Target load for Ruger Old Army

[frosty]

I currently own two old armys, one highly polished with pearl grips, the other stock with oversize grips-(they have the ruger logo, so they are probably from a super blackhawk). Both guns were given to me, one by my freind(a 1985 stainless), the other by my apprentice when he left for a better job, a 1989 stainless). I have been told by a past revolver champion who shot at freindship, 15gr of fffg, a small amount of cornmeal filler, .457 swaged ball with either a lubed wad underneath the ball, or lube on top. Has anyone ever shot target loads in the old army?

 

[MutinousDoug]

I don't actually compete with my ROA but find loads between 15 and 20 gr fff with cornmeal to fill the cylinder between the powder and ball to produce best accuracy at 25 yds. Wonderlube or BoreButter over the ball is messy when the weather is warm but harder lube (i.e. bee's wax/olive oil/tallow) comes off in chunks when it's cool out.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

Ive never shot low power loads such as you in my ROA. for target I use a .357 caseful of 3F. felt wad and Lee mold slug. for more grunt I use a .7.62X39 mm caseful of 3F over a .32 acp caseful of 4F then felt then slug, has some grunt to it.

 

[RON in PA]

Back in the day, 20 grains of 3Fg, a 38 special case full of corn meal under a .457 soft lead ball topped off with a crisco like grease won me many a prize, medal or trophy. That load is right from the Ruger owner's manual.