Loading ROA

[jimrbto]

Hi all,
I am new here and have questions regarding loading my new ROA.
I have several other bp revolvers and have been shooting them since the early 60's, all came complete with single powder measures and bullet molds so loading was never a question for me. Now the ROA I have, ss w/7" bbl has no loading info. Done some reading and that brings up the Questions.
1. Loads I see sometime refer to using a "filler" on top of the powder. How should I determine the amount of filler to use when I vary the powder charge?
2. How much space must be left in the chamber between the top of the powder charge or filler charge and the chamber mouth to allow for the ball/bullet?
3. MUST the ball/bullet always be seated to just below the chamber mouth? This doesn't seem to be true with my others.
4. I haven't yet measured them, but must I assume that none of my revolvers has a rammer long enough to seat a ball on the powder if I reduce the load? Should I use a filler in all my revolvers if the ball is not seated out to the chamber mouth?
I hope I have posed these questions in an understandable manner.
Thanks for all your help
Jim

 

[Titanvk56]

Welcome!

You can download the instruction manual here:
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/PDF/InstructionManuals/13.pdf

If you are going to use a wad then the chanmber will hold about 41 grains of 3F and without a wad about 44-45 grains of 3F.

ex. 25 grains 3F, 15 grains of filler (give or take a few grains), lubed wad and .457 round ball.

My ROA likes 40 grains of Goex 3F, lubed wad and a .457 round ball.

The manual says to seat the ball at least 1/16" below the chamber mouth and that filler is not required as long as you fill the chamber at least half way with powder.

Every ROA is different so have fun experimenting!

 

[mykeal]

1. Loads I see sometime refer to using a "filler" on top of the powder. How should I determine the amount of filler to use when I vary the powder charge?

Use the same amount of 'filler' regardless of amount of powder. In fact, use a felt wad, preferably lubed.

2. How much space must be left in the chamber between the top of the powder charge or filler charge and the chamber mouth to allow for the ball/bullet?

If it's a round ball, 0.457". But using any reasonable load, that is one that is fairly accurate, will automatically handle that.

3. MUST the ball/bullet always be seated to just below the chamber mouth? This doesn't seem to be true with my others.

No.

4. I haven't yet measured them, but must I assume that none of my revolvers has a rammer long enough to seat a ball on the powder if I reduce the load?

No.

Should I use a filler in all my revolvers if the ball is not seated out to the chamber mouth?

No.

Just make sure the ball is seated on the load. There is no problem with a gap between the ball and the chamber mouth or between the ball and the barrel breech. There is a problem with a gap between the powder/filler/wad column and the ball.