1861 Navy by Uberti

[RWK]

1861 Navy by Uberti
 
I have a 1861 Navy Question
 
The load rod only goes into the cylinder .250 so with a 375 round ball it will go in about .625 or 5/8.
 
The cylinder is about 1.225.

 That leaves .600 for powder
 
Does all this sound correct because on my 1851 navy the rod goes .500
 
If I don’t want to use a wad what load do I use?

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

I'd say the typical range of loadings are 22 to 25 grains of FFFg.  This works fine in my Uberti 1851 and 1861.  Loading without a wad is OK, but then you have to lube over the ball which is messier.  Wonderwads are VERY expensive so I know why you want to avoid them.  I cut  wads from a paper-pulp egg carton with a 3/8" punch and soak them in melted lube. I carry the wads in a plastic chawin' tabaki container.  Works fine for me.

BTW, 22 grains can be measured in a fired 38 Special case.