ROA, 3F and Round Ball loads?

[Gunruner]

For you folks that shoot the ROA with FFF black powder & round ball, some questions; What load of powder has been the most accurate for you? Which worked best, over powder wad or grease over ball? How many cylinders can you fire between cleanings at the range? Getting ready to do some range work on a new purchase and want to get a consensus of what has worked the best for others. Thanks............Mike

 

[mykeal]

About 25 gr fffg Goex with a lubed felt wad and a .457 rb. I said about because I also got good results from 30 gr fffg Goex. Not a lot of difference. 35 gr fffg groups were noticeably larger but not greatly so.

I have not shot with grease in many years, so I didn't compare that with lubed felt wads.

How many cylinders depends greatly on the type/brand of powder and the effectiveness of your lube and system. Also, I tend to clean after every 3 or 4 cylinders (swab both bore and chambers with bp solvent and dry patch) depending on convenience, so I've never actually gotten to the point where it had to be done.

 

[mtngunr]

I've never gummed up any ROA to the point it wouldn't function, but misfires become more common the dirtier the gun gets, fouling slowing the hammer fall....20grs FFFG with Cream of Wheat filler and Crisco shoots very well at 800fps....so does 25grs no filler ditto Crisco at 930fps....1"-1.5"/25yds depending on you and the gun....30-35grs FFFg will run 970-1000fps with about 2" groups....as much FFFFg as I can stuff in the chamber is a hummer and shoots about 2" max....all loads just using Crisco over the ball....I flush the disassembled gun with hot water, clean everything with Windex Ammonia-D, while small parts soak in a bowl of same.

 

[Gunruner]

Thanks fellas. That's what I was looking for. I have a Colt copy that shoots all day with 30gr.FFF Goex and a Remington that will not go 2 cylinders with the same 30gr.FFF. I've heard the Ruger can go further without a cleanup than the Remington copy. I shoot 3F Goex exclusively since I buy it in bulk and it is 1/3 the cost of "Tripple 7". I'm not a speed shooter but I really insist on accuracy from my guns. Thanks again..........Mike

 

[mtngunr]

I'd take a toothbrush and Windex along for all-day-shooting, just to cut down on misfires....looking forward to hearing of your shooting....sold my 1st ROA years back, and the replacement will never be sold...truth be told, it would probably stay if every other handgun I own had to go, including the S&W's, Colts, etc...

 

[Gunruner]

I shoot and reload for cartridge guns also but BP Revolvers hold that special mystique for me. Cartridge guns are a tool and BP guns add to the FUN factor. Well see how the Ruger stacks up against the copies........Mike P.S. I always take a container of hot water to the range with plenty of patches(lol).

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

windsheild washer/wiper fluid is cheaper than Windex(which works fine) and also contains alchohol - the winter mix has more. it really cuts the crud. I use it in a small spray bottle. basically it's just the cylinder and pin that starts to bind up - just mist the frame and wipe, but drench the pin and wet swab the pin hole, wipe clean - regrease and assemble for more fun.
I shoot Lee mold slugs that I have lubed the grooves by dipping into warm liquid lube, and load over felts or stiff paper wads - this gives tighter groups, not much but noticeable.
I took a large feral hog w/my ROA, first shot little 2 far back (but put a hole high up in both lungs) so had to track it near 1/4 mile (some light snow made the task easier) for a follow-up head/neck 'stay down' shot. 300 lbs. on the hoof.

 

[Gunruner]

Thanks for the replies......Mike

 

[mtngunr]

Windex vs. ww-fluid....my impressions have always been it being the ammonia which nuetralizes the salts and cuts the fouling....alcohol just letting the parts dry quickly/cleanly prior to oiling....