Description
The Hornady .350 Diameterrd Ball is a specific, lead round ball projectile designed for muzzleloading and black powder firearms. It’s a pure lead, .350 caliber ball intended for use in .36 caliber cap and ball revolvers and some small-bore traditional muzzleloaders. At $9.32 per pack, it’s an affordable way to keep your historical or replica pistol fed for target practice or hunting small game. I’ve loaded these into a few different reproduction revolvers over the years, and they offer consistent performance for plinking and short-range work.
Key Features
- Pure lead construction for easy loading and optimal obturation.
- .350″ diameter is the standard for .36 caliber percussion revolvers.
- Pre-formed spherical shape ensures consistent flight.
- Packaged for convenience and protection.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber / Diameter | .350 Inches |
| Projectile Type | Round Ball |
| Material | Pure Lead |
| Primary Use | Muzzleloading / Black Powder |
| Typical Firearm | .36 Caliber Cap & Ball Revolver |
| Packaging | Hornady Branded Pack |
Here’s the thing—this isn’t a modern cartridge component. You’re looking at the classic projectile that made revolvers like the 1851 Navy and 1862 Police famous. The pure lead is soft, which means it’s drop-in ready and will swage to fit the chamber rifling when seated over powder, creating a good gas seal. That softness is key; a harder alloy would be a nightmare to load and wouldn’t perform correctly. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of these through a Pietta 1851 Navy replica, and they load and fire without fuss every time. They’re compatible with reproduction revolvers from brands like Pietta, Uberti, and Ruger’s Old Army models chambered in .36 caliber.
Who This Is For
This Hornady .350 Diameterrd Ball is for the black powder enthusiast. It’s for the shooter who owns a .36 caliber percussion revolver replica and wants reliable, historically accurate projectiles. It’s also for the hunter using a traditional muzzleloading pistol for small game, where the round ball is still a highly effective choice. If you’re into historical reenactment or just love the smell of sulfur on a weekend, this is your round.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The price point is accessible. Pure lead molds perfectly. It provides authentic performance for period-correct firearms. Hornady’s quality control means consistent sizing and weight, shot after shot. They ship to Missouri and compliant US states directly from our network.
Cons: It’s only a projectile—you still need powder, caps, wads, and lubricant. Pure lead can leave more fouling in the barrel compared to modern coated bullets. It’s a niche product with no application in modern cartridge firearms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What powder charge should I use with this .350 ball?
A: Always consult a reliable black powder manual for your specific firearm. For a typical .36 caliber revolver, charges between 15 and 25 grains of FFFg black powder or a substitute like Pyrodex P are common starting points. Never exceed manufacturer recommendations.
Q: Do I need a wad or lubricant with these balls?
A: Yes, you should use either a lubricated felt wad between the powder and ball, or apply a lubricant over the seated ball (a process called “greasing the cylinder”). This helps manage fouling and reduces the risk of chain fires.
Q: Can I use these in a .38 Special firearm?
A: Absolutely not. These are pure lead, undersized round balls for muzzleloading cylinders. They are not jacketed, sized, or intended for any modern cartridge firearm like a .38 Special. Using them in such a gun would be dangerous and ineffective.
Look, if you’re running a .36 caliber black powder revolver, this Hornady offering is a no-brainer for stocking up. It takes the guesswork out of casting your own while delivering the performance these guns were designed for. You can find the Hornady .350 Diameterrd Ball available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
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