Great thx. Dowel push rod for the caps, or is that going overboard safety wise?
Also, the gun is uncoated steel right now (not stainless). Can I leave it that way or should I put some sort of finish on it.
The dowel probably helps to ensure ignition.
#11 CCI caps will work fine if you pinch them a bit, as had been said.
Getting it blued would be the best, but I am curious why it is unfinished steel. (A kit?)
The Italian flask spouts drop about 28 grains of FFFG. This is the best load, though they will take more.
More is pointless. Less is boring. The Remingtons are strong compared to the Colts.
.451 balls fit tightly in my chambers, and with either felt wads or grease over the chambers, I have never had any problems in my Pietta or an old Euroarms from the 70s. No need for a separate press.
If you have access to a supply of PURE soft lead, you should cast your own balls. It's cheap and easy and fun, and you don't have to rely on dealers to keep your size of balls in stock. A Lee or Lyman ball mold works well. The iron Lyman mold will last forever. I bought mine in 1972. It still looks new.
Good sources of soft lead are old roof jacks stripped off when houses get a new roof. There is a lot of impurities in them from being exposed to weather, which you scoop out of the pot when melted, but you can get about 150 or more .44 round balls out of one. New roof jacks may be made of some other metal or plastic.