Good load for Ruger Old Army?

[Archer]

The title says it all, what has anyone found
to be a good hunting load for the ROA 71/2"
barrel stainless?
Either round ball 145gr., or RNFP 220gr.
Thanks for any information.

[John Taylor]

I found that mine did better with max load 2F and round ball.

[StarMetal]

I just might have the load for you. I've been pushing a Saeco 200 gr SWC and a Lyman 195 SWC, both meant for the 45 acp, to about 1100 fps with 40 grains by volume load of Hodgdon'sTriple Seven.

For others reading this with the replica copies of the Colts and even maybe the Remingtons, please don't try this load as it's very stiff. The Ruger is a brute strong revolver. Please work up safely with a starting load of say 25 grains by volume. I warned you. Stay safe.

Joe

[Archer]

Thank you, I'll have to get a mold for
a SWC, all I have right now is RB, and
RNFP. I don't really need a knuckle
buster, just a load that will work for
deer at no more then 25 yards for now.

[stubshaft]

At 25yds I'd use the roundball and a cylinderful of 3f.

[StarMetal]

Thank you, I'll have to get a mold for
a SWC, all I have right now is RB, and
RNFP. I don't really need a knuckle
buster, just a load that will work for
deer at no more then 25 yards for now.

Archer,

It's not a knuckle buster, but it's sure more then a round ball. I forgot to mention if you're going to use it for deer cast it out of lead with a little tin for good fill out. In fact the Lyman 425488 is better because it's short and loads in the small loading cutout better and also seats below flush in the cylinder. Here's a picture of what it looks like looking at a two cavity mould?
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/starmetal47/330349041240.jpg

Joe

[dualsport]

Can't say I've hunted with it, but my Old Army likes the Lee special Ruger Old Army bullet. I load it on top of all the 4f that will fit. Beings pure lead (more or less) it should expand nicely on impact, has a lot more energy than the round balls. That load is within Ruger's specifications. They say any amount of sporting grade black powder that will fit is ok. If you're gonna shoot a deer with it why not make sure it goes down?

[Archer]

StarMetal,
Thanks, that looks like a real good
boolit. I'll have to try and get that mold
for sure. Sounds like a good load.
dualsport,
I'm not sure, but I think I have got that mold.
It's a Lee and was made for the Ruger Old Army.
I think it comes out at .456, and 220gr. It will pack a
wallop, that's for sure. The last batch I made loaded
hard, but I think I used to hard of lead. I grabbed the
lead I use for my 45 colt by mistake. I'm going to make
a new batch today using a little softer lead, and see
how that works out.
Thanks guys for all the information,
I'll put it all to good use.
I just had cataract surgery, so it kind of screwed
up my bow season, as I have to careful about what
I do for a while. But it should be fine by the time I can
use the smokepole for hunting. I'll have a 50 cal. Hawken rifle with me
also, but should I get a good shot 25 yards or closer,
I'd like to try and take it with the ROA, but only if I'm
sure I can put the boolit where I want it.

[ebner glocken]

This is by far one of the most comprehensive threads on ROAs I have ever seen. I asked a similar question and found out a wealth of information. Hope this helps.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=33125&highlight=ruger+army&page=2

Ebner

[Archer]

ebner glocken,
Thank you for the link,
that is the most loading
information I have ever seen
on the ROA. It will come in
handy time after time.