Understanding the Ruger Old Army: A Foundation of Excellence
Key Features and Design
The Ruger Old Army (ROA) is a meticulously crafted percussion revolver, originally introduced in 1972. Revered for its exceptional quality, accuracy, and robust design, the ROA has captivated shooters for decades. At its core, the ROA is a cap-and-ball revolver, meaning it uses black powder and percussion caps to ignite the charge, propelling a lead bullet down the barrel. It typically features a .44 caliber, though the actual bore diameter can vary slightly depending on the manufacturing tolerances and the specific bullet used. The ROA distinguishes itself with its robust stainless steel frame and cylinder (or blued steel versions), built for durability. It’s designed to withstand the high pressures generated by black powder, giving it a long life and making it a reliable choice for shooting.
Mechanical Aspects
The ROA’s adjustable sights, often a notch in the rear and a blade front, give the shooter the ability to dial in precision for range and windage. The gun’s design allows for easy disassembly and maintenance. It’s also known for its excellent accuracy potential, making it a favored choice for target shooting and historical reenactments. The ROA is a relatively simple mechanism, a feature that contributes to its dependability and ease of use. However, its simplicity shouldn’t be mistaken for a lack of power or precision.
Black Powder and its Alternatives
The Role of Black Powder
The heart of any cap-and-ball revolver is, of course, the propellant. Black powder, the traditional fuel for these firearms, is a compound made of charcoal, sulfur, and potassium nitrate. It’s a low explosive that burns quickly, producing a significant amount of gas that propels the bullet. Black powder comes in various granular sizes. FFFg is the finest, often used in pistols, while FFg is a coarser grade more suited to rifles. The best choice for the **Ruger Old Army loads** generally falls in the range of FFg. The coarser granulation leads to more consistent ignition in the ROA. Using finer grades may result in a less uniform burn.
Choosing and Handling Black Powder
Choosing the right black powder is vital to get the most from your **Ruger Old Army loads**. It’s important to use a reputable brand and store black powder in a cool, dry place, away from any sources of ignition. Safety should always be paramount when handling black powder.
Black Powder Substitutes
While black powder is the traditional choice, modern alternatives have emerged. These substitutes attempt to replicate the performance of black powder while offering advantages in terms of cleaning and sometimes availability. Popular substitutes for the **Ruger Old Army loads** include Pyrodex and Triple Seven. Pyrodex is a synthetic black powder substitute that offers a cleaner burn and is less corrosive than traditional black powder. Triple Seven is another synthetic option that often delivers higher velocities and greater energy. Both offer advantages. It’s important to be aware that these substitutes often require different loading procedures than black powder, and it’s always essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. The performance of substitutes also can vary depending on the conditions.
Bullet Selection and the Loading Process
Choosing the Right Bullet
Selecting the appropriate bullet and understanding the loading process are critical components of achieving optimal performance with your **Ruger Old Army loads**. The choice of bullet significantly impacts accuracy, range, and felt recoil. The most common type of bullet for the ROA is the round ball. These simple, spherical projectiles are easy to load and produce good accuracy at reasonable distances. They’re also relatively inexpensive. For those seeking greater range and penetration, conical bullets offer a viable alternative. These bullets are longer and heavier than round balls and have a more aerodynamic profile. They have more bearing surface. Conical bullets can be seated further into the cylinder, potentially providing more space for the powder charge.
Wads and Their Importance
When it comes to bullet design, it’s also important to consider the use of wads. Wads are small, often felt or fiber discs, that are placed between the powder charge and the base of the bullet. These wads serve multiple purposes:
* **Seal the bore**: Preventing gas leakage around the bullet.
* **Protect the bullet base**: Improving accuracy by mitigating damage.
* **Lubricate the bore**: Reducing fouling and making cleaning easier.
Loading Step-by-Step
The loading process for the ROA can be broken down into several key steps:
First, ensure your firearm is unloaded and safe.
Second, measure your powder charge accurately.
Third, seat the bullet firmly onto the powder charge. The bullet should be seated deeply enough to compress the powder charge slightly.
Fourth, lubricate the cylinder.
Fifth, cap the nipples with appropriate percussion caps.
Consistency is key throughout the loading process. Use a powder measure or pre-measured charges to ensure consistent powder loads. Seat your bullets to the same depth each time, and always use high-quality percussion caps.
Charge Weights and Accuracy
Finding the Sweet Spot
Once you’ve chosen your bullet type, the next step is to fine-tune the powder charge for your **Ruger Old Army loads**. Finding the ideal charge weight is an exercise in experimentation. Start with a conservative load. The manufacturer of the ROA can provide guidelines. By starting light, you minimize the risk of excessive recoil or pressure. Gradually increase the charge weight, measuring each load carefully, and observing the results. As you experiment, pay close attention to the group size and the point of impact. If the groups shrink and the point of impact is closer to your target, you are likely headed in the right direction. Look also for signs of over-pressure, such as flattened or pierced percussion caps, or difficulty closing the cylinder.
Key Factors for Accuracy
Consistency in loading is paramount for accuracy. Use a powder measure, or measure your powder charges. Proper bullet seating, ensuring the bullet fully seals the cylinder, is key.
Cleaning and Keeping Your ROA in Top Condition
Why Cleaning Is Crucial
Black powder shooting produces significant fouling, a combination of unburned powder, carbon residue, and other byproducts of combustion. Regular and thorough cleaning is therefore essential to maintaining your ROA and ensuring its long-term performance.
Gathering Your Cleaning Supplies
Gather all the necessary supplies, including hot, soapy water, cleaning brushes, jags, and lubricants.
Step-by-Step Cleaning
The first step in cleaning is disassembling the ROA. After disassembly, begin by cleaning the cylinder, barrel, and frame.
Use hot, soapy water to flush away the fouling and dissolve the residue.
Use brushes and jags to remove stubborn deposits.
Rinse everything thoroughly with water.
Finally, lubricate all metal parts, especially the cylinder and barrel, to protect against corrosion.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Misfires and Solutions
Even with careful preparation, you might encounter occasional issues while shooting your ROA. Here are some common problems and their potential solutions: If you experience a misfire, start by checking the percussion cap. Ensure it is properly seated on the nipple and has not been damaged. Replace the cap and try again. If the problem persists, the issue might be with the powder itself, or with a blockage in the nipple.
Cylinder Binding
Cylinder binding can occur if the bullet is seated too deeply or if there is excessive fouling. Always ensure that the bullet is properly seated and that the cylinder rotates freely. Cleaning and lubing the cylinder can also help.
Accuracy Issues
Inaccurate shooting could be caused by a variety of factors, from inconsistent loading and bullet seating to faulty sights or trigger control. Always examine your form and shooting technique.
Safety First: A Non-Negotiable Principle
When handling any firearm, safety must always be the top priority.
* Always wear eye and ear protection at the shooting range.
* Treat every firearm as if it’s loaded.
* Never point the firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy.
* Only load the revolver at the shooting range.
* Store your firearms and ammunition safely and separately.
* Be aware of your surroundings.
* Never shoot near flammable materials.
* Proper handling, loading, and storage are of utmost importance.
The Enduring Appeal of the Ruger Old Army
The Ruger Old Army is a testament to quality, design, and enduring appeal. It’s a firearm that has stood the test of time, and its popularity continues unabated. By mastering the art of **Ruger Old Army loads**, you unlock the full potential of this classic revolver, experiencing the unique joy of black powder shooting. So, whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just beginning your journey, take the time to learn the nuances of loading, safety, and maintenance. Enjoy the process and the satisfaction of hitting your mark with your ROA.
