.36 cartridge conversion...

[mannyCA]

for the open tops, specifically the '51 navys. Anyone do this successfully in 38 LC? Was thinking about getting a cylinder and doing the casting. Which hollow based mold works best?
Or should I just go with the Kirst converter and drill out the gate? Anyone have experience with them?
thanks!

[.22-10-45]

Hello, mannyCA. I have a circa 1972 Colt re-make of their .1851 navy .36 percussion, I have installed the Kirst conversion cyl..but the case colors are so pretty..I can't bring myself to alter this gun..so cyl. is removed for reloading..not so big a problem.
There are two ways to go about it..hollow-base bullets cast soft..or factory swaged HBWC over light loads of Bullseye..or heel-base bullets as per originals. Old West Bullets makes these moulds..I bought a heel/hollow base mould from them..but have not had a chance to try it out.

[Mike Brooks]

I have a R&D conversion in 38 LC. I shoot BP and hollow based wadcutters in 38 special. Excellent shooter.

[mannyCA]

.22-10-45: so your colt second gen is a true case-hardened piece? I don't know if I'd drill it out either!

Mike: are you casting your own HBWC?

[bob208]

i have used the lee .36 bullet seat the heal in the case crimp under the full size part. just like they did it in the old days.

[DCP]

Try heel based boolits that's what I am going do.

You can load heel based bullets almost as fast as "regular" or inside lubed bullets

As a resource link:
www.oldwestbulletmoulds.com

New source of cast bullets (from Old West Moulds):
This should make your life easier (if you don't cast)

http://www.alphabravobullets.com/products/shop.php?exp=&cat=4

[Mike Brooks]

I'm using speer or hornaday HBWC at I think 148 grs.

[mannyCA]

great info here guys, thanks!

[eljefe]

I am interested in how you lube your loads, Mike.
Also, how much powder are you able to load with
the hollow base?

[Mike Brooks]

I am interested in how you lube your loads, Mike.
Also, how much powder are you able to load with
the hollow base?
I think it's 18 or 19gr of 3fff. I lube over the end of the cylinder like a cap & ball gun.

[DCP]

I think it's 18 or 19gr of 3fff. I lube over the end of the cylinder like a cap & ball gun.

So can one take a smokeless pre lube boolit, or one with Lee Alox or a un lubed boolit? Loaded it in the case, then put Crisco or some other BP lube? and it will work ok?

I have a lot of smoke less boolits already lubed is the reason I am asking.
I would like to try some BP loads for a open top.

[rbertalotto]

So can one take a smokeless pre lube boolit, or one with Lee Alox or a un lubed boolit? Loaded it in the case, then put Crisco or some other BP lube? and it will work ok?

I do this all the time. I cast 36cal bullets, alox lube them and load....TC Bore Butter over the bullet and fire. Works great. Keeps fouling soft and I can shoot a whole CAS match with no issues. Cleans up real easy too.

[Mike Brooks]

I have shot lots of smokeless bullets this way with BP in revolvers.