Conversion cylinder

[pistol1911]

I ordered a Howell cylinder from Midway for my Pietta 1860 ARMY. When it arrived it dropped right in and the timing was perfect. I haven't shot it as I have no ammo. I have no brass or bullets for 45 Colt.  I will get what is needed,

[Lefty Dude]

You will find the 45 Schofield functions and works very well in cartridge conversions. No fillers or wads needed, fill the case with black powder with a little powder compression , seat the 200 gr pill and have a marvelous time.

The shorter 45 S&W case will be more efficient for reduced smokeless loads also.

[pistol1911]

Thanks for the info. I ordered a box of Schofields from Midway.

[Coffinmaker]

Lefty is a Masochist.  Inflicting pain and torture.  160Gr bullets.  Nice light manageable recoil.  I've been known to use 454 Ball too.  Soft.
I'm a WIMP!! 

Coffinmaker

[Lefty Dude]

Actually, I use a 200 gr. Conical bullet from my Lee Mold. They drop from the mold at .451". They are used in my 1860 Thuer 45 conversion.

[pistol1911]

I went to the range to sight in a couple of 22 rifles. While there I shot 5 rounds of 45 Schofields .I managed to keep all 5 rounds in the black of a 25 yard NRA bullseye target. I am pleased with the conversion unit.

[45 Dragoon]

Howd ya only shoot 5?

Them things are like tater chips !!!!

Mike
www,goonsgunworks.com


All mine have 250gr slugs innum.

[Good Troy]

I've been known to use 454 Ball too.  Soft.

Coffinmaker,
Do you use the ball in a Schofield or Colt case?
I'm curious to try a round ball in a cartridge, and would like some advice for a starting point.
I have both types of brass, and currently shoot BP under 200 grain RNFP.

[Jake C]

Coffinmaker,
Do you use the ball in a Schofield or Colt case?
I'm curious to try a round ball in a cartridge, and would like some advice for a starting point.
I have both types of brass, and currently shoot BP under 200 grain RNFP.

I've used .454 round ball in my .45 Colt cases, with a 2F sub (alliant Black MZ). Recoil was very pleasant, accurarcy was okay for plinking. Certainly fun to do and worth a try. Just my two cents.

[Good Troy]

Thanks Trum4m....
I assume you seat to mid-point.  How do you seat and crimp?  That is what die, if any do you use?

[Major 2]

Do I understand you correctly ...
a live, primed cartridge , BP & press in a round ball and you seat  " with a rubber mallet (very light taps on a flat surface)  " ?





"...Cage goes in the water, you go in the water. Shark's in the water. Our Shark ! " ?

"Farewell and adieu to you, fair Spanish ladies. Farewell and adieu, you ladies of Spain. For we've received orders for to sail back to Boston. And so nevermore shall we see you again."

[Good Troy]

I will find a better (safer) way to seat the bullet before I give it a try!

[Jake C]

Do I understand you correctly ...
a live, primed cartridge , BP & press in a round ball and you seat  " with a rubber mallet (very light taps on a flat surface) "





"...Cage goes in the water, you go in the water. Shark's in the water. Our Shark ! "

"Farewell and adieu to you, fair Spanish ladies. Farewell and adieu, you ladies of Spain. For we've received orders for to sail back to Boston. And so nevermore shall we see you again."

My bad, I didn't say that quite correctly. I hold the round up and press it in, the rubber being the flat surface. The primer is never in contact with a surface. I'm not the smartest person but even I know that's a risk not to take.

I have removed my earlier comments, don't want anyone else to misread that. Yikes!

[Bishop Creek]

I load a .454 round ball into a Schofield case with my Lee Turret press and a light crimp. Put a Wonder Wad under the ball for lube on top of 2F Goex. Lots of fun to shoot and pretty darn accurate.

[Coffinmaker]

WOW!!  I just got back to this thread and saw someone asked me a question.  Just thought I'd stop for a minute and answer it.

When I shoot suppositories (er ...... cartridges) in my conversion cylinders, I load on a Dillon 650.  Wonder of wonders, My seater die, set up for massive 160Gr RNFP (I'm a Gamer) seats a 454 Round Ball exactly at the equator of the ball.  Separate crimper die puts a nice tight crimp right there too.  I also only shoot Cowboy 45 Special cases.  If you look at Bishop Creek's photo, datz what mine looks like too, only a whole lot shorter (same length as 45 ACP).  I don't even change the powder charge.
I shoot APP, which eliminates the need for any sort of "lube."  Just stuff in the ball and go.  Makes up a really nice light load.  My other load is a special .45 Hollow Base Wadcutter called a "Barnstormer."  Bullet designed by Adirondack Jack.  Weighs 130Gr.  When I run out of em, Round Ball R Us 

[Good Troy]

Bishop Creek and Coffinmaker...
Thanks for the information!  I'll probably load some Schofield for a trial run at the range this weekend.

BTW...excellent photo!

[Bruce W Sims]

Do I understand you correctly ...
a live, primed cartridge , BP & press in a round ball and you seat  " with a rubber mallet (very light taps on a flat surface) " ?

"...Cage goes in the water, you go in the water. Shark's in the water. Our Shark ! " ?

"Farewell and adieu to you, fair Spanish ladies. Farewell and adieu, you ladies of Spain. For we've received orders for to sail back to Boston. And so nevermore shall we see you again."

Seems like it would make more sense to point the round downward and strike the cartridge from behind. That way its a flat surface
of the cartridge mating with the flat surface of the hammer face. Matched-up just right there should be little chance of setting-off the primer........

......with tongue planted firmly in cheek.....  

Best Wishes,

Bruce

[Good Troy]

Bishop Creek...
I loaded some 451 round balls in Schofield brass with 25 grains Goex (I don't recall if it was 2 or 3F, I'll have to check my loading notes).  It was a pleasure to shoot.  I too was surprised at the accuracy out of my SAA clones! 

I was concerned about powder contamination from the Wonderwad, but even after 3 weeks (stored in A/C), I had no issues.

This looks like this load will be on my reloading menu for good!

[Lefty Dude]

Bishop Creek...
I loaded some 451 round balls in Schofield brass with 25 grains Goex (I don't recall if it was 2 or 3F, I'll have to check my loading notes).  It was a pleasure to shoot.  I too was surprised at the accuracy out of my SAA clones! 

I was concerned about powder contamination from the Wonderwad, but even after 3 weeks (stored in A/C), I had no issues.

This looks like this load will be on my reloading menu for good!

For a smokeless load try your RB 451 with 3 grains of Trail Boss, fun shootin load indeed.

[Good Troy]

fun shootin load indeed.

I bet it is!  This is about the amount of TB that I use on 158 gr bullets in 38 Special loads for my wife! (And for me, too when I go without smoking)...