1858 Remington Cartridge Conversion

Published on May 4, 2014
Duration: 21:42

This video details the 1858 Remington New Model Army revolver, focusing on its historical significance and the practicalities of modern cartridge conversions. Hickok45 explains the advantages of Remington's design over Colt's during the Civil War era and demonstrates how conversion cylinders from companies like Taylor's & Co. allow these classic firearms to safely fire modern .45 Colt cartridges, specifically recommending 'Cowboy Loads' for safety.

Quick Summary

Convert your 1858 Remington percussion revolver to fire .45 Colt cartridges using modern conversion cylinders. Ensure a steel frame and exclusively use low-pressure 'Cowboy Loads' for safe operation, as recommended by Hickok45.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Initial Shooting
  2. 01:31Remington vs. Colt History
  3. 03:11The Cartridge Conversion Concept
  4. 05:28Modern Conversion Cylinders Explained
  5. 07:54Loading and Safety Tips
  6. 10:01Range Performance Test
  7. 16:23Caliber Technicalities (.44 vs .45)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I convert my 1858 Remington percussion revolver to shoot modern cartridges?

Yes, you can convert an 1858 Remington to fire .45 Colt cartridges using modern conversion cylinders from companies like Taylor's & Co. or R&D/Howell. Ensure your revolver has a steel frame and always use low-pressure 'Cowboy Loads' for safety.

Why does a .44 caliber percussion revolver use .45 Colt cartridges?

The apparent caliber difference stems from 19th-century measurement standards. Historically, .44 percussion revolvers were often designed to accommodate .45 caliber bullets, with caliber being measured differently than modern standards.

What type of ammunition should I use in a converted 1858 Remington?

It is critical to use only low-pressure 'Cowboy Loads' when firing .45 Colt cartridges in a converted 1858 Remington. Standard modern .45 Colt ammunition can be too powerful and unsafe for these converted firearms.

What are the advantages of the 1858 Remington design?

The 1858 Remington featured a robust top strap design, making it stronger than contemporary Colt open-top revolvers. This design also allowed for easier cylinder removal and replacement, which was advantageous for quick reloads.

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