During the Civil War about 9,000 Kerr Revolvers, made by the London Armory Company, were imported into America. 1,600 of those were purchased by the US Army in 1861, the remainder were smuggled into the Confederate States through the blockade. Along with the revolvers, bullet molds and ready made ammunition were also imported. The British referred to this bore size as “54 Gauge,” but it was a standard .44 bullet that could be used in any .44 caliber revolver.
This projectile is a direct copy of a Kerr bullet recovered from a CS camp site in Tennessee. The bullet is 225 grains in weight and .457 at its widest diameter. The long grooved heal allows it to sit very low in the chamber. The low height will allow it to fit inside the loading port of any reproduction black powder revolver, even the ubiquitous Pietta .44 Navy.
These bullets should be cast with soft pure lead, just as the originals. The LEE Precision made molds come with handles and are ready to start casting.
