.44 Dragoon pics up

infideleggwelder said:
Looking for recommended starting Round ball size for a Colt .44 cap and ball.
457 seems to be the internet winner.
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you are correct ....any ball needs to fit tight in the cylinder and if it shaves a little if the ball when you seat it thats better ,,,always use one of the methods to prevent chain fires you need to learn about this if you do not already don
 
As I recall the Ruger Old Army Needed the 457 ball but the Colt was more comfortable using a .454 and indeed some folks used .451 with just a very fine shave coming off the ball when seated. The big thing is how much pressure is needed to seat the ball and is there a ring of lead after seating.
 
Like Coyoteshooter said: If your shaving a ring off the cylinder while loading you'll probably be catching lands & grooves in the barrel... If it's not a shot out antique. LOL!
 
.454 ball dia is most likely what you are going to need for your dragoon. This ball size is what is used generally in .44 cal BP revolvers. The .457 is a larger ball for the Ruger Old Army although it is sometimes listed as an secondary alternative to some BP revolvers. You may have trouble seating the .457 in your cylinder. Borrow a few .454 balls and load them up. Do only one cylinder first. If you get a complete shaved ring then you have your correct ball size. Good luck and have fun. Let us know how you make out....POST PICTURES of your revolver.
 
Off topic apology. What did guys do in the old days when their loaded cap and ball pistols got wet ie. Powder soaked.

How did they unload the cylinders with the balls pressed in?
 
MC One Shot said:
.454 ball dia is most likely what you are going to need for your dragoon. This ball size is what is used generally in .44 cal BP revolvers. The .457 is a larger ball for the Ruger Old Army although it is sometimes listed as an secondary alternative to some BP revolvers. You may have trouble seating the .457 in your cylinder. Borrow a few .454 balls and load them up. Do only one cylinder first. If you get a complete shaved ring then you have your correct ball size. Good luck and have fun. Let us know how you make out....POST PICTURES of your revolver.
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When i get it in my hands i will. Wanted one for a long time but thought they would be hard to find. now that i actually looked around, they are all over the place.
Also had to wear the wife down. She has gone from anti gun to reluctant acceptance to one who does occasionally get exited when she sees a “cute “ little gun. Next pistol i`ll be looking for is a Cap and ball .31/.32 cal. For her. But it needs to be cute. Cute as in 1849 Pocket revolver cute. Not pink.
 
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