Traditional Muzzleloading Association

Shooting Traditional Firearms and Weapons => General Interest => Topic started by: Sean McKown on May 11, 2012, 07:52:30 AM

Title: 1860 army
Post by: Sean McKown on May 11, 2012, 07:52:30 AM

I had a pietta 1860 army .44 follow me home last night!  anybody have any pet loads, that I might try as a starting point?  Hopefully will get some range time this weekend!!

Title: Re: 1860 army
Post by: Andy54Hawken on May 11, 2012, 08:08:03 AM

Hey Sean,
I like to use 22-25 grains of 3F and .451-.454 round ball.
The 1860 Army is my favorite cab and ball revolver, I hope you enjoy yours.
Andy

Title: Re: 1860 army
Post by: greyhunter on May 11, 2012, 09:34:10 AM

Hi Sean, I have a pietta also. 30 gr fffg, wonder wad, .454 round ball. If I don't have a felt wad to put over the pwdr, I use wonder lube or crisco over the ball, I have never been convinced that a chain fire occurs because there is no seal over the ball. A proper sized ball  will seal the chamber, however an adjacent cap that falls off, can be a problem! If you have a misfire, be sure to check that the ball did not move before your rack up the next cylinder and fire. Good, accurate pistol, and loads of fun to shoot. Enjoy!  

Title: Re: 1860 army
Post by: R.M. on May 11, 2012, 09:56:24 AM

Is it a brass frame or steel. The brass frames can't handle heavier charges for very long.

Title: Re: 1860 army
Post by: Bigsmoke on May 11, 2012, 10:41:46 AM

Hey Sean,
That 1860 is a sweet pistol.  I really like the looks of it, the 1861 Navy and the 1862 Police.  By this time, ol' Sam really had his act together and was producing mighty fine pistolas.
I would agree with the previous posts, that lighter loads will work better and more accurately than the heavier loads.  I would start with 20 grains and work up from there.  I would also think that using a filler between the powder and the ball to raise the placement of the ball in the chamber would be a good thing to do if you are shooting for accuracy and not just making smoke and noise.
I think Greyhunter has a good point about using a wad if possible and if not, greasing over the top of the ball.  Like him, I do not think it has anything to do with preventing chain fires, but it will keep the fouling softer.  I prefer the wad to the grease, as it is a lot less messy.
I always pinch the caps just a bit to make sure they stay placed on the nipples.
Enjoy.  Let us know how it treats you.
John

Title: Re: 1860 army
Post by: snake eyes on May 15, 2012, 07:12:50 AM

Sean,
        I don't shoot anymore than 25, 3fff in any of my .44 brassers with a .454 RB.I have
used .451.But the .454 shoots just a tad better than the .451.But I would not hesitate to shoot either.MHO
John

Title: Re: 1860 army
Post by: snake eyes on June 12, 2012, 07:58:09 AM

Sean,
       You shot that 60army yet????