Kirst 1860 Question

[Long Johns Wolf]

That's an interesting discussion.
FWIW let me add some European perspective.
The Vienna proof house applies their stamp of approval to professionally executed custom converted Uberti and Belgian made 1860s/1960s chambered for modern inside lubed .44 Specials (Richards) and .44 Colt (Richards, RM, "Mystery") cartridges. These conversions were and are being made by a certified gunsmith. The stamp of approval is for smokeless loads.
All these conversions have newly lathed cylinders. Their dimensions are taken from Bruce McDowell's book. Those cylinders for .44 Specials have their chambers bored slightly canted that they can accommodate the wider rim of 6 rounds (that's why I prefer the modern .44 Colt cartridge).
Same applies to the Munich proof house regarding custom converted Centaures for .44 Colt inside lubed caliber with liner (Long Cylinder Conversion).
Long Johns Wolf

[Raven]

Mako,

I am reminded of the Art and Engineering departments at a college. The Engineers and the Artists rarely see eye to eye. When I was in Art school the Engineering depatment spent a lot of time trying to defund the Art department - something about Artists not using critical thinking. Both the Artist's and the Engineers make things that sometimes work . The Artist sometimes use math and the Engineers occasionaly employ Art in thier work.
I am an Artist My background is as a Goldsmith and a metalsmith. I might have been an engineer if I wasn't math impared! What I have done is team up with an Engineer - Walt Kirst
Walt could discuss cartridges and ballistics with you all day. Unfortunately Walt isn't comfortable on the internet.
I come to these forums to show my art work to my peers, customers and friends. I also use it for customer relations - answering questions etc.
When asked about Ammo I try to limit my answers to -
Lead Bullets Only - No Jacketed Bullets
Under 1000FPS.
But occassionaly I get sucked into one of these discussions. "For Liability Reasons" ends up being the catch all excuse, But we really don't need someone coming back at us saying "Jay said I could". Unfortunatly if I had an in depth discussion on the viable cartridges in the converters we make and the firearms we build with everyone interested I would spend my days here on the web or on the phone and would never get anything else done

Ammunition and ballistics give me a headache but if you want to talk tecniques in metal working or bone caseharding or the history of gunsmithing and gunsmiths, I'm your man
I'm sorry for sounding like I was dismissing you.
Raven

[Mako]

Raven,

Fair enough.

Regards,
Mako