Big Sarge Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 I picked up a pair of used 1851 Navies (steel frame) with 5 inch barrels. They are used and I have had to work some "kinks" out of them. I finally got them in shooting condition and I'm having problems with shot grouping. Revolver #1 places all of its rounds in a group the size of your fist at 15 yards. Revolver #2 produces groups the size of a bushel basket. I'm shooting FFF Goex and a .375 ball. I've tried altering powder charge, using a lube patch under the ball, and lubing over the ball. Right now, I'm using my own lube that is beeswax, Crisco, a tad of MM oil. Oh, I've checked the barrel. No defects in the rifling and the crown is good. I'm convinced this must be something to do with my lube. Here's my question: Do you think if I switch to Preparation H it will shrink?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stubborn Dutchman, SASS # 61363 Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 Slug the barrels to see what the real bore sizes are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noz Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 I'd go with the Preparation H. Then I make sure that the barrel is snug on the offending gun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knarley Bob Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 Does one of the hammers have a lot of play? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guitar_slinger Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 In addition to slugging the barrels, slug the cylinder throats. If your cylinders are smaller diameter than the barrel, you'll have problems like you mentioned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Springfield Slim SASS #24733 Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 The cylinders are almost always smaller, and yet most work fine. Might be nice to know how much difference, though. How much lead is shaved off when seating the balls? Maybe some .380 balls would work better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noz Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 Assuming that you are shooting dead soft balls, the cylinder chambers can be several thousands smaller than the barrel and still be OK. The soft balls will "bump up" when they enter the barrel. If you are shooting a "bullet alloy" that is somewhat harder then the relationship between the chambers and the barrel becomes more significant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Sarge Posted July 3, 2014 Author Share Posted July 3, 2014 Oh me, pards. I'm embarrassed. It was a joke about using Preparation H as a lube. Sorry. As for the pistols, I really am having problems but I'm simply trying to get them ready to convert to .41 Colt. I think my problem with revolver 2 will likely be fixed with a new barrel wedge. Tip of the hat to Noz. I don't know why I hadn't thought about that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.