BPNOOB
32 Cal
I ordered .375 balls for my 1851 .36, which are too small as they drop right into the chambers. I assume I need .380, but is it really dangerous to shoot using them?
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Too small balls
- Thread starter BPNOOB
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That does not sound right. .375 drops into the chamber without any resistance?
100% certain you have a .36 and not a .44? I load .451 roundball into my .44 and it shaves lead from the ball.
100% certain you have a .36 and not a .44? I load .451 roundball into my .44 and it shaves lead from the ball.
BPNOOB
32 Cal
Absolutely certain it’s .36. It’s an older ASP made one, perhaps that explains it
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Gtrubicon
50 Cal.
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Can you measure the cylinders? It’s possible someone may have reamed the cylinders larger for uniformity.
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If you have a set of calipers, check each chamber. Or maybe you have a friend who owns calipers? Last resort, a machine shop close to you. Maybe ask if they will measure the chambers for you. They just might do that for free but even if you have to pay, it's still worth it. You will have a definite answer.
I was using .380's in a Uberti London Navy I had.
Need to measure the diameter of your cylinder throats to be sure.
Need to measure the diameter of your cylinder throats to be sure.
BPNOOB
32 Cal
Reading other threads, I’m getting that pietta takes .375 and uberti takes .380 and ASP/Euroarms are closer to uberti. The balls are loose in the chambers, but too big to fit in barrel. I’m looking for my calipers now
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Measure all 6 chambers. They may vary in size. Use the largest size chamber to establish the size of the roundball needed.
BPNOOB
32 Cal
All chambers read .37
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Knowing the size to that third decimal would really be nice.
You should be ok with a .380.
You should be ok with a .380.
BPNOOB
32 Cal
All chambers read .37, so...I need .380 balls?
If a .380 doesn't shave a ring, I would definitely use an OP wad to discourage a chain fire.
BPNOOB
32 Cal
OP wad? I have lubed wads
yup use your lubed wads as an OP wad. Over Powder. powder, wad, ball, grease if you please.
But if your .375” balls just drop into .370” chambers, something doesn’t compute. 375”>.370”
Are you sure the balls are .375”? Did you measure them?
If your calipers are even slightly canted, or not exactly crossing the centers of the chamber mouths, or if the caliper jaws are anything other than a knife edge, you will get an undersized measure. You need to either slug the chambers and the bore of your revolver, or (better) have a machinist measure them with pin gauges.
Please get accurate measurements and report back.
Notchy Bob
Are you sure the balls are .375”? Did you measure them?
If your calipers are even slightly canted, or not exactly crossing the centers of the chamber mouths, or if the caliper jaws are anything other than a knife edge, you will get an undersized measure. You need to either slug the chambers and the bore of your revolver, or (better) have a machinist measure them with pin gauges.
Please get accurate measurements and report back.
Notchy Bob
@Notchy Bob I might be wrong, but it looks like his calipers only measure to the hundredth.
That would mean his chambers could be .379 down to .376, assuming that the .375 ball measures .375.
That would mean his chambers could be .379 down to .376, assuming that the .375 ball measures .375.
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Because your caliper only measures to the 0.01", you could have a cylinder of 0.374" and your caliper will give a misleading result. The answer is, "Yes, you need 0.380" diameter balls".
Also, get a vernier caliper that can provide readings to 0.001".
BPNOOB
32 Cal
Using the same calipers, ball measures .36, I’m looking for my good calipers. We just moved here, so they’re still in a box and idk if I can find them. Just ordered some .380s
ROA457
36 Cl.
My wife’s Uberti takes a 380 ball, cylinders measured 378. You need a ball gauge to accurately measure inside the chamber, the flats on the calibres give a false reading.
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