Bp pistol ball in a bp rifle?

[Pdheald]

I have a black powder Remington 1858 clone in 45 cal. I normally use .454 pure lead balls in it. I know they leave a ring of lead around each cylinder as I seat them.
My question is could I use the same balls in a .45 cal bp rifle as well? And if so what do I use to start them since it will take some force to shave the ball down to .450 cal. And do I still need to use a patch? Any help would be appreciated
Thank you

[1gewehr]

Generally, rifles are designed to either use a Minie ball (hollow base bullet) or a patch around a round ball.  In both cases, the actual projectile is very slightly smaller than the bore.  Forcing an oversize round ball down a rifle barrel sounds like a project in itself.  I doubt that you would be able to over-pressure a modern steel barrel, but the leading might build up pretty rapidly.

 

I'd stick with whatever bullet the rifle was designed for.  Casting bullets is really easy, and Dixie has inexpensive molds for any kind of bullet you can think of. 

The old round ball and patch guys use a bullet starter to get it started without breaking ramrods.  It's usually just a wooden ball with a short stub of rod that let's you get the ball far enough to cut the patch.  Then it has a slightly longer section of rod to let you get the ball down the barrel far enough to use the ramrod without breaking it.

 

I started using round balls in my revolvers, too.  I now use a Dixie mold to cast real bullets.  Much more accurate and powerful.

[Omega]

You can use it but it will leave lead in your barrel.  My advice is to use a patch with a starter like this one: http://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/t-c-arms-range-rod-combo-kit?a=275582.  They are also available at some Wal-Marts. You would be better off using a sabot bullet though, or Minié ball (conical bullet), for better distance and accuracy.

[Pdheald]

Could I use the same conical bullet in my pistol as well? I am trying to only have one projectile to keep up with for both guns. And if I used it in the pistol would I have to patch it as well since they are smaller and would not create the tight seal like the oversized balls do

[Omega]

Could I use the same conical bullet in my pistol as well? I am trying to only have one projectile to keep up with for both guns. And if I used it in the pistol would I have to patch it as well since they are smaller and would not create the tight seal like the oversized balls do

Well, maybe.  Some pistols will accept conicals while others can't due to length ie weight, of the bullet and space between cylinder and forcing cone.  Do a search with your model and see if any out there are using a conical and what they are loading it with.  I am looking to try and PC mine to see if i can do away with the patch.  If you cast your own get a Lee double mold with RB and conical, so you can try and throw a RB or conical that both will like.  

[Handsome Rob]

Proper muzzleloading rifle or modern inline?
In a side lock, you'll need a .440 or .439 ball & patch. Usually .015 or .018 thickness.
If it's a modern inline, you're on your own. I have zero experience there!

[gregintenn]

I too think a pure lead ball, aside from being the devil to get started, would lead the crap out of your barrel at rifle velocities. They've been doing it for over 200 years; just use a .430 ball and patch.

[Pdheald]

It is a Spanish kit that some one put together and is now at our shop. It looks like a Kentucky rifle. The sights suck but I think it would be lots of fun to have. But I already have a Remington 1858 in 44 cal that really likes .454 pure led balls. I was looking for something that would let me shoot the same balls in each but I just don't think this would work then. Or maybe is there a way to swag down a ball a bit so it will fit in the rifle and not be an issue to load but so I could still use the same balls that I already have for the pistole?

[gregintenn]

I'm not sure how one would swage a ball. :ugh:  It ain't that big a deal to buy another box of balls.

Edited January 25, 2015 by gregintenn