copyright William Marion 2008
Black Powder Revolver
The Online Magazine and Resource for Black Powder Revolvers
May 2006 Edition
Page 3
Conical versus Round Ball
While purists like me prefer shooting only period shot such as round ball, I was compelled (actually forced is more accurate) to try the conical bullets from one of our advertisers. I know that the aerodynamics and ballistics of a conical bullet are better, but I was not convinced that there was a marked difference at the close ranges I normally shoot at. So to settle this issue, we grabbed my Remington New Model Army replica and headed off to the local range.
To try to keep all things equal, we used Pyrodex pellets and a lubricated felt wad with both the round ball and the conical bullet. The totally unscientific test was to fire 6 rounds of each at a 30 foot target and compare the result. While it would have been better to clamp or fix mount the Remington, we just relied on our superior shooting skills.
First up was the round ball. For the .44 cal I use a .451 round ball. A nice tight fit that works well in this revolver. Of the six rounds only one shot was out of a nice tight grouping. This was blamed on being hit by a hot shell casing from the shooter next to us
To try to keep all things equal, we used Pyrodex pellets and a lubricated felt wad with both the round ball and the conical bullet. The totally unscientific test was to fire 6 rounds of each at a 30 foot target and compare the result. While it would have been better to clamp or fix mount the Remington, we just relied on our superior shooting skills.
First up was the round ball. For the .44 cal I use a .451 round ball. A nice tight fit that works well in this revolver. Of the six rounds only one shot was out of a nice tight grouping. This was blamed on being hit by a hot shell casing from the shooter next to us
On to the conicals. We had a .44/200 grain conical. It was a bit tight getting it started in the cylinder due to the increased length of the bullet and the need to line it up correctly with the cylinder and loading lever. One concern was that the bullet was fully seated. The bullet felt like it had contacted the pellet and was below (just below) the lip of the cylinder. We half cocked the revolver and made sure the cylinder rotated freely.
Our expert shooter then fired off 6 rounds at a new target at the 30 foot line. Seems that the hot shell casing excuse needed to be used again as you can see from the pictures. While I hate to admit it, it appears that the conical bullets even at close range are more accurate than round ball. It does take a bit more finesse to load them, but if you are looking for results, go conical. Both .36 cal and .44 conicals are available.
Our expert shooter then fired off 6 rounds at a new target at the 30 foot line. Seems that the hot shell casing excuse needed to be used again as you can see from the pictures. While I hate to admit it, it appears that the conical bullets even at close range are more accurate than round ball. It does take a bit more finesse to load them, but if you are looking for results, go conical. Both .36 cal and .44 conicals are available.
Our somewhat less than scientific test set up
Round Ball Conicals
