.445 round balls in Pietta 1858 Remington

Twang · October 3, 2019, 04:20 PM

I have a Navy Arms (made by Pietta) 1858 Remington New Army in stainless steel. I haven't shot it yet. I ordered a box of Hornady lead round balls that are .445 size. After ordering them, I see on forums all over the web that Pietta recommends .451, and many folks are using .454. This has me concerned. Is it OK to shoot .445 in the pistol, or should I scrap them and buy some .451 or larger?
Thanks . . . .
PS. I intend to make paper cartridges using cigarette rolling papers, if that makes a difference.

noelf2 · October 3, 2019, 05:11 PM

They won't work. Too small and will roll out of the cylinder with the first recoil. When a ball is seated in a cylinder chamber, it shoud shave a lead ring off the ball. I also use .454

Centurion · October 3, 2019, 06:10 PM

.445s are intended for 45 rifles, to be used with patches.

Twang · October 3, 2019, 07:02 PM

Thanks for the info.
I have an old Jukar rifle in .45 caliber, so it's not a total waste. . .

Road_Clam · October 5, 2019, 06:19 PM

I have to give a tough, strong push on the seating lever for .429's I don't even think you could start to jam a .445 ball !

Hawg · October 7, 2019, 09:45 AM

Quote:

I have to give a tough, strong push on the seating lever for .429's I don't even think you could start to jam a .445 ball !

You do know we're talking about cap and ball, right?

October 3, 2019, 04:20 PM	#1
Twang Junior Member Join Date: September 14, 2019 Posts: 2	.445 round balls in Pietta 1858 Remington I have a Navy Arms (made by Pietta) 1858 Remington New Army in stainless steel. I haven't shot it yet. I ordered a box of Hornady lead round balls that are .445 size. After ordering them, I see on forums all over the web that Pietta recommends .451, and many folks are using .454. This has me concerned. Is it OK to shoot .445 in the pistol, or should I scrap them and buy some .451 or larger? Thanks . . . . PS. I intend to make paper cartridges using cigarette rolling papers, if that makes a difference.

October 3, 2019, 05:11 PM	#2
noelf2 Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2008 Location: Stuart, VA Posts: 2,473	They won't work. Too small and will roll out of the cylinder with the first recoil. When a ball is seated in a cylinder chamber, it shoud shave a lead ring off the ball. I also use .454 __________________ Liberty and freedom often offends those who understand neither.

October 5, 2019, 06:19 PM	#5
Road_Clam Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2013 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 1,695	I have to give a tough, strong push on the seating lever for .429's I don't even think you could start to jam a .445 ball ! __________________ "To be old an wise you must have been young and stupid"

October 3, 2019, 06:10 PM	#3
Centurion Senior Member Join Date: May 9, 2016 Posts: 270	.445s are intended for 45 rifles, to be used with patches.

October 3, 2019, 07:02 PM	#4
Twang Junior Member Join Date: September 14, 2019 Posts: 2	Thanks for the info. I have an old Jukar rifle in .45 caliber, so it's not a total waste. . .