Finally got around to sharpening a caliper. Measured the bolt notches on my factory cylinder and lookes like they're all around .045 deep. Probably why it's never skipped!
The 1860 "race" gun
It's interesting how every gun is a bit different. I have a favorite race gun that just works a bit smoother and more consistent than the others. I figured there was something special about your gun. I have seen one cylinder on a Pietta GW2 that was 045. With the bolt groves you cut it should keep functioning for you. A Colt style cap and ball cylinder with .045 notches means there is very little steel between the bottom of the notch and the chamber because that cylinder is quite a bit smaller than a SAA cylinder. Side point: I wouldn't cut notches that deep on a Colt style cap and ball open top cylinder.
Yep a real nice one from the factory for sure!
I thought the same thing initially about the cylinder notches. However on close inspection the bungs for the nipples come past the notches, leaving a lot more steel there than you'd expect.