Rem. .36 cal. ballistics?

[Rebel-1]

Getting a '58 Remmy in .36. What kinda velocities can be obtained with one of them and how much powder will they hold? Will it equal a .38 Spl. in energy? Always had .44 Rems so don't know much about the .36. Do those of you who have them like them? Are they accurate shooters? Any info appreciated. Thanks.

[Flint]

The ballistics of the 44 are more like the 38 special, because of the weight of the round ball.  The round ball weight of the 36 is too light to ever equal a 38 Special at the velocities that BP can generate.  Lyman's Blackpowder handbook lists different revolvers and loads with velocities using different brands of powder.

However, the pure lead round ball is more effective a man-stopper than the ballistics figures would lead you to believe, they were quite effective.  It is also written that Civil War soldiers considered a loose powder and round ball load more effective than the conical bullet load in the issued paper cartidges.

[Rebel-1]

Thanks Flint. Have any idea as to the velocity of the .36 rd ball?

[Gatofeo]

Here's what I've found with my Pietta-made Remington .36:

.380 swaged lead ball, 80 grains
Goex FFFG - 28.0 grains
Greased 1/8-inch felt wad seated firmly on top of powder
Wad lubricant is "Gatofeo No. 1 Lubricant," consisting of a mix of mutton tallow, canning paraffin and beeswax.
Remington No. 11 cap
Velocity ran just over 900 feet per second from the .36's 6-1/2 inch barrel.
Combustion is aided, I believe, by the use of the oversized ball and the greased felt wad. There is certainly much less bore fouling when both are used, in all my .36s.

[Rebel-1]

Thanks Gato, i was hoping you would chime in here. I should be getting the .36 Wed. or Thurs. Hope it isn't raining then so i can get out and try it out. Don't figure i will keep it unless it is an exceptionally good shooter, as i like the .44 cal.'s. I am also getting a .44 cal. Remmy with it from the fella as part of a trade we did. So will want to get out and try them both. They will have to be good shooters to out-do the '51 Navy .44 i am using now though. And yea i know, The '51 Navy didn't come in .44, but they do now, and i like that cal. better.

[Gatofeo]

The first cap and ball revolver I had was a reproduction of the 1851 Navy in .44 caliber. Brass frame, no less. Bought it in 1970 for, as I recall, around $40.
So, I don't have strong feelings against unauthentic cap and balls. After all, the .36 Remington with target sights I just bought is hardly authentic.
Whatever rams your balls .. 

[Rebel-1]

This one has a brass frame as well. Being sold right now by Cabelas for $119.99 plus you get another instant $20 off until 1-11-10 so they are only $99.99 + about $15 shipping. I bought 3 of them so far and sold 1 already locally. They also have the steel framed 1860 Army and 1858 Remington on sale for $189.99 with the same $20 so $169 + shipping. So anyone looking for a good deal one a C&B revolver, now may be the time.
I shot a 5 shot group with the '51 today of just over 1 1/2" at 18 yds. Good shooters