First Ruger Old Army questions...

[Blackpowderart]

I recently purchased my first ruger old army percussion revolver. 1974, Blued, (edit) adjustable sights with the 7.5 inch barrel. Couldn't have been fired more than a couple cylinders worth. She's nice. What is the lowest powder charge one can shoot using balls without wads or filler? So far I have been using 30 grn and works great.
Also I have noticed all the ruger grips seem to be proud. Has anyone "fitted" them or do you just leave them as is? The grip is a little fat for my liking but I don't want to loose the dark color that it comes with. I feel I could make it more comfortable though.
Also looking for a good holster. Is there anyone on here that makes a good ruger holster? Examples please. Not looking for anything super fancy or a flap holster. I'm looking to spend 150 or less, preferably less. Thank you guys.

First 15yard group. Each square is one inch.

 

[morehops52]

First, nice group. That gun should group to 50 yds. 30g is fine but you want either filler or a wad to bring the nose of the ball close to the cylinder face. I made my holster from a Tandy kit 49 yes ago
Enjoy that Ruger. It’s a dandy

 

[nick_1]

that thing looks so much like a Blackhawk that i wonder if it's got a transfer bar?

 

[Old-Duckman]

Fixed sights..? If those are photo of your ROA, it has adjustable sights my friend.

 

[TreeMan]

That gun has adjustable sights. For targets I shoot 20 grains of 3F under 20 grains of cream of wheat. I have shot it without the COW but the accuracy is better with it in place.

 

[TFoley]

that thing looks so much like a Blackhawk that i wonder if it's got a transfer bar?

Nope.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Fixed sights..? If those are photo of your ROA, it has adjustable sights my friend.

Yep, adjustable. As for the grips: grips are a very individual and personal thing on all handguns. To want something different is not unusual. Shop around and try several styles until you find something that suits you. Sorry, I know my suggestion can get expensive. But dialing in yer kit in any avocation can take bucks. I once had an unmentionable revolver I tried three sets of grips before settling on the ones that suited.

 

[Blackpowderart]

I was in a hurry when I typed that, I have no idea why I said fixed sight haha. I know it's adjustable. It is now hitting point of aim.
I noticed that the plunger doesn't go in very far so I was wondering if 25 grains would be safe with no filler or wad? I know ball at the top is better, but I'm talking about just out shooting cans in the back yard and such. Someing I can just change the spout on the flask and have fun.

 

[cynthialee]

I was in a hurry when I typed that, I have no idea why I said fixed sight haha. I know it's adjustable. It is now hitting point of aim.
I noticed that the plunger doesn't go in very far so I was wondering if 25 grains would be safe with no filler or wad? I know ball at the top is better, but I'm talking about just out shooting cans in the back yard and such. Someing I can just change the spout on the flask and have fun.

Use a filler, Cream of Wheat, Corn Meal and Grits work well enough. Will help with accuracy. Corn Meal and Grits can compress so be aware of what you are doing when loading so you don't get inconsistent loading of chambers.
A thick wad or 2 could also work for lower powder charges.
That Ruger can hold up to 45 grains of powder and a .457 roundball. Most folks with them tend to load around 25-35 grains of pistol powder for best accuracy.

 

[morehops52]

I like stout loads. 40g fffg. I found the original grips let it rotate back into the web between the thumb and fore finger. I bought larger target grips and contoured them to my grip. Now it just lifts on recoil but no rotation.

 

[Sam squanch]

My first revolver was an old army. Completely pitted bore. Still could consistently hit soda cans at 40 yards.

 

[Elkpurgatoire]

I recently purchased my first ruger old army percussion revolver. 1974, Blued, (edit) adjustable sights with the 7.5 inch barrel. Couldn't have been fired more than a couple cylinders worth. She's nice. What is the lowest powder charge one can shoot using balls without wads or filler? So far I have been using 30 grn and works great.
Also I have noticed all the ruger grips seem to be proud. Has anyone "fitted" them or do you just leave them as is? The grip is a little fat for my liking but I don't want to loose the dark color that it comes with. I feel I could make it more comfortable though.
Also looking for a good holster. Is there anyone on here that makes a good ruger holster? Examples please. Not looking for anything super fancy or a flap holster. I'm looking to spend 150 or less, preferably less. Thank you guys.

First 15yard group. Each square is one inch.

Nice group. As for the holster, my ROA resides in a Ruger flap holster with the Ruger eagle embossed on the flap. It fits perfectly. Not certain if they are still available.

 

[Timber Wolf]

Extended rammer for reduced loads: Slixprings, LLC
I do not have one (yet) but have thought bout it.

 

[TTLR]

The cylinder comes out of those guns so easy you could get a loading stand. They seat the ball deeper and accuracy is good enough for a Plainsman side match.

 

[Gum Slough Muzzleloader]

Blackpowderart, Bass Pro, and Cabela's offer a Triple-K holster. I purchased one for my Old Army, snug and tight at first but it worked out good for me.
Take Care

 

[Blackpowderart]

I have a triple k holster for my 1858, it works but I'm looking for something a little nicer. Thanks for the input on the slixprings extended ramrod, I will be ordering that this week. As stated I would like a handmade holster potentially by someone on this forum or elsewhere. I recently purchased a holster off etsy for my pocket police and I love it but the guy only does replica arms, colst and remingtons it seems. Said he doesn't have a ruger or a pattern for one. I want something along the lines of the one shown below.

 

[nick_1]

I found this one on esty

 

[Gum Slough Muzzleloader]

I have a triple k holster for my 1858, it works but I'm looking for something a little nicer. Thanks for the input on the slixprings extended ramrod, I will be ordering that this week. As stated I would like a handmade holster potentially by someone on this forum or elsewhere. I recently purchased a holster off etsy for my pocket police and I love it but the guy only does replica arms, colst and remingtons it seems. Said he doesn't have a ruger or a pattern for one. I want something along the lines of the one shown below.

I didn't catch that you wanted one that was handmade.
Holster in Pic looks nice.
Way different than the one I have.
I'm sure someone the forum can hook ya up.

 

[rmefbowhunter]

Being a newbie to bp revolvers, historically were they loaded with fillers?

 

[Uncle Miltie]

Being a newbie to bp revolvers, historically were they loaded with fillers?

Not until the late 1800's when folks began using them for target shooting.