Taylors and Company cartridge conversion cylinder for 1851 61 Navy Revolvers

In this video I’ll be shooting my Pietta 1861 Navy revolver, equipped with Taylor’s & Company’s cartridge conversion cylinder.
I’ll show the performance of three kinds of bullet:
1. Factory hollow-based wadutter bullets
2. Cast heel-based bullets
3. .357” flat base bullets
Taylor’s & Co cylinder:
taylorsfirearm...
Mike Beliveau links
/ duelist
mikebeliveau.com/

[@michaelray4033]

A 26 minute video? I'll be right back; gotta go get the popcorn.

[@weitzfc1]

@Mr. Cool mike knows his sh*t , you might have missed something.

[@jonjacobjingleheimerschmid3798]

Hay! While you're up, Grab me a beer?!

[@rmanly1473]

If he cut down on the ridiculous amount of rambling it would have only been 15 mins

[@milkapeismilky5464]

Yup! He doesn't make any apologies for long form videos and I certainly hope you never shortens the game up! I've binged his entire channel in about 5 weeks. So far Mike has cost me a *lot* of money by showing a guns I didn't know I needed

[@douglasschramm3017]

One thing I noticed DAY and Night difference. I use cleaning rods for oxygen acetylene tips. Day and night I found bigger bang more energy.

[@myamaggie2]

I’m glad that happened with the misfire. When you shoot thousands of rounds you take for granted that they all go off. Now I will be more careful watching for misfires.

[@OKBushcraft]

Very educational. My 18 yr old son has gotten me into BP. Now its an addiction for 2 of my sons and myself. Great alternative to mag dumping a small fortune and is so much more satisfying.

[@twodogshawkeye9968]

Plus taking a cap and ball to the range draws eyes

[@whatsmolly5741]

If you want to be a real masochist get into air rifles, the gun and the ammo is unreasonably expensive like cartridges are now and it takes as much work as shooting cap and ball for an inferior weapon.

[@OKBushcraft]

@@whatsmolly5741 lol. I have a hatsan .22 nitrous. I'd love a large bore pcp.

[@whatsmolly5741]

@@OKBushcraft I have a Benjamin .357 and Also have an aea terminator in .357 that is semi auto and shoots ~150 foot pounds with a 10 round mag.

[@OKBushcraft]

@@whatsmolly5741 that sounds very nice. Oklahoma at this time does not allow big game hunting with air guns. I hope this changes soon.

[@michaelpriest6242]

You're a good man, a good shooter, and a good teacher. Thank you for a fun lesson.

[@kerbygator]

I just purchased an Uberti 1847 Walker revolver, and I got the .45 Long Colt conversion cylinder for it. I love it. It's my all around handgun now. It'll scare the shit out of a bad guy.

[@chairzombie8378]

Til the loading lever drops on the first shot 😂 I love the Walker though.

[@kerbygator]

@@chairzombie8378 This one is tight. Doesn't drop.

[@carlswedberg8126]

Mike, I’ve never felt cheated by one of your videos, keep up the good work.

[@JoeMama-gs7rd]

The time you took to explain the three different cartridges to be used in the Taylors conversion cylinder was thorough, and much appreciated. Thank You

[@tberkoff]

It seems that mike is loving his conversion guns these days.

[@charliesierra6919]

Beautiful Navy Mike! I have some .44 conversions, Kirst w/gate and Howells and a .31 conversion and will get this conversion if they ever get any ammo back in. From a fellow "hat guy" love the hat!

[@stevebradburn2892]

Thanks for the video revisit ..I for one really like your safety practice , My wife and I love to shoot modern and black powder I had factory ammo that didnt get a charge and kind of chuckled too until my wife and her little lc9s found out where that extra charge went. What a day that was

[@robertbasker2335]

Been watching for some years now thanks.

[@mr.charlesanderson]

Mike, I absolutely love these longer videos! A good way to relax along with a cup of coffee. Great video as always! 👌🏻

[@MORiverFishing]

I agree. I wish every video was an hour+ lol

[@WhatIsYourMalfunction]

Lots of great information. And I agree about range finders. I finally broke down and bought one and my tape measure stays home. Sighting in a rifle at 100 yards in a clearing in the woods with a tapw measure gets old fast. Thanks for the reloding tips as well.

[@charlescomly1]

Boy I look forward to seeing your barrel cut down video. Also love the sound that black powder makes as well as the smoke. Thanks for the video Mike.

[@USAACbrat]

Berry's plated bullets loaded to Long Colt length 1.400". Yesterday I was Reseating 38 Special #4 shot load to LC length. 8 of 10 made it.

[@threeoeightwadcutter2820]

Again! Very informative. Never thougt about 22 lr being a heeled bullet. Thanks for sharing

[@General.Longstreet]

Mike ive been watching your vids for years . Absolutely love what you do sir!

[@ronrobertson59]

I just ordered a uberti 1861 Navy from Dixie mostly because no one has a uberti 1851 Navy but also because of your videos. My friend John blew up his Walther ppk with a squib round from factory ammo and I'm pretty sure it was Wincheste ammo about two years ago.

[@donlange1491]

LOL The range finder - Been going to get me one of those for the longest time, STILL haven't done it and still using my 100 foot tape measure. I laughed as soon as you said it.

[@GovtWatchdog]

Mike has explained 6 ways from Sunday as to why he chooses to only load 5 chambers at a time but I guess some people still don't accept it. Here's an idea, instead of writing in and expressing your frustration toward Mike loading only 5 chambers, why don't you use that time to instead call and/or write your representatives in congress expressing your frustration toward the unconstitutional infringement on our 2nd Amendment rights?? Stop wasting your time on frivolous things and get focused!

[@kylethedalek]

If they see pro gun people are willing to limit or control them selfs with things like in this case capacity. They will use it against us. Why do you need 6 if you only load 5? They can play that with more and more things. And before you know it we are getting talked down and down to one round.

[@steelgila]

@@kylethedalek I load five when I'm shooting my pistols, which are all revolvers. The ammo box is loaded five across width-wise anyway. I'm not in a rush to burn powder and eat lead.

[@galm14ever]

@@kylethedalek That and specifically in this case the "its safer" argument doesn't make much sense. That cylinder has no safeties on those 6 firing pins, 5 of them in use now if he did drop that gun i wouldn't be surprise if the gun went off anyway.

[@sgtmcd]

I think the 5 or 6 chamber argument is ridiculous. There are no rules.

[@h-dawg1876]

@@sgtmcdit’s a safety thing

[@johntyler8993]

I love your videos!!! If I need to know anything about black powder revolvers I always watch your videos!! Keep up the good work!!

[@lifebiker105]

I shared this video with my wife and when you were standing there holding your pistol out and fired it one-handed she says my gosh he looks like Wild Bill Hickok just thought I'd share that with you by as awesome always enjoyable thank you

[@duelist1954]

Thank the Mrs for me Joe. I hope Wild Bill won’t be insulted to be compared to me...LOL

[@lifebiker105]

@@duelist1954 he should be pleased. Mike. Deaun was happy to here from you. Thank you.

[@Varmint.357]

I used to load six in an 1860 army until i went to unholster it and the hammer had somehow come off of the safety pin and was almost resting on a live cap! Good vid Mike

[@jason60chev]

I got accustomed to loading 5 when I was competing in Cowboy Action Shooting. If there is time and opportunity and reason to be as safe as possible, it is best to be safe.

[@rdt417]

That was Fun to watch. Thank you SR.

[@bryanglass6701]

The reason I bought a Pietta 1858 Steel Frame 44 caliber was because Howel makes a 45 caliber Long Colt conversion cylinder specifically for it. And it works wonderfully! No black powder has ever gone through mine, but Fiocchi Cowboy Load Long Colt has passed through box after box. The cylinder is much easier and quicker to remove and replace on the 1858 44. Much easier.

[@brittlanders351]

Don’t worry about what people think, stay safe.

[@UncleSasquatchOutdoors]

Thanks for the video. You load those cylinders the way you want. Never mind what anyone else says.

[@laszlolekner824]

Hello, I just found your videos about the converted drum I just heard about it. I really like your videos. Soon I will also order a converted drum from you for the Uberti 1858 New Armim 8 "inch tube. Thank you for your videos. A Hungarian man from Hungary. :)

[@wyattshook2775]

Im loving these videos, loving the fringes too

[@wyattshook2775]

Where do you get a coat like that though?

[@mr.zafner8295]

Man you do such a great job. I almost feel like I'm out there. What a great thing.

[@almartin4284]

Mike, I had an incident when I was a young man shooting my first cap and ball. I had a ball jammed in the barrel of my 1860/61 army revolver. Back then I didn't have the knowledge that you have. Well I fired two more times and got 3 balls jammed in the barrel but the gun held together. I was very lucky I didn't blow my hand off. I did get the .44 cal. balls out after pounding on them for about half an hour and I did continue to shoot that pistol with no problems.

[@susanmenegus3863]

Thank you for the lessen Mike.

[@andrewmiller1813]

I love pietta revolvers I've owned too many to count over the last thirty-five years but I have to agree with you I wish they would chop that barrel on the 1861 down to seven and a half inches it changes the whole look of the gun.

[@nakoawarrior3186]

Great video,......It's just fun to watch this guy have fun. I usually buy double action 357 magnum's,.... and I only shoot 38 specials through them and I have never fired them in double action,......I shoot in single action for the best accuracy.

[@USAACbrat]

Mine like traditional wad cutters, in 38 special cases. The bullets pick up the rifling about an inch past the forcing cone and shoot as well as my S&W model 28-2

[@terrysmith8714]

Another fantastic video Mike. You are a wealth of info. You are the very TOP U-tuber . Thank you. Cheers

[@KarmaFlight]

I always learn so much from you. Thanks!

[@jackmeholf5565]

At about the 10 or 11 minute point I was about to comment asking about hand loading 38 special with black powder. 12 minutes in, he answered my question! 🤣🤣🤣

[@jeffreysnethen9586]

I went with the Kirst conversion on my Uberti 1861, had the barrel lined, put a nickle plated 1860 army grip frame with simulated bone grips, nickle plated the loading lever, did a slick job on it along with a wire spring.

[@skylermeade8146]

I just love watching him

[@1.forestrunner]

Nice review Mike. You covered the problems with the 36 cal. conversion cylinders.

[@bbarton84]

Thanks for another great video!!! I love the longer videos!!!!!!

[@JWheeler331]

Always good to see your videos.

[@alanpeterson6224]

I have a Pietta "51 Navy brass frame. Typically Pietta, there's no forcing cone. I tried to make one using a cone shaped grinder and an electric drill. All it did was cut a groove in the grinder. Oh well, it seems to shoot fairly well anyway.

[@milkapeismilky5464]

Don't shoot smokeless in a brass frame, you'll get flex

[@tyrssen1]

I've got a conversion cylinder from Brownells on my Remington repro; takes .45 Colt. I love it, even if I can't afford a buncha .45 Colt these days.

[@lorenray9479]

I love your leather jacket! Keep your conversions tho hoho!

[@ChicanoSteve]

We like and enjoy everything you do Mr @duelist1954 including the sermon to ALL the morons here with nothing else to do but critique others with positive vibes for others, shame on them haters, never satisfied... We are big fans of your channel, God bless and GodSpeed Mr Belivue... 💯💥🤠

[@leosaura1993]

Now this is more like it if i could own fire arms this would be one of it 1851,61 cartridge conversion cylinder.

[@Warptenlololol]

Hello Mike, as usual your video are very informative and fun, I learn a lot every time. A late happy new year, God bless.

[@michaelreasoner688]

love your vids and have read your articles since 90's...my favorite colts are pietta snubbies 51-61 models in 45longcolt....my goal is kirstkonversions for both no extractor puch out too reload...love see you do a kirst diy vid. i was born in 53...keep your powder dry and peace be with you iron tlc brother

[@michaelreasoner688]

have taylors on my remington and love it...short barrel need research schoffield/russian loads i reckon..peace

[@357Dejavu]

Factory squib loads are nightmare fuel, especially in the modern tap and rack world

[@commander0078]

Sun’s out Guns out!

[@D_S_88]

I shit you not, I was just looking at these. Been looking to pick up an Uberti 1860 just so I can mess around with making my own black powder and projectiles. Having the option to fire .45LC sounds like a good one to have. Thanks for sharing.

[@bryanglass6701]

The reason I bought a Pietta 1858 Steel Frame 44 caliber was because Howel makes a 45 caliber Long Colt conversion cylinder specifically for it. And it works wonderfully! No black powder has ever gone through mine, but Fiocchi Cowboy Load Long Colt has passed through box after box.

[@baddog9320]

Lol. You remind me of many years ago. I was carrying a 2 barrel dillinger. ( typical one you see in westerns) I stepped out of the truck and it fell. Kaboom. I frantically checked my legs. One important lesson learned from one stupid mistake. I don't care what anyone says. They have no safety. Never before or after have I seen one shot both barrels at the same time. But they both went off then and sounded as one. Both missed my legs and hit the bottom of the door. And to this day. I don't see how they did what they did. For they hit the bottom of the door. ( two bullet holes inward) Missed the window. And went out the window hole. The perfect shot x2.

[@ohlsenjulian3288]

Amazing there is a holster belt that actually go around that waist!

[@royshobe6642]

Thanks for making this video

[@brianpartlow5530]

I had a squib with herters 45lc. It's scary because you don't want to blow up your gun.

[@joemiller9632]

Nice info thanks for sharing that

[@alanhope1190]

There were some frontier gunsmith conversions of Colts that used the Remington style of conversion.

[@donaldhebert2973]

I have a 44Cal . It has an Brass frame around the Cylinder. I was trying to zero it in one day and that frame Cracked at the rear sights and came close to blowing my face OFF! .

[@gregcampwriter]

Jumping from cap and ball to laser range finders--that's a Luddite's leap into modernity.

[@HircineDaWolf]

same thing happened to me with some .32 acp factory ammo forget the brand, but i am happy it was because i was NDing in my home at the time, but it was a squib

[@Rumblestrip]

I had a 380 auto winchester do that once with a ruger lcp. Most it did was smoke in the chamber. I haven't used their ammo since. I have a lot of their brass on 45 colt, but i wont buy their loaded ammo anymore.

[@00Klingon]

I've had several Winchester white box defective rounds (various types of errors) in recent years. Enough to make me very nervous. I wrote them and they offered to replace the ammo boxes each time I found one but I've lost my appetite for it now.

[@howing13]

was a great help,

[@rwl8150]

It would be interesting to see a black powder conical pressed into the case with a similar BP load as the original cylinder.

[@kowalski363]

Great video

[@Bashe1965]

I wonder about loading round ball 38spl, my old Speer reloading manual #13 has loading data for round ball 38spl and 45 colt light loads interesting

[@HircineDaWolf]

if you use the same round balls you use for the cap and ball, you will be fine, i load my 45 colt with pyrodex and .454 round balls for both my pietta SAA and uberti 45lc open top

[@rezlogan4787]

I was a hair’s breadth away from loading .36 cartridges myself. I abandoned the project out of love for my family. My brother and father love shooting .38 special and I’ll be raising kids to shoot. If I load up heeled cartridges that are too large for .38 special, and one of my future heirs ever tries to shoot them in a modern gun, it would be catastrophic. So I’ll be sticking to reloading modern cartridges only for conversions.

[@นิเวศน์นิกุล]

เรียนรู้กับ อดีต ที่ผ่านมา เก็บ เป็นความรู้ เป็นอะไรที่ดีและน่าเรียนรู้

[@steelgila]

Well let's hear it for Eras Gone Bullets heeled base bullets! Good to know some one makes a period correct bullet mold that's also accurate and a straight shooting projectile. Celebrating my first night out with my Uberti Frontier .44 WCF SAA! Shot rather nicely too. Took my Rossi .44-40 along to to try out with the Magtech ammo and Winchester 225gn Cowboy action ammo I selected for the shooting session. Both guns seem to like the all lead bullets. The rifle did not seem to do so good with Win. Super x jacketed soft-points last time out.

[@Everythingblackpowder]

wow, I've never seen a factory squib load

[@firefoxjb]

I have and it happened to be with winchester white box 9mm ammunition i bought just a few months ago.

[@frankbaker9117]

I own a Navy , 36 cal. And. a Amy Colt. I've them all

[@WORRO]

Thumbs up video ~John

[@ohiogunr]

Not a conversion but a replica of a original cartridge gun, I have a 1871 Open Top. From Uberti, it had a long firing pin! Protuded from the breech face over .100 of an inch. It actually pierced primers it was so long. Cut it down to a more normal length and it runs the 45 Colt Cartridge just fine! Used it in a few Cowboy Matches.

[@thomaspaine6496]

I always thought the 1861 was the best looking gun of all of them. It's nice that you can convert it without destroying the gun. In an Indian gunfight you would actually have quick change barrels but you have to carry a mallet in your back pocket.

[@RoninAvenger]

I like how the loading rod looks, but I prefer the octagon barrel on a 1851 way more than the round barrel.

[@RossSeymour]

I converted 2 of these and just relined the barrels .357.

[@duelist1954]

That works!

[@bunkysdad]

This was so entertaining. Those black powder rounds are packing a nice punch. The smokeless wadcutters kinda wimpy by comparison 🤠

[@johnheinekes1421]

650 thumbs up to only 3 thumbs down. Good job, Mike!!!

[@duelist1954]

Four thumbs down now, but I thought it was a good one.

[@johnheinekes1421]

Now it's 928 up and 11 down.

[@duelist1954]

@@johnheinekes1421 It is what it is.

[@johnheinekes1421]

@@duelist1954 yes, and 92.8% will get you on the Honor Roll or Dean's List.

[@mathewruppert8682]

I'm surprised people still give you grief over loading five it's all I do as well and my range is in my back yard

[@JoeMama-gs7rd]

I don't think they fully understand the safety aspect. Being a Cowboy Action shooter is what taught me 5 on 6. In fact, I learned on older guns with no transfer bar, etc.

[@blueduck9409]

I think using black powder in the cartridge for those conversions is probably the best way to go. If only those Italians made barrels out of stronger steel ....

[@Russianpaintrain]

Great loading info on the conversion. Get some cat litter or crushed lava rock in a large coffee can for traction on the ice , you wont be disappointed , makes life and limb a little easier.

[@jasonbuck489]

I wish you would make a video on the M1878 Colt Revolver... There is very little info and videos out on those... I have an 1877 also... I loved the latest video you put out on the Thunderer, Lightening, and the Rainmaker.... Video on the DA 1878... PLEASE!!

[@dustinh4175]

This is why some training is important for new shooters. That squib could of hurt somebody bad.

[@TartanJack]

That Winchester squib is super scary.

[@johnblankenship4295]

The question I have is what all did they carry back then. I have a pair of pistols on my belt along with a caps pouch, tool pouch, ball/bullet pouch, powder flask, lube and grease, and trusty capping tool. I never saw any photos of Hickok with all this. Only his dual .36 navies and maybe a cap pouch. How could on walk around town all day with only their pistols and no reloading gear?

[@blackpowderpapa]

Cool video, but it seems like the 44 calibers are much easier to find ammo for. At least that's been my challenge with my conversions for the 36.

[@traviscochran6280]

I think if I had to hold off the Sioux Nation with my '51 navy, I would be in trouble even if it was 1870!

[@jason60chev]

Better save one for yourself!

[@TheMark9013]

I wish they still made the 32 conversion cylinder for the 49 pocket or the 53 Remington...........the one with the loading gate

[@kennydoggins1712]

I want to start with a 44 and convert it to 38 special that way it can handle real 38 rounds (assuming you avoid +p any 38 special round will be weaker than a 44 black powder load) probably go pietta so I could build it with a 1851 barrel

[@donmartin2788]

Nice review enjoy the video

[@soylentgreen7074]

Of all the luck, and on the first shot of the day!

[@danielhaibucher7523]

Hi there,someone migth have commented before. But you took 4 winchester shell from the box and the 5 th could be a reload without powder. Just my 2 cents . But still a fantastic video .keep UP the good work.

[@alanhigh8125]

I avoid these issues by simply purchasing .44 caliber weapons, and use 45 colt rounds. Yes, I'm lazy.

[@jason60chev]

Sometimes, it is fun and interesting, to use period style ammunition in these guns. Does make you appreciate the evolution of modern ammo.

[@Atpost334]

Your videos are fantastic and always informative. Although most of my black powder revolvers are Colt 2nd and 3rd generation. I also have Ubertis as well. Have to admit that Pietta really bugs me with 1) historical inaccuracy like, as you mention, 8” barrel on ‘61 Navy; 2) printing all over the barrel of their pistols making them look aesthetically /visually inaccurate.

[@Marc-zn7ok]

How come you haven’t done the conversion on the walkers?

[@Munky332]

You mentioned that if you use 38 spl brass loaded with a 158gr hollow base, it will extend past the chamber. But idea: what about just trimming back the 38 spl? Sure you'll lose some case capacity, but I doubt you really need much powder in there to begin with if you go with a normal "light" load (say like 3gr of unique? which depending on bullet should be around 850 fps). The only other issue I'd see is obviously you're converting 38 spl brass so if you use 38 spl in something else you need to be cognizant of the possibility of mixing brass.

[@carminetocco9334]

Munky, what if I use.38 spl cowboy 105gr in my 1851 navy and trim back the lead so it fits in the Howell cylinder

[@Munky332]

​@@carminetocco9334 Fuck it, if it fits it ships lol

[@terryqueen3233]

After seeing this video I'm almost afraid to shoot my Navy Arms 38 caliber conversion. I certainly would feel more comfortable about shooting this gun if you could check it out for me. Thanks have a great day stay safe!

[@RR-hm2qj]

Cool video. Thanks. Do you have a video on how the Navy was loaded originally, in the 1850s - 60s? How did they use powder horns? What did they use for caps? I am looking for historically accurate demos of the Navy or failing that, any of the cap and ball revolvers. Thanks.

[@gijoe508]

They used powder flasks or factory made combustible paper cartridges that came in a foil or wood container with 6 cartridges and 6-7 caps

[@williamschlosser77]

Superb presentation! I've pondered a number of questions concerning these cylinders and every single one of them were answered here. Thank you so much! What are the shotgun shells for?