cartridge conversions?

[db_tanker]

does anyone have any experience with the cartridge conversions on an 1851?

I have been looking at possibly getting a .36 caliber cap and ball and a conversion cylinder to run either 38 S&W Long or 38 Special with HBWC trailboss/bullseye loads.

I was curious if anyone has done this and how it has worked for them?

Pressure levels would stay at 12000 and below on the loads and only cast would be used naturally.


Thanks!

D

 

[Cincinnati Slim]

Cartridge Conversions

Howdy,

Don't have any experiance with the .36/.38 caliber conversions but I have a Pietta 1860 and a Pietta 1851 (historically incorrect .44 caliber) "OLD SILVER" w/a R&D and a Pietta Remmie 1858 w/a Kirst and all three work great w/ .45 Colt loads. Of course the bore dimentions between the .44/.45 are much closer. I have heard HBWC slugs work fine if you put enough powder under 'em to upset fully. I like Tripple-Seven because I get good power, smoke and accuracy and clean-up is quite easy. I toss in a "Wonder Wad" to take up a little space and keep the bore cleaner. In .38 ya probably wouldn't have to bother with the wad. Just fill up the case and seat a bullet and away you go.

I bet if you're reloading you'll be able to come up with something workable.

Happy Trails

Cincinnati Slim

 

[db_tanker]

great.

I kinda wavered between the 44's and the 36's...but then I am already set up to load for the 38 special and have more cast bullets in that size than I could ever know what to do with.


Thanks Slim.


D

 

[sjohns]

I've done it with an R&D gated kit. Be sure to use loctite on the screw that holds the gate on.

The screw head is located on the forward side of the recoil plate and when it works loose, it blocks the action by having the brass catch on it. They really should have located it on the rearward side.

Other than that, I can't see how it would give you any problems. Mine's right here under the desk I sit at.

I would suggest one of Kirst's ejector assemblies. I used colt parts and had to do some drilling where the fulcrum screw would be for the loading lever.
Kirst parts fit the slot and use the original screw with no modifications as far as I can tell. I think its simply a "bolt on". But I am not 100% sure about that.

 

[Old Dragoon]

With the 36 Cal Bp pistols it is reccomended that you use a hollow base Heeled bullet. You can get them from Old West Moulds Bernie Knowles, at [email protected]. He doesn't have a website yet.
I use/have used both the Kirst and the R & D conversion in my Remy repro's and have an R & D 44 Rem/Colt C.F. cylinder in an original Remy New Model Army and it rocks. The bullets I use are outside lubed heeled with .451 drive bands and with 28 grns Bp it is very accurate. I buy them from Bernie. He has the Conversion cylinders too.