Safety First: The Cornerstone of Black Powder Shooting
Importance of Safety
Before delving into the mechanics of loading Ruger Old Army, we must underscore the paramount importance of safety. Black powder, the heart of this experience, presents inherent risks. Handling it carelessly can lead to severe injury. Treat every step with meticulous care and maintain a constant awareness of the potential dangers.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal protective equipment is non-negotiable. Always wear eye protection. Flying debris, sparks, and the potential for cap fragments necessitate this safeguard. Hearing protection, whether earplugs or earmuffs, is equally crucial to shield your ears from the concussive blast of the firearm. Gloves, while not always mandatory, can offer an extra layer of protection and help with grip, particularly when handling black powder.
Safe Handling Practices
Safe handling practices are foundational to responsible firearm ownership. Always treat the Ruger Old Army, or any firearm, as if it were loaded, even if you *believe* it is unloaded. Never point the muzzle at anything you are not prepared to destroy. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire. Before loading or handling, verify the cylinder is empty by visually inspecting each chamber. Never assume the firearm is safe; always check.
Black Powder Safety
Black powder safety extends beyond general firearm handling. Black powder is easily ignited, making careful handling essential. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from sources of ignition like open flames, sparks from electrical equipment, and static electricity. Avoid spilling or shaking the powder near any potential ignition sources. When transferring black powder from its container, utilize a powder flask or measure, ensuring a controlled transfer to minimize the risk of accidental ignition. Never smoke, use matches, or light a cigarette when handling or near black powder.
Location and Backstop
The shooting location itself plays a crucial role in safety. Choose a range with a designated firing line, and a sturdy backstop designed to contain errant shots. Ensure there are no people or animals downrange. The environment should be clear of flammable materials. Black powder can create a significant amount of smoke, so ensure adequate ventilation.
Gathering Your Supplies: The Arsenal of the Black Powder Shooter
Successfully loading the Ruger Old Army depends on having the right supplies. Gather these essentials before starting the loading process.
Required Components
You’ll obviously need your Ruger Old Army revolver. Make sure it’s clean, well-maintained, and in good working order.
Next, you’ll need black powder. FFFg is the common granulation, but check your specific firearm manual or consult an experienced black powder shooter for the most suitable type. Be sure to purchase powder specifically manufactured for firearms use, not industrial-grade powder.
Lead balls or conical bullets are your projectiles. The correct diameter for your Ruger Old Army’s caliber (usually .44) is essential for accuracy and safe loading.
Percussion caps ignite the black powder. The correct size and type, such as #10 or #11, are critical to ensure reliable firing.
A powder flask or powder measure is crucial for accurately measuring your powder charge. This ensures consistency and helps prevent overcharging the chambers.
A bullet seating tool or rammer is needed to seat the ball or bullet properly in the cylinder chambers. This ensures that the bullet is firmly seated against the powder, creating a proper seal.
A lubricant is a critical component of a smooth and safe experience. It serves two purposes: sealing the chamber to prevent chain fires (where the adjacent chambers ignite) and lubricating the bore to reduce fouling. Options include dedicated black powder lubricants like bore butter, Crisco, or other suitable greases.
While not strictly required for loading, cleaning supplies are essential for maintaining your firearm and ensuring consistent performance. These include a cleaning rod, patches, and appropriate solvents designed for black powder.
Loading Procedure: A Step-by-Step Approach
Now for the heart of the matter: the loading Ruger Old Army procedure. Follow these steps precisely.
Preparation
First, make sure the revolver is unloaded and safe. Visually inspect each chamber in the cylinder to ensure it is empty.
If you desire, clean the cylinder chambers before loading. Use a cleaning rod and brush with a black powder solvent. This removes any residual fouling from previous shots.
Powder Charge
Accurate measurement of your powder charge is vital. This ensures consistent performance and prevents overcharging, which can damage the firearm or cause injury. Use your powder flask or measure to carefully dispense the correct amount of black powder into each chamber. Consult your firearm’s manual for the recommended starting powder charge. Never overload.
Seating the Projectile
Place the lead ball or bullet into the cylinder’s chamber. Using the rammer, seat the projectile firmly against the powder. The ball or bullet should be seated firmly, but not so tightly that it distorts its shape. Ensure a proper seal to prevent any powder from spilling.
Lubrication
Lubrication follows. Apply a thin layer of lubricant, such as Crisco or bore butter, over the seated ball. This creates a seal, which helps to prevent chain fires and reduces fouling build-up.
Capping
The final step is capping the nipples. Use the correct percussion caps, ensuring they are seated securely on the nipples. Use a cap seating tool, if available, for improved consistency.
Final Inspection
Before firing, carefully inspect the loaded cylinder. Make sure all the chambers have been properly loaded and that the percussion caps are secure. Check for any signs of powder or lubricant leakage.
Tips for Accurate Shooting: Refining Your Black Powder Precision
Achieving consistent accuracy with the Ruger Old Army comes down to several key factors.
Choosing the Right Projectile and Powder Charge
Choosing the right projectile and powder charge is critical. Experiment with different ball or bullet types and powder charges to find what works best for your firearm and shooting style. A slightly lower charge may produce more consistent results than a max load.
Loading Consistency
Loading consistency is paramount. Each chamber should be loaded with the same powder charge, and the ball/bullet should be seated at the same depth each time.
Cleaning Between Shots
Cleaning between shots is a useful technique. Wiping the cylinder face and muzzle, and swabbing the bore after a few shots can help remove fouling build-up, which can affect accuracy.
Sight Picture and Aiming
Understanding the sights on your Ruger Old Army is key. Proper sight alignment is critical. Practice maintaining a consistent sight picture to ensure accurate shot placement.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Preserving Your Black Powder Investment
Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential for the longevity and performance of your Ruger Old Army.
Immediate After-Shooting Cleaning
Immediately after shooting, perform a basic cleaning to remove the immediate build-up of fouling. Wipe down the external surfaces of the revolver, and quickly brush the bore and cylinder chambers with a black powder solvent.
Thorough Cleaning
A thorough cleaning should follow the shooting session. This involves a more comprehensive process of disassembly (consult your owner’s manual).
Cleaning the Cylinder Chambers
Clean the cylinder chambers thoroughly. Use a brush, solvent, and patches to remove all traces of powder residue.
Cleaning the Barrel
Clean the barrel. Run patches soaked with black powder solvent through the bore until they come out clean.
Cleaning the Frame
Clean the frame. Use a solvent to remove fouling from all accessible areas of the frame.
Reassembly and Lubrication
Reassemble the Ruger Old Army and lubricate the internal components to ensure smooth operation. Apply a light coat of oil to prevent corrosion.
Troubleshooting: Addressing Common Black Powder Issues
Even with careful attention, problems can occur.
Misfires
Misfires can happen. Ensure you are using fresh percussion caps. If misfires persist, examine the nipples for any obstructions. Inspect the cap for proper seating.
Chain Fires
Chain fires, where multiple chambers ignite simultaneously, are dangerous. These typically are caused by a weak seal between the ball or bullet and the powder charge. Use ample lubricant, make sure projectiles are correctly sized, and check for other possible issues that may compromise the seal.
Conclusion
Loading the Ruger Old Army is more than just a mechanical process; it’s a ritual, a connection to the past. By following these steps and adhering to safety precautions, you can enjoy the unique pleasure of black powder shooting with confidence.
Encouragement
Enjoy the experience. Savor the history.
