[AbitNutz]

I just realized what I was doing with my ROA.

I'm trying to make the ultimate black powder pistol that could have been made in the days when muzzle loading pistols were "The Firearm".

Arguably, the ROA is the finest BP pistol ever made. I'm sure that there are others may have different candidates but it seems to me the ROA is it. I've modified it in ways that could have been done in the 1860's The list is long and tedious.

I started working on the ammunition side of things. I got a little bored of RB. So I started with bullets, tried a few and settled on Dick Dastardly 150 and 210gr BigLube bullets. They both work well. The chambers have been deepened so for moderate charges I use a Wonder wad but I usually shoot loads that fill the chambers.

I then had the first 3 D/D cavities hollow pointed by Hollow Point molds using his inset bar method. That worked weirdly well. The bullets are very accurate. I did this on my 210gr bullets. I may do it to my 150 gr.

Next, I want to get some steel sprue plates that are offered by Jim from Superior Quality Machine. They have a channel as well as the normal fill hole.

I've also had some issues with the cam lever and there are some steel ones that are made that are stronger but more importantly, offer a 50% greater opening range. This will be welcome as the front two cavities, the sprue plate hardly moves.

And last, handles. I've got some MP handles which I'm really happy with but I also want to try the KAL, who also make the cam levers.

I really don't want to imply that any of this is really required. Dick makes a fine mold and while I believe it's made by Lee, I think Dick has some say about quality control over the normal production runs.

So in my mind "no cracks" this gun and mold could have been made in the 1860's. With the exception... it's all stainless. That's one thing I can't give up.

So I have a high powered jewel tuned revolver of great power throwing hollow point bullets. Or a pussycat, whatever I choose.

[Acorn Mush]

Sounds like you've done a lot of R&D stuff there sir.:D

Can you tell us what size groups your revolver is now capable of shooting at 25 yards from a rest, with the two bullet weights mentioned?

[AbitNutz]

25 yards is too far for good result. The first HP bullet will go right where you want it. The groups are good and the point of aim is fine. However, the second wadcutter has the ballistic coefficient of a dime. It can hit the target anywhere at 25 yards. If I do a silhouette target and I shoot a hole in the head, the WC will hit somewhere low on the body with any shape hole, indicating that the WC was tumbling.

However, at 10 yards, it's different. The front bullet acts as expected and goes exactly where you want it. The following WC will be just a few inches lower to one side of the other and make a nice clean round hole.

It's just a something to play with. I'm having a bullet swaging die made so I can make the following WC any weight I want. It'll have a slightly beveled base so it seats easier.