1858 New Model Army .38 special ??

[brudford]

 Just purchased a 1858 New Model Army in .38 Special with the 5.5" barrel . Plan to shoot BP . Have a RCBS 38 Special Cowboy mould .358 " . Will pan lube. Casting 20:1 alloy. I really do not want to resize the bullets. Anyone try shooting as cast in this replica pistol ? Thanks

[Blair]

brudford,

I know you said .38 Special, but, what is your "actual" bore dia. on this revolver?
.375 would put it at the actual size of the original "heel base" cartridge bullet design.
.357 would place it within the modern .38 Special dia. bullet.
Both are very important if you wish to maintain reasonable accuracy beyond 10 or 12 feet to the target.
Just a thought on my part.
My best,
Blair

[Scattered Thumbs]

@ bruford

Was that pistol made as a "conversion" from the get go, or was it converted?

If made originally as a cartridge gun the barrel ought to be in .38 SPL. specs (doesn't hurt to check) and your .358 bullets should be great even without resizing.

If it was converted from a cap % ball, your bullets are already undersized as Blair pointed out.

Bottom line. You better slug that barrel.

[Major 2]

"If" and I think he is talking about the Uberti Factory conversion ...
then as ST has suggested, your good to go with 38 Special ( I figure I need not say "no" +P rounds ) 

[brudford]

 Purchased from Buffalo Arms . Uberti, a replica of the 1858 conversions . I believe Remington actually manufactured pistols already as conversions from the factory, as well many of the 1858 cap/ball pistols had the conversions done to use cartridges . My pistol is a replica of the orignal factory conversion made that way by the factory. I just was wondering if anyone is casting their own .38 special bullets and need to resize first . I hate resizing any bullet . Thanks