Correct ball diameter

[LONGTOM]

I have an reproduction 1849 Baby Dragoon in 31 cal.
The cylinder mouths mike at a consistiant .317.
What would be the correct diameter ball to use in this gun?



LONGTOM

[Fingers McGee]

.319 would be appropriate.

[LONGTOM]

Thanks!
I was thinking along that line also.
Now, does anyone make .319 balls?

Track of the wolf has them listed but it says a very long wait.



LONGTOM

[Flint]

Single 0  Buckshot if you can find it, is .32 diameter.

[Fingers McGee]

Log Cabin Sport shop has em.

[LONGTOM]

Yes they do, $8.95 a 100 cast


Thanks
LONGTOM

[jlchucker]

When I had a baby dragoon I used single 0 buckshot in it almost exclusively.  A 5 pound bag, if you can find it, lasts quite a while.  They are uniformly round swage in nice, and in my experience, shot really well.  Back in the mid 1970's, you could order Remington brand buckshot from Dixie Gun Works.  I haven't seen their catalog for a few years now, so I don't know if they still carry bags of buckshot.  Another good size is 000 buck--it's .380 diameter and works very well in Navy Colt repros. 

[gcrank1]

Track of the Wolf had buckshot a while back, and the price is lots better than buying per 100. The sizes vary a bit more and buck is harder. You can soften them in an oven. Maybe wait until the wife is gone though (how would I know).
The short little loading rod won't load a ball too much oversize very well. I tried .321 in a pocket Rem that had .318 throats and it was tough.