Antique rem 1858 .44 ball size

[backpacker336]

Wondering what the best ball size would be for an original new model army in .44. I see Hornady sells .452, 454, and .457. New to Cap and ball revolvers, so any advice would be greatly appreciated

 

[MosinMan13]

Wondering what the best ball size would be for an original new model army in .44. I see Hornady sells .452, 454, and .457. New to Cap and ball revolvers, so any advice would be greatly appreciated

Theoretically.454 should shave you a nice ring and give a good seal.

 

[Alex McKr]

First step would be to measure the chamber mouths and slug the bore. That should give you a better idea of what size ball to select. MosinMan13 is ;probably correct. But, variations in bore diameter etc., often occur in antique firearms.

 

[Snider shooter]

Friends of mine have a couple. One uses 454 and other uses 457. Your going to have to try different balls to find out for sure.

 

[B_noser]

Can tell you from first-hand experience that Snider shooter is correct.

 

[MosinMan13]

First step would be to measure the chamber mouths and slug the bore. That should give you a better idea of what size ball to select. MosinMan13 is ;probably correct. But, variations in bore diameter etc., often occur in antique firearms.

Too true with originals/antiques it’s more frequent to find tapered cylinder bores too, I find for example I can load a .454 or a .457 in my Colt 1860, the .454 doesn’t shave around the cylinder bore but I’ve never had an issues with seal or accuracy. Still always good practise with anything antique to measure/slug/double check everything.