3rd Gen Walker Colt

[Bigred]

I have a 3rd Generation Walker Colt, I plan on shooting in a few competitive events. In working up loads and getting familiar with the pistol I have noticed a few things. My nipple pick will pass through 3 of the nipples, so 3 have a different diameter, so what is the correct diameter? Second when I seat the ball over the powder, the plunger will jam on the ball and will return with the plunger. I'm using .454 round ball, is this the best? Am I correct that this pistol is the same as the Uberti Walker Revolver. I need a recomendation on a capper, my fingers working one at a time is not cutting it.

[Shootin Iron]

My 3rd model Colt Dragoon has nipples that are too big for a #11 Cap.
I going to replace them so I can shoot it. I don't know why you have 2 diffrerent nipple hole sizes. My only guess is Colt made these as collectable guns and didn't care about nipple quality or fuction. The Colt and Uberti guns should be just about the same. All the parts should interchange. The Colts did have a better fit and finish than the old Uberties but I will say the new clones do look a lot nicer.
If you are pulling the ball back out of the Cylinder then you ball is too small. You should be shaving a ring of lead off the ball when you seat it in the cylinder. Measure your cylinder mouth and get a ball .001/.002
larger and give that a try. Even if you don't get a full ring of lead you should get something of a shaving. I use a wonder wad under the ball for lube. I don't like to grease the cylinder as it makes too much of a mess.
As as far as cappers I have a straight one and it takes too long to load it. Dixie Gun Works has a pile of them and I'm looking at one made by the Ted Cash. It's the oval shaped one and it looks like it's good quality. A cheap, black Paper Mate ball point pen makes a great cap seater.
I hope my rambelings have been of help.
Shootin Iron