ROA loads

D

Doc Hoy

New member
Folks,

What powder loads are you using in your ROAs for .457s?

Reason I ask is this:

I have seen everything from 25 grains with a wad to 38 without. So far I have limited my ammunition to round balls and no wads. Lubed balls and lube over the balls.

Anything less than 32 grains results in the loading lever bottoming out against the frame before I get what I consider to be the proper compaction. Maybe I am trying to over-compact my chambers?

Someone might ask, why I don't use wads and or cornmeal, and I don't really have a good answer other than I just never did.
 
I use about 40 grs of BP with Crisco over the balls. I sometimes spray PAM on the cylinder pin and it works well.
I tried the Cream of Wheat and/or cornmeal as a filler but gave it up as an unnecessary step (for me).
Also, for some reason, Pyrodex FFG (RS?) seems to work very well in that gun at 100 yds. I'm not a fan of Pyrodex but I ran out of Goex BP and gave it a try with good results.
 
My best load is 35 gr fffg real black with a lubed felt wad between powder and .457 ball. I do not shoot pistols well enough to realize improved accuracy with filler materials.

You need to experiment to see what load shoots best for you.

Ed: 30 gr seemed pretty light for an ROA so I checked my notes - 35 gr is the best load for me.
 
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I used to use 40gr. FFFg and a thin felt but I've since switched to 35gr. and one of the thicker lubed wads. It seems to shoot nicer and I like it just fine.

Cheers,
Oly
 
Thanks and one question to Oly

Thanks folks,

I think I am better educated on this topic.

To Oly, are you getting good accuracy out of those heavy loads?

Tnx,

Barry
 
I seem to have found my best load at 36 grains with a lubed felt wad.

I have been working up a hunting load with no felt wad and more powder, but haven't gotten the same accuracy.
 
Barry,

35gr is very accurate indeed in the ROA. The pistol is just in its' own class when it comes to BP pistols - it's stout as a horse. Even 40gr shoots just fine but it does seem like groups start to widen somewhere around 40.

What I've not tried at all in my ROA is conicals and I'd really like to give that a try.

Cheers,
Oly
 
Thanks Oly

Thanks Oly,

When I was shooting last Sunday, it was my first time out for the year and my first time with this ROA. Had one before but I have never shot this one.

I went everywhere from just under 30 gr. to right at 40 gr. I don't yet have a rest (bought one which has not yet arrived) so I was essentially shooting off-hand or two hand grip.

When I decided to get back involved in BP shooting, I knew that an ROA was going to be an early acquisition. So I lurked in the shadows of gunbroker and auctionarms. Picked this one up for 395.00 delivered, polymer box and all, and I am pretty happy.

What a pistol!
 
I regularly shoot my ROA successfully using about 30gr black for 25 yards, and use bread crumbs for filler bringing the ball up to the right distance from the end of the cylinder. I dont use grease, or jelly (or toothpaste as one of our guys duz) but I roll my ball in inox or WD40 after I mold them, so by the time they get used they are dry to look at and touch, but lubed a bit. The breadcrumbs stops any oil or dampness reaching the powder. works well for me. Probably 35-38 gr if shooting 50 yards+.

really, the ROA is so strong, you can fill it up with as much black as you can. I have given a few people rediculous charges (had to shave the top off the ball to turn the wheel) to see their reaction.... the look on their face is.... well... priceless :D

So, I reccommend start about 30gr, then increase by a grain or 2 until you findthe groups start to spread, then you will find your optimum load. Remember if you try to push the muzzle velocity above about 13-1400 fps you will end up leading your barrel. (I know, I shot my Vaquaro this afternoon with huge loads, and am about to start scrubbing the lead out of the barrel)

Whats the easiest way to get the lead off? Any ideas guys?

Actually, I might start a thread on that now ;)

muzza
 
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