Pietta 1851 Navy

[kf123]

Hi Guys...
I have a Pietta 1851 Navy revolver in 44. I bought a Lee mold that casts a .440 calibre ball. I think it is a bit small as it seems to fit looser then it should. What calibre ball should I be using?
Thanks...

 

[DEZ]

I use .457 in my 44 yours could be .454 maybe some one who has a pietta will answer.
I'm sure .454 should work for you

 

[bdft]

My Pietta shoots a .454 round ball. The ball has to be forced into the cylinder with the loading lever, not just dropped in. A .440 round ball would be more appropriate with a .010 patch in a 45 cal rifle.

 

[vagrantviking]

You want to shave a ring of lead off the ball as you seat it. This helps to prevent chain firing where more than one chamber ignites at once.

.44 revolvers are actually .45 calibre and the smallest balls to consider would probably be .451 or .452. Most use .454 and some of the larger throated ones such as the Old Army use a .457.

Similar for a .36. Mine takes a .375 ball.

 

[kf123]

Thanks for the info. I tried some 454 balls and they are a good tight fit.

 

[SIGP2101]

.454 as Pietta manual calls for

 

[Brentn]

I use .457 and it's very snug in my pietta, shaves off a small ring of lead when it's loaded.

 

[kphebert]

451