Packman
Member
Hey folks,
So, my1858 Remington New Army was lonely. So, I figured it needed a friend, and an 1851 Confederate Navy Sheriff in 5 inch barrel with a brass frame came home a couple weeks back.
I opted for that one for a couple reasons. One, it's a different design, which I liked the idea of. Two, I liked the shorter barrel. Three, it was $150 from Cabelas, and I'm a poor college student. Cheap is good.
So, I took it to the range last week. Hopefully it'll go out again this Thursday.
Here's what I've noticed: Design-wise, the Remington is a WAY more advanced design. MUCH easier to disassemble, easier to load, stronger, etc. However, I was WAY more accurate with the short barrel on the 1851. At a guess, I'm attributing this to loads.
I'm shooting Pyrodex RS, FFg. I know, it's rifle powder. Don't harrass me. I have some issues with the local gunshop over my age. Walmart knows better, so I buy from them, even though they only stock the Rifle powder. It works well enough. Come November my problems with the gunshop are moot.
Anyway, I loaded the 1858 with 25 grains Pyrodex RS, lubed wad, .454 ball. Groups were in the 6-7 inch range at the 7 yard line.
I loaded the 1851 with 15 grains Pyrodex RS, then 15 grains cornmeal, lubed wad, .454 ball. Groups were more like 3-4 inches. Still not great, but better. However, this brings me to the point of my post. What loads would you guys recommend for this gun to bring accuracy up? Base all of this on Pyrodex RS. I know, not the best. It's what I can get right now, so it's what I'm going to use.
I'll post pics in a few minutes.
Thanks! Packman.
So, my1858 Remington New Army was lonely. So, I figured it needed a friend, and an 1851 Confederate Navy Sheriff in 5 inch barrel with a brass frame came home a couple weeks back.
I opted for that one for a couple reasons. One, it's a different design, which I liked the idea of. Two, I liked the shorter barrel. Three, it was $150 from Cabelas, and I'm a poor college student. Cheap is good.
So, I took it to the range last week. Hopefully it'll go out again this Thursday.
Here's what I've noticed: Design-wise, the Remington is a WAY more advanced design. MUCH easier to disassemble, easier to load, stronger, etc. However, I was WAY more accurate with the short barrel on the 1851. At a guess, I'm attributing this to loads.
I'm shooting Pyrodex RS, FFg. I know, it's rifle powder. Don't harrass me. I have some issues with the local gunshop over my age. Walmart knows better, so I buy from them, even though they only stock the Rifle powder. It works well enough. Come November my problems with the gunshop are moot.
Anyway, I loaded the 1858 with 25 grains Pyrodex RS, lubed wad, .454 ball. Groups were in the 6-7 inch range at the 7 yard line.
I loaded the 1851 with 15 grains Pyrodex RS, then 15 grains cornmeal, lubed wad, .454 ball. Groups were more like 3-4 inches. Still not great, but better. However, this brings me to the point of my post. What loads would you guys recommend for this gun to bring accuracy up? Base all of this on Pyrodex RS. I know, not the best. It's what I can get right now, so it's what I'm going to use.
I'll post pics in a few minutes.
Thanks! Packman.