Breaking the code with my Ruger Old Army

sigp220.45 · Oct 10, 2014

I picked up this Old Army a year or so ago. They aren't making them anymore and I figured I would carry it on muzzleloader hunts.

We had a rocky start to our relationship. I couldn't get one cylinder down-range without multiple no-goes: caps didn't fire, or they did and the main charge didn't go off. I put it away for a while, but just came back to it.

It was, of course, my fault. I couldn't find .457 balls, so I used .454s. I used 50 grain Triple 7 pellets meant for a rifle and 209 primers. (When these did go off it was impressive, though). And I used CCI percussion caps. So I basically did everything wrong. (Except for the Wonder Wads - those worked fine.)

This time around I had .457 balls, Pyrodex pellets meant for cap and ball pistols, and Remington #10 caps.

What a difference. I've put a couple dozen cylinders-full through it, and not a single misfire.

Why the black pearlie Hogues? I like the way they look and feel, and they are waterproof. I just dunk the whole shebang in a Home Depot bucket of hot soapy water and it all cleans right up.

I'm glad I found this one. I really like the fact they are all 3-screw actions since they have the big safety notches between the chambers. Love those 4 clicks.

Any other fans?

ACP230 · Oct 10, 2014

Had a chance to buy one, used, many years for cheap.
Didn't. Have regretted it since.

I shot one just once and hit a relatively small plate at 60 yards, or so.
Felt and shot like my Old Model Ruger Blackhawk.

Cooter Brown · Oct 10, 2014

It's darned tough to find a more fun way to spend an afternoon than popping away with a caplock revolver.

If you haven't ever used real black powder in one and can get your hands on some you should give it a try--smoky, smelly fun!

Ivan the Butcher · Oct 11, 2014

I have an assortment of Black Powder revolvers Colt(3) and Remington(1) Army's and Walkers(3) all 44 cal repros. My best friend had an old blue Old Army for years, and I have shot it several times. The loading books say I should have .452 round balls, .454 round balls and the Old Army .457 round balls. I load .457 in all of them usually with Wonder Wads. When I got away from Pyrodex, and shoot FFFg Goex or FFFg Clear Shot my groups became respectable. 2 of my Walkers are doing in the 2 1/2" at around 30 yards ( but i'm tired out after holding up Walkers for 12 shots!) When I'm at a gun show, flea market or LGS, I will buy any box of .457 balls at 6 cents a ball or less. All others are just lead for casting to me.

By the way, use you P Pellets while they are fresh. I bought 3 or 4 containers full when they first came out. They don't store long term (3 or more years in unopened container) well. Where as, Black Powder stores very well (Some people and Lyman would let BP age 6 months to a year before using). Ivan

CAJUNLAWYER · Oct 11, 2014

I've got the bright shiny one with fixed sights-looks like nickle. Years back when I lived in New Orleans we had an annual "Mexican Revolution" party. Everyone would show up in serapes and sombreros-the wimen in those cute Mexican dresses. A few guys would have black powder revolvers loaded with blank loads that would periodically get shot into the air and one guy would bring two of his dad's roosters (without the blades) and we would let them spar. I'll stop it here

Rangerpat · Oct 11, 2014

I've had my Ruger Old Army for over 30 years. For plinking I use .45 wad cutters, over 25 gr. of Pyrodex P and a Wonder Wad.

For hunting I use .457 round ball, over 40 gr. of Pyrodex P and a Wonder Wad; after loading the cylinder I put melted candle wax over each ball to help seal out moisture (hunting in the rain and high humidity of Florida).

Next weekend is the opening of Muzzleloader Season and it will be at my side in a El Paso Saddlery flap holster, as a back-up to my rifle when a "speed loader" (oxymoron) is not speedy enough.

Happy hunting!

Erich · Oct 11, 2014

Mine is the most accurate revolver I own, whether with the percussion cylinder or the Howell's conversion.

It's a legitimate 50-yard gun.

eveled · Oct 11, 2014

All Ruger old army's are nice, the stainless ones are awesome, and hellraisers set are "to die for."

Ruger needs to bring back a whole line of cap and ball revolvers.

Squarebutt · Oct 11, 2014

Mine is stainless and a surprisingly good shooter at 50 yards. The OP had a good idea with the polymer grips, as I always worry about damaging the wood panels when I clean it. Which size Ruger grip frame matches the Old Army?

Breaking the code with my Ruger Old Army

sigp220.45

US Veteran

ACP230

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Cooter Brown

Member

Ivan the Butcher

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CAJUNLAWYER

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Rangerpat

US Veteran

Erich

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eveled

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Squarebutt

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