proper bullet for .36 revolver.

[Richard Schimenti]

I have an older FIE .36 cal revoler that i would like to shoot, just to see how it prints on paper.

I believe the proper bullet would be a .375 diameter, but i tried one ball and it was a very tight fit that would require shaving some lead when loaded. I also tried a .360 but was too loose.

I do not have access to any FIE information books so i am wondering if anyone has loaded and live fired the revolver and what bullet dia. was used.

[GaWildcat]

IIRC the last time I shot my Navy Arms Reb some oh what, 15 years ago... It took a .375 ball, and yes it shaved down as it was rammed into the cylinder.. shot good though from what I recall.

[Curt-Heinrich Schmidt]

Hallo!

Ideally, a .375 or a .376 should work well.

By design, it was intended that the ball or conical be slightly oversized in the cylinder chamber to prevent chain-fires. The ball "blocks" the chamber.

When it comes to the reproductions, "specs" will vary slightly from company to company, gun to gun, and even on the same revolver not all six or five chambers will mike out to the same.

Again, ideally, I would measure the mouth of the chambers. If one does not have a micrometer, perhaps a relative or friend with one can help out. Or a visit to a gunshop/gunsmith.

Of course, I do not have the revolver in hand to check as to what "very tight" actually is. One wants a firm fit with a little shaving or less, but not enough to break the loading lever, distort the ball/conical, or shave "too much" of the ball away.

Unless the chambers are radically undersized, a .375 ball sounds about "right."

CHS

[Poor Private]

You want your ball to be shaved. It should make a nice ring. Shaving the ball helps to seal the chamber. You want the chamber to be sealed so that you do not have cross fire from another chamber, and also creep. Is the pistol brass or steel framed? why you ask? because brass takes a lighter load of 3f powder than does steel.
If you wish to learn more about "live" firing your pistol or any other Black powder weapon I would suggest you come and take a look at this forum. www.muzzleloadingforum.com
There your questions about firing your revolver can be answered and many more.

[Richard Schimenti]

Gentlemen, thank you all for your help !

[Poor Private]

I try my best to gelp a fella Raider.