Favorite Triple 7 fun/accuracy load for Ruger Old Army?

[Tallbald]

I've got such a way to go to learn more about my Ruger Old Army's friends. I have some FFF Triple Seven, but have been using up a can of American Pioneer for the last several years and have not tried the T7. I just use the powder dispenser nozzle that came with my CVA brass dispenser, and it seems to fill the chamber a little over half way, but I don't have a scale to weigh the charge. I'm not hunting, but rather am just having a good time making smoke and noise while trying to cut cloverleafs on target. Round ball is my projectile of choice, with a felt wad to cushion the pill. I prefer CCI #11 magnum caps which I think may be important data in an equation.
Anyone care to suggest a Triple Seven starting load for this kind of enjoyment? Honestly I'm still confused about load "equivalents" and reduction for using the more powerful T7. I wish it was simply a volume measure like "CC's" I could wrap my head around. I'm sure I'm making it more complicated than it really is though. Always enjoy and appreciate reading answers. Don

 

[arcticap]

If you're only loading the ROA chambers about 1/2 full, then the 15% reduction for using 777 isn't really going to make much of any difference at all. Until you purchase a volume powder measure, I suggest to just continue using the same amount of powder since the extra 3 or 4 grains of power certainly won't be harmful to the you or the gun.
Meanwhile here's a list of the volumes for some pistol cartridge cases if you want to experiment with trying out some different powder charges. Some folks attach a wire loop to the cartridge case and make a powder scoop out of it. Loading a filled .38 Special case with 777 would be equivalent to 27 grains of black powder. To determine the 15% reduction for 777, multiply the black powder load by .85 (or 85%) using your computer's calculator.

Cartridge Grains
.22 LR = 5
.320 ACP = 7
.380 ACP = 10
.30 cal Carbine = 20
.38 Special = 23
.357 Mag = 27
.45 Auto = 26
.44 Colt = 35
.45 Colt = 41
.38-40 = 40
.30-30 = 42
.30-06 = 70
.45-70 = 83

9mm – 13.3
40 S&W – 19.3

 

[birdshot8's]

ROA T7, i have used T7 from 20 grains topped off with cream of wheat to a level chamber of T7. i don't think 15% reduction is required with ROA.

 

[Tallbald]

Thank you both SO much. I have the .38 Special, .357 Mag, 9mm, .45 Colt cases and have a way to attach a handle. Once I find the "sweet load", I can machine a nozzle for my dispenser. Good to know some parameters! Now, to start making my own wads from Durafelt! Don

 

[Skinny 1950]

I just found a conversion chart that converts Grains into CC's.

10 Grains = .66 CC's
15 Grains = .99 CC's
20 Grains = 1.32 CC's
30 Grains = 1.99 CC's
100 Grains = 6.62 CC's

Grains X .0662 = CC's