Ruger Old Army question

[ChasMack]

I was considering buying an Old Army and read where only light "cowboy" loads should be used when using a conversion cylinder. The gun looks quite stout to me. Shouldn't the Old Army be able to shoot hotter loads than "cowboy" loads?

 

[rcmodel]

The conversion cylinder is made in two parts to allow loading it, and it is the weak link.
Which is the case with all revolvers.

The cylinder is what blows first.

rc

 

[runs.for.beer]

My $0.02: Stick to Cowboy Loads

I have thought about your question myself.

I can not point to any specific resource, other than the manufacture's instructions and warnings, so please take this as my opinion only . . .

Even though a ROA is built to modern tolerances and with quality steel, it was not indented to withstand the unique stress and pressures associated with modern smokeless propellants.

I use the conversion cylinder for my ROA to get me though the months I do not have access to an outdoor range to simulate shooting a black powder revolver, not as a replacement for a single action center fire revolver. Given the cost of conversion cylinder, I would opt for buying a center fire revolver to shoot standard ammunition.

 

[ChasMack]

I would want to switch back and forth anyway, not dedicate it to centerfire only. Makes sense about the cylinder...never thought about that.

 

[TAURUSBOB]

I have two Ruger old armys ss with conversion cylinders, one with 45 LC
and one with 45 ACP. I have about 825 + rounds using 45 LC -250gr. Horn xtp (JHP) going 1000 fps. My 45 acp has about 1200 rounds of Winchester 230gr
JHP and FMJ going 885 fps. For me it is working great, lock up is still tight and no
problems with the guns. It may not work for you.


Bob

 

[J-Bar]

If you have not already fired a .45 Colt cartridge with a 250 grain lead bullet over a case full of black powder, please do so. It is safe in a conversion cylinder, but doesn't fall into the category of a competiton cowboy load. (Although some cowboy action shooters do take pride in being "warthogs" and making the steel ring as loudly as possible.)

I think you will find that a fully powered blackpowder .45 Colt will leave no doubts about your manhood.

 

[[email protected]]

Here is me shooting my Ruger Blackhawk with a full house Factory Goex
Black Powder load. The case is loaded with 37 grs Goex BP. It's all I want

 

[J-Bar]

I checked the manufacturer's instructions that came with my Kirst Converters. It says to use blackpowder or equivalent loads. Doesn't say anything about cowboy loads.

Great video!!!

 

[ChasMack]

kwhi43...is that load safe in a Ruger Old Army? Looks stout!

 

[mykeal]

Yes, 37 grains/volume of real black powder (aka Goex) is safe in an ROA.

 

[J-Bar]

That load was safe in an original Colt Single Action Army, vintage 1873.

A Ruger should be able to handle it.

(Sarcasm switch off)

Cavalry soldiers didn't like it, so Colt reduced the amount of powder a bit to tame the recoil. It was a people problem, not a gun strength problem.

 

[ClemBert]

I sometimes stuff 40 grains FFFg in 45 Colt for my ROA Conversion Cylinder. In this video I am shooting 40 grains FFFg weighed. I used a drop tube when loading. There's a 250 grain lead bullet sitting on top of the powder. I don't normally shoot like that. I'm holding the ROA like that only for purposes of making the video while shooting on a fold-up table.

 

[ChasMack]

That's some good info... I learned something new Those are great videos too!!

 

[Legionnaire]

Saturday I loaded up 100 rounds, 30 grains Goex FFg under a cardboard wad and a 250 grain RNFP. Looking forward to trying a few in my 5.5" Pietta 1858 with Howell's conversion cylinder as well as my ROA. Unfortunately, work schedule will keep me from the range all this week. Can hardly wait!

 

[4v50 Gary]

Stay within the recommendations of the conversion cylinder mfg.

 

[Greg528iT]

Stay with the black powder equivalent loads. You are shooting a historical piece, either a real or copy.

If you want to shoot HOT loads, buy a Ruger super RedHawk, (to go along with your older colt) and shoot some really HOT loads.