What size ball should I get for this pistol?

[Pistolero]

Hello all,
I have a new cap & ball pistol I picked up the other day but need advice as to what size ball I need. It is "Traditions" 1851 Colt Navy in .44 cal.. The one in Cabella's in .44 is called their civilian model while the .36 is the regular military Colt Navy.

Anyway, I want to get me some bullets for it and eventually a bullet mold, but I need to know what size ball/mold I should get?  I had an 1860 Army one time and someone said to use .451 balls but they seemed a bit smallish and too easy to load so I used .454. When I loaded them into the chamber (the 1860 Army) a tiny ring of led was skimmed off the sides. Was that normal and did I do right in using the .454s?  Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Also, I don't know who made this pistol. The only thing it says on the gun is "A.S.M. Black Powder Only Cal 44 Made in Italy" on the under, left side of barrel right above the loading lever.  Other than some proof marks and serial number "D 67150" on the bottom, forward part of frame right in front of the brass trigger guard plate (and some marks on the bottom of the barrel assembly right in front where it meets the frame), there are no other makings anywhere on this pistol that I can find.  Not even on side of frame where the patents, etc, normally are.  It was in a dust covered "Traditions" box and came with an extra cylinder (smooth, without the Naval scene engraving) but had no instructions, owners' manual or anything. Thus my wondering what size ball should I use.  I bought this at an old store and the dust covered box and the price of $149.00 made me think it had been there a long time (I think they go for like $250.00 now).  It is one nicely made pistol with beautiful color case hardening, well balanced, etc..
Thanks,
Pistolero
Alabama

[HorsePen Henry]

I use .454 RB's in my '58 Remmy and it looks like I'll be using the same in my '51 model 44 caliber Colt. The little ring of lead shearing off is a good thing. I tried the .451 RB's years ago and they were simply too loose in my Colt's and Remmies.

X Horse Pen

[Pistolero]

Hello Horsepen,
Thanks. Yep, in my 1860 Armys and '58 Rems I had tried those .451s and felt the same way.  That is when I went to the .454.
Thanks,
Dave

[Scattered Thumbs]

Hello all,
I have a new cap & ball pistol I picked up the other day but need advice as to what size ball I need. It is "Traditions" 1851 Colt Navy in .44 cal.. The one in Cabella's in .44 is called their civilian model while the .36 is the regular military Colt Navy.

Anyway, I want to get me some bullets for it and eventually a bullet mold, but I need to know what size ball/mold I should get?  I had an 1860 Army one time and someone said to use .451 balls but they seemed a bit smallish and too easy to load so I used .454. When I loaded them into the chamber (the 1860 Army) a tiny ring of led was skimmed off the sides. Was that normal and did I do right in using the .454s?  Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Also, I don't know who made this pistol. The only thing it says on the gun is "A.S.M. Black Powder Only Cal 44 Made in Italy" on the under, left side of barrel right above the loading lever.  Other than some proof marks and serial number "D 67150" on the bottom, forward part of frame right in front of the brass trigger guard plate (and some marks on the bottom of the barrel assembly right in front where it meets the frame), there are no other makings anywhere on this pistol that I can find.  Not even on side of frame where the patents, etc, normally are.  It was in a dust covered "Traditions" box and came with an extra cylinder (smooth, without the Naval scene engraving) but had no instructions, owners' manual or anything. Thus my wondering what size ball should I use.  I bought this at an old store and the dust covered box and the price of $149.00 made me think it had been there a long time (I think they go for like $250.00 now).  It is one nicely made pistol with beautiful color case hardening, well balanced, etc..
Thanks,
Pistolero
Alabama

The pistol was made by Armi San Marco.

And as HorsePen Henry already told you the little ring of lead shearing is a good thing it just confirm that each ball was resized to fit the chamber wich will prevent chain fires.

[litl rooster]

My ASM .44 Navy uses 454 balls.  the shiver of lead (as some one else replied) is good