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Cap and ball revolver question

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Hatchdog
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Cap and ball revolver question

Post by Hatchdog » Tue Feb 17, 2026 11:17 am

For those of you with cap and ball revolver knowledge here is a question. I have a bunch of .315 round balls I picked up for a failed project (see reloading for the story) I have always been interested in experimenting with a cap and ball revolver and thought about getting one to use up these round balls I have on hand. In looking online at 31 caliber revolvers I’m seeing they use balls in the .322 - .325 diameter. Not that 31 cal cap and ball revolvers are a dime a dozen out there does anybody know of something I can get that will shoot the .315 balls I have? Not really interested in a muzzle loading rifle or pistol but a revolver would be fun.

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Mags
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Re: Cap and ball revolver question

Post by Mags » Tue Feb 17, 2026 1:12 pm

Hatchdog wrote:
Tue Feb 17, 2026 11:17 am
For those of you with cap and ball revolver knowledge here is a question. I have a bunch of .315 round balls I picked up for a failed project (see reloading for the story) I have always been interested in experimenting with a cap and ball revolver and thought about getting one to use up these round balls I have on hand. In looking online at 31 caliber revolvers I’m seeing they use balls in the .322 - .325 diameter. Not that 31 cal cap and ball revolvers are a dime a dozen out there does anybody know of something I can get that will shoot the .315 balls I have? Not really interested in a muzzle loading rifle or pistol but a revolver would be fun.
How about these?
Common .31 Caliber Cap and Ball Revolvers:

Colt 1849 Pocket Model: A 5-shot or 6-shot revolver available in various barrel lengths, often with a stagecoach scene on the cylinder.
Uberti 1848 "Baby Dragoon": A pocket revolver with a forged steel frame, brass backstrap, and a 5-shot engraved cylinder.
Pietta 1863 Remington Pocket: A small cap-and-ball revolver, frequently used with .315 or .319 diameter balls.
North American Arms (NAA) Companion: A modern, tiny 5-shot .31 cap and ball mini-revolver.

Ammunition and Loading:

Ball Size: While the gun is often sold as ".31 caliber," a .315" diameter round ball is often recommended to ensure a tight fit (a "shaving" fit) when seating the ball, which provides a better seal against chain fires.
Other Options: In some instances, slightly larger .319" balls are required if the chambers are oversized, as reported by some users of the Pietta '63 Pocket.
Powder: These small revolvers are generally used for plinking and target practice with light black powder loads.
UPDATES: OR passes 114, "one of strictest gun control measures in U.S." https://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic. ... 34#p213234

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