Author Topic: Reloads for conversion cylinders  (Read 319 times)

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Offline Rebel-1

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Reloads for conversion cylinders
« on: April 01, 2008, 06:10:58 PM »
I just got an R&D .45 long colt conversion cylinder for my Pietta 1858 Remington. They are supposed to be safe with smokeless cowboy loads or equivalent. Do any of you reload for them and if so what loads do you use? I was thinking of using Unique, but was told Blue Dot may be better. Any thoughts. Any safe starting loads. Any info appreciated. Thanks.

Offline LaOtto222

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Re: Reloads for conversion cylinders
« Reply #1 on: April 02, 2008, 12:07:04 AM »
I do not have a conversion cylinder for a black powder gun. I would definitely use only lead or cast bullets and keep the pressures LOW. I think that 6.0 grains of Unique under a 250 grain bullet should be safe. It would give you some where around 600 fps out of a 7 1/2" barrel. Do not use jacketed bullets, it takes too much pressure to get them reliably down the barrel. 9.0 grains will push it up to around 875 fps, but that may be pushing it a little.  This data is out of Lyman's reloading book. Speer has Cowboy action loads - 230 grain lead bullet and 7.8 grains of Unique will get you 800 fps out of 5.5" barrel. That is a starting load. I would not go over that in an old Remington design. Speer does not list Blue Dot at all for their loads, so I would stay away from it. Bullseye is another possibility - use 5.0 grains under a 230 grain bullet for 700 fps in a 5.5" barrel. These are starting loads in the Speer 14th manual. You can always shoot black powder in these too with a lead bullet of course. Good Luck and good shooting.
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Offline Rebel-1

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Re: Reloads for conversion cylinders
« Reply #2 on: April 02, 2008, 06:01:27 AM »
Thanks for the reply. These things sound like they could be fun. I knew that i would have to use lead bullets. I plan to cast my own for it. Should be interesting. Take care.

Offline AtlLaw

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Re: Reloads for conversion cylinders
« Reply #3 on: April 02, 2008, 06:10:40 AM »
I just got an R&D .45 long colt conversion cylinder for my Pietta 1858 Remington. <snip>

How about giving us a (detailed) product report on that cylinder after you have a chance to use it for a bit?  I've always been intrigued by them (I think the precussion revolvers are way more cool looking then the SAA and with a contained cartridge cylinder they would be much more shooter friendly!) but have never known anyone who actually had one.
Richard
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Offline Rebel-1

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Re: Reloads for conversion cylinders
« Reply #4 on: April 02, 2008, 06:27:19 AM »
Sure thing. I am waiting for the rest of the reloading stuff to get here for it, and i may have to send the revolver and cylinder to Taylors to have the cylinder fitted some. It dropped right in my Pietta and functions fine except the bolt does lock the cylinder completely. I think it would work ok, but would rather Know it will.