Ballard 1861 Kentucky Military

[griaguns]

I have an 1861 Ballard half stock Kentucky rifle that I am trying to find an appropriate cartridge to chamber.
It has been modified to shoot center fire from the original 44 rim fire.
the bore is .418
the cartridge base is .444
the rim is .509 +-
A 41 magnum drops right in.
Should I pull the bullet re-size the mouth to accept a 418 sized bullet,
or should I re-size a 44 special case or 3 is there another case that may fit the bill.
Graham

[montana_charlie]

A 41 magnum drops right in.
That doesn't tell you much. Can you do a Cerrosafe cast of the chamber?
CM

[AkMike]

Have a chamber cast done to make sure what you have first. DO NOT fire a 41 magnum in that rifle! The Ballards and especially the early ones were pretty weak. This was built around 1860-1865 so be gentle with this old lady!

[Lead pot]

Some of the old rim fire Ballards were converted to the .44 Evans I believe the long center fire but I'm not sure if it was the short or long memory does not serve me to good anymore.
Make a chamber cast and look up the specks for the Evans cartridge and find a parent case.

Kurt