45lc Conversion in 51's

[Presidio]

Okay, I know what your thinkin' here.   They don't make 'em yet.    But, they do make 'em for the 1860 Army...which fit perfectly into muh 44 cal. 51 Navy Sheriff's in 45 Long Colt cartridge.  These are the R & D Drop in conversions and not the Gated Conversion.  Taking the cheap route first before tryin' the Gated.

These I got from The Possible Shop.  They are only 5-Round capacity, SASS approved.  I got them delivered Friday evening and checked 'em for fitting.  No problem - dropped right in and all clearances are smooth.  I'll be using 200gr bullet in Winchester brass, with 5gr smokeless powder later today at our monthly shoot.

I'll get back with y'all after the shoot and let y'all know how they stood up and performed.

[Presidio]

Well, Pards...I'm happy to report that there wasn't any rouble with the R & D's...except POI being high with the 5 1/2" Sheriff's.  Going back out tommorrow with the 7 1/2" barrels and let you know then what came about.  Thinking the heavier and longer barrel will keep POI closer to my POA.....we'll see.

[Presidio]

POa to POI onlu about an inch difference high with the 7 1/2" barrels at 8 yards using 200gr bullet with 5 gr Red-Dot and about 1 1/2" high with 250gr bullet and 5 gr Red-Dot.

I be happy with them and will leave them with the 7 1/2" barrel and have the 5 1/2" barrels in the cart for back up if needed..

[warbucks16]

Presidio:

Sounds like you have a winner that I would like to try myself.

Can you tell me what make of 51 Navy you used and is the Drop in Conversion Cylinder for the Pietta or Uberti?

Thanks for any info.

Warbucks16

[Presidio]

Howdy Warbucks16:

The ones I have are for the Pietta's.  I think that The Possible Shop might have them also for the Uberti...but, you'll have to check that out.

I have used both 200 RNFP and 250 RNFP bullets with 5gr RedDot and Winchester primers with no problems.  I just have to get use to the action and tuning of the "Stop aka Safety" notches so I don't unitentionally over-rotate the cylinder and skip a round.  Remember, these are chambered for 5 rounds only.  And, to be honest, even with pulling the barrel off to load and unload took me less time than loading straight BP or even using my REmington 58's with their conversions.  Just stone the wedge pin a little more and it'll "thumb" right on out of the way.

The 51's really make me proud the way they stood up to a 2 day Match with no problems.  About 200 rounds each for the first time out.  I'd call it a good start...

[warbucks16]

Presidio:

Thanks for the info, I think I'll give it a try.

Always looking for options. I have been told that the 1860 Converter with some modification by Taylor's will handle the 45 Scofield.

Kinda thought I might give that a try.

Thanks again.

Warbucks16

[rifle]

Just an idea.....maybe load .454 0r .457 lead round balls in those 45 cases. The balls would shoot lower I'd imagine. Speer loading manual lists loads for the balls. Light loads.

[Presidio]

Don't see why that wouldn't work...I ain't no expert on loading or anything like that...but I do have a box of .454 round balls for BP.  I might try to load up some and see what they do.

Supposing I could go ahead and load 25gr BP in the cartridges as well....