Old Army - Kirst Konverter - "Ruger Only" Loads

[WilliamFeldmann]

OK, I have some Old Armies and I would like to add some extra versatilty through the use of a Kirst cartridge conversion cylinder. The Old Army is based off the old 3 screw frame and as such is quite a bit more gun than the new models. Those OM frames were the ones that all that "Ruger only" ammo came out for. Keep in mind that I want the abilty to shoot black powder cowboy loads for SASS and I know the cylinders will work, but if I can shoot a smokeless .45, great. My question is can I shoot those hotter "Ruger only" loads that were made for the OM Vaqueros and Blackhawks because they were stronger and heavier?

 

[mykeal]

I think if you ask the cylinder manufacturer they will tell you they are not designed to shoot the 'Ruger only' loads.

 

[dwave]

I think not. I am willing to bet that the cylinder isn't as strong as a Ruger cylinder for the Blackhawk is.

 

[Smokin_Gun]

I'll take some of that action ... +1 for ROA Cyl.

 

[madcratebuilder]

You need to talk to Kirst about that. The Kirst cylinder would be the limiting factor.
If you really want to shoot Ruger only loads get a NMBH, or better yet get a larger revolver. A .454, .460 or a .500 well surpass the Ruger only .45lc loads.
Be careful brewing hot loads.

 

[sundance44s]

Man that looks down right painful ....I hope the guy didn`t get hurt ..

 

[WilliamFeldmann]

I don't plan on brewing any hot loads and I like the 45 long colt. I just figured I should find out what loads I can buy off the shelf and fire through it. Thanks for the info guys.

 

[higene]

Old Army

Clemets Custom guns will drill out Old Army cylinders to take 60 grains of BP. He also builds .5o bp which get 1100 fps from a 400+ grain conical.

Higene

 

[Gatofeo]

A wonderfully illustrative photo. Thank you!
I wish there were a website where photos like this were regularly posted.
It would remind those that think nothing of loading to the max that they are courting the demons of disaster.
The site should be dedicated to all those who want to "get a little more" from the .45-70, .45 Colt, .38 Special, .44 Magnum, .30-06, 7mm Rem Mag, muzzleloading rifles, cap and ball revolvers and grandad's ol' shotgun.
The disease of Magnumitis is the worst I've seen in 35-plus years of reloading. I'm glad I don't shoot at a range, where I might be concerned about what the guy next to me is running through his gun.

 

[StrawHat]

Gatofeo. The site should be dedicated to all those who want to "get a little more" from the .45-70, .45 Colt, .38 Special, .44 Magnum, .30-06, 7mm Rem Mag, muzzleloading rifles, cap and ball revolvers and grandad's ol' shotgun.

I agree. At one point I enjoyed (?) loading to the max but after seeing a 45 Long Colt black powder round give complete penetration on a white tail I began questioning the need for it. Once the bullet leaves the animal I really don't need any more penetration. Same with the 45-70.

 

[higene]

Ruger Only loads - For Old Army

I like casting 45 ACP bullets from a Lee mold. They have a 220 gr conical hp. You can work up to where they come even with the end of the cylinder. That gives a pretty snorty BP load that won't remove you from the gene pool.

Higene

 

[WilliamFeldmann]

Sticking with BP reloads

Yeah, I was more interest in "can I" rather than "will I"

Anyway, so with the Kirsts on the way, lloks like I wil have to get into a reloading game. So, I am going to need to read up on loading the BP .45 LC.

I know there are some resident experts who can give me a shopping list and the required reading. Anyone?

 

[BHP FAN]

I use 28 grains of 2F Goex, and a wonder wad.Yes,I know I don't have to worry about chain fires in my SAA,but it keeps the revolver revolving,and relatively clean.

 

[BHP FAN]

Lee Reloader Press 90045 Serv.Parts 36.98 [from the website] and some Lee .45 Colt dies.

 

[unspellable]

45 Colt in an Old Army

I don't know what Kirst does for their cylinders and can't speak to that. I have an RD cylinder for my Old Army. RD proof fires them with industry standard 45 Colt proof loads. I will use any factory load or hand loaded equivalent in the Old Army as opposed to using "cowboy loads only" in other cap & ball frames. But I'm not planning on any "Blackhawk" loads.