I recently purchased (from Cabellas) a Pietta .44 cal 1851 Confederate Navy, brass frame. I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet, but I love it already.
But, I have a question.
Why is it better to use .454 than .451? If you shave some lead when loading, aren't both going to end up the same diameter, and you're just taking off more of the .454 than you are .451?
I was recently at Gander Mountain and all they had was .451, so, although I was looking for .454, I bought some of what they had? Should I look for the larger ball and will it make that much difference.
I know, from what I've read, that either should work, maybe one a bit better than the other, I just don't understand why there is a difference -- if they're both shaving a ring of lead.
Also, anyone own one of the brass frames? What load do you use. From what I've read, somewhere around 20 grains sounds about right, but I believe the instructions that came with the gun said no more than 25. I don't want to put too much in and weaken the gun too soon.
Thanks in advance for any help.