Colt Ball Diameters

[Okefinokee Outlaw]

I'm seeing all kinds of recommendations for the correct ball diameter for second generation Colt 1860's and 1851's.  What might you experts suggest before I buy what I won't use?  Thanks much.  OO

[Fingers McGee]

Here's what Colt said:



I've used .380s in my 2nd Gen '61 Navies ever since a .375 rolled out of the chamber during a match.  The only thing I use .375s in are some Pietta .36s.

Can't speak to the 1860s or any of the other .44s.  I've never shot any of mine.

[petrinal]

the best diameter in Uberti  is 454 for the 44´s...and you can use 451 too. 457" is too big, in  my opinion..you will have a harder time loading the ball in the chambers and will crush the bullet more, something no good for accuracy.

as far as I know, second generation COLTS were made wiht a mix of US newly manufactured parts, like frame, and Uberti barrels and cylinders...so what applies to Uberti should be valid for Colts.

in fact, in some revolvers, 457" is torture to load. I got most accuracy  in PIETTA, UBERTI, Centaure (Belgium) and Santa Babara (Spain) from 454" balls.

all the best

[pony express]

I have a 2nd Gen Colt 1851 that likes .375 just fine, but I need .380s for a pair of 1863 Pocket Police I have. Only .44 I use are a pair of Pietta 1860s, they work best with .454, but .451 can work in them, still shaves a TINY Bit of lead ring on loading.

[Major 2]

.378 Speer is the only ones I've ever used for my 36

.451 for the 1860's though, I don't think I ever used .454  and I'm sure I never used .457

  one of the 60's has a R&D drop-in,  all of mine are 2 Gens.

Except Dexter which has a Kirst converter and soon a .357 reline.