I thought it was built (1860 Army) on a Navy frame, which is why it has the rebated cylinder. Am I thinking of a Police model or something?

Can't seem to find a base pin anywhere.

Cannot find any parts anywhere.
I feel it will work as long as no real strain is put on it, but would like to find a compact, lightweight, yet durable loading press that I can take with me in the field. Any suggestions?

The 1860 was built on the 1851 frame, but the grip frame and grip are interchangeable. It has what looks like the early Dragoon grip.

Colt never made a production .44 cal 1851. That's an imagination from Pietta. I'm not a fan of that company. I always buy Uberti. Much more authentic reproductions.

There's a few cylinder presses available. Not the type to bring in the field. More for competition/bench shooting. The ROA has a really strong loading setup. I've never heard of one failing. I'd try and fix it for the field.

brownell has the base pin 780-000-121AE 15.33 FOR BLUE
SS 17.39
I have 2 rugers
SS 7 1/2"
blue 7 1/2
both are take drivers out to 50 yards with RB wad triple 777 no lube

Jacks has them in blue ($50) and will be producing them in stainless in a few months.
http://www.jackfirstgun.com/
Tel: 605-343-9544

lonewolf: I tried looking for it by that # but found no matches. When I looked earlier it said it was discontinued. Are you looking at a pin that works with the loading lever or one that is meant for a conversion cylinder?

Uberti is the only repro company I'd feel very comfortable with. Though not perfect, I understand them to be better made than Pietta. Although I hear Pietta has begun to improve.

Uberti told me their max load for the Dragoon was 25 grns though. Thought it odd that they claim it's made of better steel, yet reduce the max load. When I asked them about it they ignored me.

I went ahead and loaded the other 5 chambers with 40 grns of powder, wad, and ball, and it's hard to seat below the mouth. I see what has been said about the lever biting! It was a lot of pressure, but handled it.

Maybe I'll reduce it to 35 grns so as not to need so much squishing until I can get a replacement.

I may get a loading press anyway. I'm still interested in heavier bullets.

Ever hear of Kaedo and his 240/250-255 grn bullets meant for cap n ball guns? For $5 he'll send me a few of each to try out. He had custom moulds made.

They're just being conservative for safety. I used to use 35 gr in my 1860's, but that was with real BP. You use T7. I'd use less of that.