ROA w/bigLube bullets with target photo

[AbitNutz]

This is the first time I've had a chance to wring out my ROA stainless 5 1/2".

I used Pyrodex 30gr pellets, 210gr BiguLube bullets from Whyte leather and #10 CCI caps.

So, yeah, the CCI #10 caps were a mistake on Ampco nipples. I didn't realize they were too small and I should have been using #11's. I made them fit but it was a bit fiddly to get them to seat.

The BigLube's were also quite fiddly to get started. They didn't appear to be beveled at the base to help seat them. And man, don't let them sit in the sun. That lube just melts.

Anyway, at 25 yards (yes, I swear 25 yards at a public state shooting range...there was only 25, 50 and 100 yards) I got groups like this. I can't tell you how many people were just stunned by this...including me. I continued to get groups like this till my hand started hurting from operating the ram, about 24 shots (next time I'm using a glove). Yes, I loaded all 6 cylinders, using the between cylinder notch when I lowered the hammer.

I haven't been shooting in 10 years and besides setting my wife's dishtowel on fire and burning 2 holes in it with the first 2 shots (I was resting the ROA on it). I was very pleased. Some were not so pleased. Especially the guys with Glocks that couldn't hit the paper.

After 24 shots, the gun was a bit greasy, from me handling the melting BigLube's as much as shooting it. The nipples were showing the most buildup and the caps were getting very difficult to seat. Go figure, they were the wrong size. There was very, very little fowling and a nylon brush and a couple of patches easily cured that.

What I'm confused about is that the pistol was dead on at 25 yards with these bullets. Isn't it supposed to be sighted for round balls? The sights don't adjust and my eyes barely adjust, so this was right on the money right out of the box. If this gun is supposed to shoot better with round balls, then It's going to be making one freakin' hole.

Next time I'm going to try the correct size caps and some American Pioneer Powder. I also ordered a capper and powder flask from Track of the Wolf.

 

[Ratdog68]

Nice group there. Got a chance to eyeball a ROA myself today... with the .45LC conversion cylinder in stainless. Nice piece.

 

[Ginormous]

You should immediately send me the magical dish towel. You obviously don't need it.

 

[Das Jaeger]

Good grouping

with that there gun Abitnutz
Ifin yaz get a loading stand for the cylinders , you'll be happeir with those bullets , and your hand will love you , more
Nobody ever touted the Ruger as inaccurate anyways , any Ruger . Your just provin thier claim to fame with your photos . Bill did not mess around when he made that gun .

Good luck with your RB's and post some more piccys !

jaeger

 

[Olmontanaboy]

That's some nice shootin. I gotta get one of those Rugers

 

[AbitNutz]

magic dishtowel

Here's the magic dishtowel. I was laughing when I realized the towel was smoking. However, when it continued to smoke and I had open caps and powder sitting around on the shooting bench, I thought better of it and tossed it to my wife...who was definitely not laughing. Mostly because the sudden burst of air when I threw it made it burst partially in to flames. Not to mention she's not fond of me greasing up her dishtowels, let alone setting them afire.
She expertly stomped it out before the range master threw us all out for trying to burn down his nice shooting benches and covered overhead.
Then I proceeded to shoot 4 more shots as seen in the previously posted target.
When we got home, I realized the stomping had yet to really start.

 

[Acorn Mush]

Do yourself and your wife a favor and pick up a few used 100% cotton handtowels from your local thrift store. You can usually get them for fifty cents apiece or so. Use a large felt tip marker to write "Shooting Towel" or some such on the decorative band. You will then have some dedicated-use towels that you can grease up, mess up, dirty up, etc. I've done that for years. The marking prevents them from getting mixed up with the good towels after being laundered.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

ROA's are known to be shooters. I'm not surprised at your efforts.
I get better groups with Pyrodex (loose, never used the pills) than regular 3F bp.

 

[TomADC]

Nice shooting, 1st time a shot a BP rifle I was just happy the bullet went down range let alone hit what I was aiming at.
Looking forward to trying mine.