New to BP- advice please

[Microtia]

I have just reserved one of the last Ruger old Army 45 pistols, and am looking forward to picking it up as soon as I can get the variation processed.

I would welcome a list of bits I need to acquire to use/clean the gun.

I am thinking of Pyrodex as a propellant as BP sounds a bit hazardous,plus you need a licence. I am thinking (?) of trying conical bullets/ball projectiles to see which do best.

Specific items I haven't a clue about include:

1. Decapping tool to get spent percussion caps off the nipples
2. Wads between bullet and powder
3. Waxes/lubricants etc for the bullet
4. Powder dispensing most efficiently
5. Primers/ caps
6. Cleaning regime
7. Suggested loads and expected accuracy @25m

It seems like a lot of fun, and look forward to playing with it soon

[Wobbly 2]

I have just reserved one of the last Ruger old Army 45 pistols, and am looking forward to picking it up as soon as I can get the variation processed.

I would welcome a list of bits I need to acquire to use/clean the gun.

I am thinking of Pyrodex as a propellant as BP sounds a bit hazardous,plus you need a licence. I am thinking (?) of trying conical bullets/ball projectiles to see which do best.

Specific items I haven't a clue about include:

1. Decapping tool to get spent percussion caps off the nipples
2. Wads between bullet and powder
3. Waxes/lubricants etc for the bullet
4. Powder dispensing most efficiently
5. Primers/ caps
6. Cleaning regime
7. Suggested loads and expected accuracy @25m

It seems like a lot of fun, and look forward to playing with it soon

You will get plenty of different answers to your questions. Everyone has there own ideas.

I now only shoot bullet in my ROA.

In answer to your questions this is what I use.

1. Never used one, have a pair of long nosed pliers fot the job.
2. I use Semolina filler
3. Bullets coated in liquid alox.
4. Pre weighed vials, or powder flask.
5. I use RWS 10.75 on my ROA.
6. Ultrasonic cleaner for cylinder, and nipples. Tooth brush, and brass brush for frame and barrel, with hot soapy water.
7. 16 - 21 grns Pyrodex although have recently been getting good results using 11grns. Depends how good you are.

One thing we will all agree on is they are a lot of FUN.

[harricook]

I have just reserved one of the last Ruger old Army 45 pistols, and am looking forward to picking it up as soon as I can get the variation processed.

I would welcome a list of bits I need to acquire to use/clean the gun.

I am thinking of Pyrodex as a propellant as BP sounds a bit hazardous,plus you need a licence. I am thinking (?) of trying conical bullets/ball projectiles to see which do best.

Specific items I haven't a clue about include:

1. Decapping tool to get spent percussion caps off the nipples
2. Wads between bullet and powder
3. Waxes/lubricants etc for the bullet
4. Powder dispensing most efficiently
5. Primers/ caps
6. Cleaning regime
7. Suggested loads and expected accuracy @25m

It seems like a lot of fun, and look forward to playing with it soon

As Wobbly says - there will be a variety of opinions ......

My version ......

1. long nosed pliers - ickle ones !
2. I use 2 dry 1/8" wads and one lubed with Allwoods BPL - all punched out by your truly from hard felt I import from India- when the buggers send it Grrrrrr !
3. Bullets or balls - I shoot both - coated in liquid alox (which is completely unnecessary - but I like to belts & braces !)
4. Pre weighed vials always ! - weighed out calmly & quietly at home
5. No 10s on the original nipples & no 11s on the Treso ones
6. Dishwasher for cylinder and nipples they come out looking like new(mine is stainless) . Tooth brush, and bronze brush for frame and barrel, with whatever gun cleaner I have on the shelf
7. 18 grns Swiss No2

....and YES YES YES - it is fun

I also shoot mine with Nitro - as I have a Westlake Nitro conversion cylinder too !


Where will you shoot the gun - which club - is there one local to you on Gerrards X ?

Cheers

Roy

[tim56]

Firstly congrats on getting one of the best b/p revolvers. Iv got a stainless 51/2" barreled one and its brilliant, far better than i will ever be.
You will find that different people develop their own way of doing things. Some like to alox their balls/bullets while others over lube with water pump grease. Some will only use b/p while others like 777 or pyrodex and some will use a lubricated wad while others use semolina as a filler.
Iv recently become impressed with both pyrodex and 777 but still use b/p out of choice, basically because i can. And i like the smell.
Here,s my list.
Viles to put your chosen powder in.
Scales to measure said powder with.
Box to store said viles in. (I use a 44 bullet box)
.457" balls. I make em out of old lead piping.
Semolina filler.
Scoop to get filler into chamber.
Water pump grease to lube/cover balls. Plus lolly stick to administer.
No 11 Remington caps. (Fit the Ruger well and fall off after firing.)
Hot water and washing up liquid to clean revolver.
Cheapy Asda hair dryer to dry. (Get the metal hot and it drys inside.)
Wd40 and water pump grease to lube after cleaning.
Thats about it. You can spend lots of money on stuff you dont nead or very little on stuff you do nead, choice is yours but heres a few things to remember.
Your shooting mates will always want a go.
You will always have a grin on your face when you shoot it.
Dont be put off if you dont hit the target with every shot, never mind the black. It takes time. Iv been shooting b/p revolvers for 8 years now and i still get it wrong. Today i hit 5 x 9 ring and then a 5. ????
Enjoy yourself, but be warned, its adictive.

Tim

[harricook]

...Your shooting mates will always want a go.
You will always have a grin on your face when you shoot it.
....Enjoy yourself, but be warned, its adictive.

Tim

True on all counts Tim - so true !!!

Roy

.

[Microtia]

As Wobbly says - there will be a variety of opinions ......

My version ......

1. long nosed pliers - ickle ones !
2. I use 2 dry 1/8" wads and one lubed with Allwoods BPL - all punched out by your truly from hard felt I import from India- when the buggers send it Grrrrrr !
3. Bullets or balls - I shoot both - coated in liquid alox (which is completely unnecessary - but I like to belts & braces !)
4. Pre weighed vials always ! - weighed out calmly & quietly at home
5. No 10s on the original nipples & no 11s on the Treso ones
6. Dishwasher for cylinder and nipples they come out looking like new(mine is stainless) . Tooth brush, and bronze brush for frame and barrel, with whatever gun cleaner I have on the shelf
7. 18 grns Swiss No2

....and YES YES YES - it is fun

I also shoot mine with Nitro - as I have a Westlake Nitro conversion cylinder too !


Where will you shoot the gun - which club - is there one local to you on Gerrards X ?

Cheers

Roy

Thanks to all for that.
I shoot at Little Chalfont R&PC. 25m indoor range. Excellent place. Been a member since 1986.
I have a Taurus 38/357 LBR too, and a Marlin 357U/L, so a great way to spend an evening..

[davederrick]

Spot on advise above.

Never found any difference in accuracy between balls & bullets. The balls just group the same but a bit higher up, as there is more recoil. Plus, if you cast your own, balls use less lead.