Colt '51 Loads...

[Whitehair]

How hot can I (safetly) load my Colt '51?
I heard 30 grains...but Id like to know for sure before I do something stupid...
Eventually Id like to take a deer (or head shot hog) with it, assuming I can get 30-40 grains in her...

(BTW- Its a .44 Brass Framed Traditions)
Thanks guys..

[lil_hunter12]

i have the same gun from cabelas. u can get up to 40 grains in it but its a tight fit. 28 grains tho is all thats needed for 75 yard coyotes assuming ur using pyrodex p or rs and a .451 ball.im taking myn as a backup for deer this year.

[Gatofeo]

I had an unauthentic copy of the Colt 1851 Navy in .44 caliber many years ago. The most I could get into it was about 30 grains. The cylinder is smaller than the other .44 calibers and each chamber won't hold as much.
Perhaps there are .44 caliber 1851 out there that will hold 40 grains, but I've never seen or heard of one.
Brass-framed revolvers are not able to withstand the higher pressures as well as their steel-framed counterparts. So, don't load maximum loads in it as a steady practice.
Check your game laws before you hunt deer with that revolver. A minimum power level may be required for deer. Your revolver may not reach that level.

[Whitehair]

Thanks alot guys...

[lil_hunter12]

i have a .44caliber '51 navy pietta that can handle 36-38 grains.but i use pyrodex rs so its more mild

[lefty red]

Going the other way.....

I have a brass frame '51 in 36 cal.  With 10 grains of fff, wonderwad, and lead rb, POA/POI at 25 yards.  Small game getter.

Lefty