I've the SS Old Army with the adjustable sights. Ruger recommends a .457 ball and with good reason. When you ram the ball down into the cylinder, it shave a thin ring of lead off. Unless there is a flaw in the ball, the tightness of the ball in the cylinder would preclude flash-firing with all cylinders going off with one shot. Still, out of habit and as a safety measure, Crisco or some lube is placed over the ball.
Using only blackpowder, Ruger says you can stuff it to the max and shoot it safely. They also said you can cram almost anything down the cylinder as a missle. Haven't tried glass (and won't) or rocks or nails myself.
Equipment that you need? A powder flask and powder measure (for safety) is a good start. In my younger days, it was straight from the flask to the cylinder. Proof that God does look over the dumb ones.
Not necessary but nice to have would be a straight in-line capper for your No. 11 percussion caps.
The gun will come with a very sturdy nipple wrench and I don't recommend any aftermarkets nipples. Stick with Ruger as they are well made and strong. I've had the same nipples on my gun since I bought it in '76.
I use a cornmeal filler (in lieu of a modern wad) and for a scoop use an empty 9mm cartridge case which has been glued onto a stick.
I bought a Saeco 4 bullet .457 round ball mold for mine. Almost any other make would do so long as the balls are .457 and will leave a shaving of lead.
A revolver loading stand is nice, but I still don't have one.
You may want to buy some ZigZag cigarette paper to try to roll your own cartridges. I did and it was time consuming and I have yet to master it. I am given to believe that paper cartridges were used during the (un)Civil War.
My only complaint is that the grips are too small (even for my small hands) and it feels like the gun wants to slip forward. Larger wood grips would solve the problem and I believe the grip frame is the same size as the SuperBlackhawk.
The Old Army is accurate and a blast to shoot. On New Year's Day or the 4th of July, I load it with foil balls (they don't go anywhere and are harmless) and shoot it at night. 6' muzzle blast and a loud bang. Better than firecrackers.
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