help!

FeLiX · 01-07-2007, 09:04 PM

I just got a colt navy reproduction .44 black powder revolver from my grandpa and i want to shoot it but don't know what size round ball to put in it cause i can't find just a .44 size

ash · 01-08-2007, 10:28 AM

Check the diameter of cylinder.
I have a feeling it might be a .36.

Roy Collins · 01-11-2007, 12:00 AM

I also have a Colt Navy. Check the caliber are you sure its not .36 cal?

Big Dog · 01-11-2007, 06:37 AM

.44 caliber is common in cap&ball repros - I have two 1851 Navy repros by Pietta of Italy, both caliber .44. The real Colt Navy's were .36, but the reproductions are a different animal.
The most common ball size for .44 is .451/.452. The Ruger Old Army uses .457, but that is too big for the Colt repros (don't ask how I know . . . ).
Do not use the .445 balls - those are for the single-shot muzzle loader pistols.
Far too small for the revolvers.
Start off with a light powder charge til you are familiar and trusting of the gun.
19 grains is a good starting load. I use 27 grains as my standard charge.
I've become a believer in the new Triple 7 Powder - much less fouling and easier to clean than real BP or Pyrodex, and it doesn't cause the rapid corrosion the others do!

Welcome to G&G, and shoot safely!

01-07-2007, 09:04 PM	#1
FeLiX Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 122 Images: 2	help! I just got a colt navy reproduction .44 black powder revolver from my grandpa and i want to shoot it but don't know what size round ball to put in it cause i can't find just a .44 size

01-11-2007, 06:37 AM	#4
Big Dog Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 10,205	.44 caliber is common in cap&ball repros - I have two 1851 Navy repros by Pietta of Italy, both caliber .44. The real Colt Navy's were .36, but the reproductions are a different animal. The most common ball size for .44 is .451/.452. The Ruger Old Army uses .457, but that is too big for the Colt repros (don't ask how I know . . . ). Do not use the .445 balls - those are for the single-shot muzzle loader pistols. Far too small for the revolvers. Start off with a light powder charge til you are familiar and trusting of the gun. 19 grains is a good starting load. I use 27 grains as my standard charge. I've become a believer in the new Triple 7 Powder - much less fouling and easier to clean than real BP or Pyrodex, and it doesn't cause the rapid corrosion the others do! Welcome to G&G, and shoot safely! __________________ Moderator of: AR15/M16, M14/M1A, New/Beginning Shooters and Militaria/Collectables.

01-08-2007, 10:28 AM	#2
ash Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 934 Images: 3	Check the diameter of cylinder. I have a feeling it might be a .36.

01-11-2007, 12:00 AM	#3
Roy Collins Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Louisville Kentucky. Posts: 316	I also have a Colt Navy. Check the caliber are you sure its not .36 cal?