??? Ruger Old Army

[VTDW]

I have wanted a revolver to carry with my 444S when hog hunting and I just picked up a well worn (mostly by holster) but tight Ruger Old Army .44 at a great price and have a few questions.

The serial # indicates that the gun was sold in 1974. The bore measures .451. What round balls and/or projectiles/powder should I purchase?

I would like to purchase one of the drop in cylinders to also shoot regular cartridges. If I purchase or locate one of the drop ins does that mean that the gun will then shoot .45 cal? If so, what cartridge do you recommend? What do I need to look out for?

Thanks folks,

Dave  

[Yukon Gold]

The serial # indicates that the gun was sold in 1974. The bore measures .451. What round balls and/or projectiles/powder should I purchase?

The Ruger Old Army should use .457 round balls.  I personally use Pyrodex P @ 40 grains, with a "wonder Wad", it groups very well, and the recoil is very pleasant.  but I seem to see more people prefer Triple 7 on Graybeard Forum.

One note - since I see this posted under Cowboy Action Shoot - Don't know about SASS, however, I heard that NCOWS will no longer allow the Ruger Old Army to be used since it is not based on a design prior to 1890.  Maybe someone can expand on this, and give more info on SASS.

[Flint]

The ROA is still legal in SASS.