Ruger 45 old army blued

[radio2]

I just bought a old army 45 and need help. I don't have the owners manuel and want to know what caps to buy #10 or 11, bp load chart, What size ball .457? The person I got from said 40 grains and a .457 ball.  I guess what I am asking is where do I geta book on this gun telling me how to load and fire it safely! 

[blhof]

Contact Ruger, They're also several owner's manuels for sale on Ebay at any given time.  I got a complete manual downloaded from Ruger for my Old Army for free. As for loads before the manual; #11 caps, 35grains FF to start, 45 felt wad and 457 ball or 456 conical without wad.  Be sure to grease over the ball to prevent chainfire.  Crisco workes well.  Wonderwads don't require over grease but with Bp it helps soften the buildup.  If you use a Bp substitute, there's not as much buildup and cleaning is easier.  45gr is the max you can load the OA.  I started at 30 and worked up to 40 best results were at 35 with conicals.  The Ruger is tough and you can go to FFF at same vol for increased power.

[mykeal]

Try this link:
http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/PDF/InstructionManuals/13.pdf

blhof's advice is right on the mark.

[Rickk]

#10 caps fit ruger nipples best, at least they do on mine. The manual used to say #10 (mine does... circa 1980-ish), but now it says #10 or #11. There is some variation in caps from manufacturer to manufacturer, so you may want to play a bit to see what fits best (snug, not so tight you need to push hard, not so loose they fall off).

.457 ball or "Lee old army conical".

Any amount of any type of black powder you can get in it is OK with Ruger.

Cover the balls with grease or crisco to prevent chain firing, and d/l the manual from Ruger's web site to make double sure of everything.

[radio2]

Thanks all, that's what I needed to know!