1861 navy

[castnblast]

Hey all im an new to the site and i was wonder who makes the 1851 navys? Are the tradions ones any good? And my last question is wat are some good starting loads just to begin with? Thank you guys a million 

[gonzales]

Good Morning,

I don't know much about cap and ball pistols as the '58 Rem I posted is my first. I can tell you to be sure that whatever style of cap and ball revolver you get make sure it is a STEEL FRAMED model. Much stronger and lasts longer according to my informed friends and Dixie Gun Works.

[Dryball]

Most 1851 Navy's are made by Pietta and Uberti. My personal preference is Pietta because the Uberti's I've owned have all been prone to cap's jamming the action due to the hammer spring being too weak. I believe the Traditions ones are made by Pietta.

Ned

[BossHoss]

I believe the Traditions ones are made by Pietta.

Also gud advice on steel frames 

Yup- Also dont pass a gud deal on a CVA 

[old salt]

With a black powder hand gun muzzleloaders or C&B. I start with one half the caliber as the powder charge and then work up or down to find out what that particular gun like best and give the best accurate load. That is just me, others may have a better way of doing it

[Razor]

Uberti and Pietta are the two main suppliers
My Traditions 1851's were made by Pietta 
Uberti has the prettier finish/bluing, but Pietta's is very good also..
Pietta's mechanics ...fit of metal ...barrel & frame lineup...is generally closer/finer than Uberti's...
Colt 2nd generations are priced out of sight...
Traditions recommeds 18 - 20 grs of 3f...for a 44..for a start..
Mine run best with about 25grs GOEX 3f..
I've run up to 30 grs 3f...in Pietta 1851 & 1860...(both Traditions guns) (both in .44)
BLACK POWDER runs best... more ooopmh !  faster ignition..
Substitute powders may burn some cleaner, but there is a definate delay..
I love REMINGTON caps....CCI's are  doo-doo in my Cap & balls...
CCI's run good in rifles but not in my revolvers.
Try different caps...you'll notice a BIG difference  ...REMS are the best.
HTH

[castnblast]

What makes the brass frames bad?

[old salt]

Over time a brass frame will stretch especially if you use a heavy powder charge

[castnblast]

oh wow thanks salt, i never woulda guessed

[Smokin_Gun]

What I read is sound advise but it all depends on how you treat um...a 15gr load in a 36 brass Colt will last 25 years and still be it fittin' shape...shoot 25gr in um all the time will decrease life expectancy. There's nothin' bad about a Brass frame revolver!
Get a steel one and a brass one ... I think the Southern Brass look is prettier that a speckled blue tick pup. :O)

SG

[Spitunia]

On open top brass frames the threads for the center pin loosens up. Don't know that 44's do it more than 36's but I'd expect it's so...same frame just more stresses imparted to the threaded joint.

[madcratebuilder]

What I read is sound advise but it all depends on how you treat um...a 15gr load in a 36 brass Colt will last 25 years and still be it fittin' shape...shoot 25gr in um all the time will decrease life expectancy. There's nothin' bad about a Brass frame revolver!
Get a steel one and a brass one ... I think the Southern Brass look is prettier that a speckled blue tick pup. :O)

SG

I agree, unless you abuse a brass frame revolver it well have a long life, open top or not save the heavy loads for your Walker, they aren't heavy then.