006, 12:23 AM	#2
Smokin_Gun Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 2005 Location: Mojave Desert, CA Posts: 1,195	Try 20-22gr even 25gr shouldn't hurt it. But 22gr would be accurate and easy on the Rev. Lee 2 cavity aluminim molds are what I use and work great. I recomend round ball and soft lead for accuracy. Measure your chambers with dial calipers and get the size ball .002" to .003" bigger than the chambers. i.e. .446" chambers use .451 ball or .452 Lee mold(Pietta), .450 chambers use .454" or .457" ball Uberti. __________________ "I Smoke Black Powder" "Favor an 1858 Remington" SGT. Smokin' Gun, Mosby's Rangers 43rd Virginia Cavalry C.S.A. SASS# 19634, ... Admin:http://blackpowdersmoke.com/oldcoots/index.php