Thanks Bob - the targets are interesting - I figured that it might have shot high from the box but at least you didn't have to "add" to the height o the front sight! Looks like you got it zeroed in pretty nicely! I also have the Ideal/Lyman 358-311 mold which is basically the same bullet you are using and I'll be trying that as well. Thanks for the photos and info - greatly appreciated.
1stmar - The 7 1/2" barrel '51 R & M conversions I have had the opportunity to handle I have liked as far as the balance. The frame itself is a bit heavier due to the slot for the loading ram lever not being there and the weight of the loading lever gone. I'm so used to shooting '51 Navies that I don't think I'm going to see a lot of difference. The '51 Navy R & M that I ordered is due to be delivered to the LGS sometime this next week. When I get it,I'll do a post on it.
As far as 7 1/2" barrel - on a SAA, I prefer a 4 3/4" after having had other barrel lengths - at least for carrying. However, when I got my Uberti Cattleman 45 Colt, I went with the 7 1/2" as that was what was issued to cavalry (I had a distant relation killed at the Little Big Horn - kind of sparked my interest in a 7 1/2"45). I have tried a number of the different loads in it (smokeless) and finally settled on 6 gr or Red Dot under the traditional 454-190 250is grain Ideal/Lyman. Before my wife and I moved last year in to a condo in town, I had a 50 yard range in my backyard where we lived on the farm for 45 years. I started out at 25 yards with the 7 1/2" Cattleman and was surprised at how well it shot right out of the box. Mind you, I'm older and have some vision problems so I was glad I hit the target! LOL I was getting three inch groups that were about 1" below POA - windage was "right on". I decided to try it at 50 yards - thinking I would be happy if I hit the target - I run them off on standard 8 1/2" X 11 paper. My ver first shot with the above load was a bullseye! I was thrilled - and I knew it was "blind man's luck".
Those that followed were not as good but I was able to keep the group at around 8" - which for me was excellent. I'm still playing with it and learning the sight picture of that particular revolver but I'm glad I got the 7 1/2" barrel for the first 45 Colt. I do want an open top in 45 Colt and will most likely opt for a 4 3/4" barrel.
As Bob notes, Cimarron offers the .44 as well. Between Uberti, Taylor and Cimarron, you can get a variety of different open tops but I have no idea of the actual availability of them. I was going to order a 4 3/4" Cattleman in 32-20 and had the LGS check on the availability of them - no one had one in stock and they were waiting on them - the same answer I got a year ago and two years ago - my timing was obviously off! LOL So, the '51 R & M was next on my list and Uberti had it in stock in the 7 1/2" I wanted.
I know that open tops aren't for everyone but they certainly offer a lot of fun for those that like the historical wheel guns! Id love to hear what other's think of theirs.
Bob - Sorry, but I can't help but chuckle about your comment about them not being the most accurate shooters - as I know you have quite a few nice revolvers and are an accomplished shooter. BUT . . looking at what you are able to achieve with you open top after you worked on the sights . . . . I don[t think I'd want to face you on a shoot out on the streets of Tombstone!