What size balls for an 1860

[double bogey]

I have a CVA 1860 from the mid 1980's. It was my fathers, he has passed and I would like to shoot it but don't know what size balls to get.

 

[Smokepole14]

Depends on caliber for 44, .451 .454 or .457 for 36 caliber .375 .380
I assume yours is in 44

 

[Ifishsum]

.454 is probably the most common size for .44 repros, so I'd try those first. You want them large enough to shave a ring of lead off the sides when you ram them into the cylinder. If the .454s go in too easy and don't shave a complete ring, you should use the .457s; if they seem way too big try the .451s.

 

[Fingers McGee]

What Ifishsum said. Other than my ROAs, I use .454s in all my .44 cal percussion revolvers.

 

[double bogey]

Thanks, I'll pick up some .454's tomorrow.

 

[Gatofeo]

Go with .454s. It's all I've used for decades. Simplifies things to have one size ball for my .44s.
I don't own a Ruger Old Army, or I'd be using .457 balls, or casting my own of around .460 inch.
For my Remington and Colt repros, .454 works fine.