Ruger 77-50 User Manual

INSTRUCTION

MANUAL

FOR

RUGER

MODEL 77/50

INLINE MUZZLELOADING BLACK POWDER

PERCUSSION RIFLE

For Product Service on This Model Please Call:

(603) 863-3300 (See p. 38)

STURM, RUGER & Company, Inc.

Southport, Connecticut 06490 U.S.A.

THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL SHOULD ALWAYS ACCOMPANY THIS FIREARM AND BE

TRANSFERRED WITH IT UPON CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP, OR WHEN THE FIREARM IS LOANED OR

PRESENTED TO ANOTHER PERSON.

77/50 - 3/98

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS FIREARM

BLUED &

STAINLESS

STEEL

CALIBER

.50 Round or

Conical Ball

BLACK POWDER OR

PYRODEX ONLY

FIREARMS SAFETY-YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

SAFETY MUST BE THE FIRST AND CONSTANT

CONSIDERATION OF EVERY PERSON WHO

HANDLES FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION.

This Instruction Manual is designed to assist you in learning how to use and care for your RUGER

MODEL 77/50TMmuzzleloading rifle properly.

Only when you are certain you fully understand the Manual and can properly carry out its instructions should you practice loading, etc. with live ammunition.

If you have any doubts about your ability to handle or use a particular type of gun safely, then you should seek supervised instruction.

Such personalized instruction is often available from gun dealers, gun clubs or police departments. If none of these sources can help you, write to the National Rifle Association, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-7400. They will assist you.

The person with a gun in their possession has a full-time job. You cannot guess; you cannot forget. You must know how to use your firearm safely. Do

not use any firearm without having a complete understanding of its particular characteristics and safe use.

Remember: There is no such thing as a foolproof gun.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Operation of Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Ammunition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Eye and Ear Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

To Load and Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

To Unload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Basic Disassembly and Reassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Care and Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Regarding Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

To Clear a Malfunction (“Jam”) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Maintenance of Stainless Steel Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Attaching Scope Rings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Sight Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Service and Parts Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Parts Drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

The Basic Rules of Safe Firearms Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

“Ruger

” is a registered U.S. trademark.

“77/50

” is a trademark of Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

WARNING–ALTERATIONS

This product was designed to function properly in its original condition. Alterations can make it unsafe. Do not alter any part or add or substitute parts or accessories not made by Sturm, Ruger & Co. Inc.

DO NOT ALTER ANY GUN

FIREARMS ARE DANGEROUS WEAPONS –

MUZZLELOADING BLACK POWDER FIREARMS

REQUIRE SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS.

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS

MANUAL THOROUGHLY AND CAREFULLY BEFORE USING.

GENERAL INFORMATION

AND MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The rifle you have chosen, the RUGER®MODEL 77/50 muzzleloading rifle, is an original Ruger design. It is manufactured to our regular standards of strength and reliability entirely in modern Ruger factories in the U.S.A. High quality steels and coil springs are used throughout, the same as in our centerfire rifles. It is a bolt-action, single shot, muzzleloading black powder rifle of modern design. It gives the black powder shooter many of the convenience and safety features of modern Ruger centerfire rifles, combined with traditional muzzleloading rifle characteristics. It is particularly useful for black powder hunting and target shooting.

WARNINGS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE ARE FOUND ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES:

Alterations 3 Firing 17 Manual Safety 7 Reloading 18 Lead Exposure 7 Mishandling 19 Ammunition 8 Disassembly 22 Black Powder 9 Lubrication 29 Percussion Caps 11 Storage 30 Loading 13 Malfunctions 35 Handling 17 Parts Purchasers 39

OTHER CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS APPEAR

THROUGHOUT THE MANUAL.

The RUGER®MODEL 77/50 is a muzzleloading, percussion rifle intended for use with black powder, percussion caps, soft lead and jacketed “saboted” projectiles. It has a precision rifled barrel with a 1-in-28” rifling twist. It does not fire conventional cartridges, but is instead loaded from the muzzle of the barrel. It is of bolt-action operation, and must be cocked and capped by opening the bolt, placing a cap on the nipple, and then closing the bolt before normally firing the rifle by pulling the trigger.

Like any such rifle, it is to be USED WITH BLACK POWDER OR PYRODEX

ONL

Y, and its safe use requires that the shooter be thoroughly familiar with the

special characteristics of these firearms.

Other notable features of the RUGER®MODEL 77/50 rifle include: A three-position safety; in-line bolt action ignition; a fast lock-time trigger mechanism (non-adjustable); a flush positioned bolt stop (bolt release); a hardwood stock with a rubber recoil pad; and studs to which sling swivels can be attached.

The receiver of the RUGER

MODEL 77/50 rifle incorporates integral

scope mount bases (see illustration next page). It also comes with open sights – a gold bead front sight and a folding leaf rear sight which is adjustable for elevation and windage.

Disassembly of the rifle to its major components is readily accomplished by removal of two screws and the barrel band. The bolt assembly can be quickly disassembled for cleaning.

All mechanical components are made of heat-treated chrome-molybdenum or stainless steel, with music wire coil springs throughout the mechanism.

The mechanism of the RUGER

MODEL 77/50 provides for security

against accidental discharge when properly handled. As with any other firearm, however, it must be used with strict attention to correct safety practices, some of which are unique to muzzleloading firearms. In addition, the rifle should be inspected frequently to assure that it is working properly.

The RUGER

MODEL 77/50 Officer’s Model has the same

mechanism and operation as the standard Model 77/50, but is furnished with a special straight-gripped walnut stock with cut-checkered grip and forend and a curved butt plate reminiscent of the “Officer’s Model” Springfield rifles privately purchased by Calvary officers over a century ago.

The RUGER

MODEL 77/50 is also available in stainless steel construction

with a laminated stock, for increased corrosion resistance and protection from the elements.

Figure 1. Components frequently referred to are identified. In these photographs the cocking piece is

shown cocked (protruding from the rear of the bolt sleeve) revealing the disassembly hole in the lower portion of the cocked piece. The bolt stop (on the left side of the receiver) permits the bolt to be withdrawn simply by pressing down lightly with the thumbnail. The safety selector (show in the “Safe”

position) should be in the “Load-Unload” position when the bolt is being removed or being installed.

NOMENCLATURE

Ramrod

Front Sight

Rear Sling

Swivel

Rear Sight

Bolt Handle

Bolt Stop

Trigger

Trigger Guard

Striker/Cocking Piece

Disassembly Hole

Receiver

Bolt Sleeve

Safety

(Shown “ON”)

Bolt

Scope Mount Bases

Nipple

Front Sling

Swivel

Ramrod Thimble

Stock

Ramrod Tip

Barrel Band

Recoil Pad

Muzzle

Barrel

OPERATION OF SAFETY

The RUGER®MODEL 77/50 rifle has a three position safety. The safety selector is located at the right of the bolt sleeve.

The safety selector can be moved from the “Fire” position to its two other positions (“Load-Unload” and “Safe”) only when the striker is cocked. Fully raising the bolt handle cocks the striker.

The bolt handle can be raised and lowered only when the safety selector is in either the full forward “Fire” or the middle “Load-Unload” position. When the safety selector is in the full rearward “Safe” position, the bolt handle is locked in the closed (fully down) position in order to prevent inadvertent lifting of the bolt handle and to ensure that the rifle will be ready to fire when the safety is taken “off”.

Practice (with an unloaded rifle) moving the safety selector to the three positions until you know the position of the safety selector for the three modes– “Fire,” “Load-Unload,” and “Safe.” WARNING: When manipulating the safety selector,

DO NOT HAVE ANY FINGER INSIDE THE TRIGGER GUARD! When the safety selector is in the “Fire” position and the trigger is pulled, the rifle will fire.

The safety selector should always be in the “Safe” position except when the gun user is actually firing or unloading the rifle. The safety selector should unfailingly be moved to the “Safe” position whenever the gun user ceases firing.

Figure 2. Safety selector in

“FIRE” (full forward) position.

The safety selector should be moved to this position only when the gun user is actually firing the rifle. When the safety is in

the fire position, it is referred to as being “off.” (When the safety is in the “SAFE” position, shown in Figure 4, it is referred to as being “on.”)

Figure 3. Safety selector in

“LOAD-UNLOAD” (middle)

position. The safety selector should

be in this position when the bolt is being cycled, to place a percussion cap on the nipple, to remove a percussion cap from the nipple, or when unloading the rifle. As soon

as the bolt is closed, the safety selector should be moved fully rearward to the “SAFE” position shown in Figure 4, unless the rifle is to be fired immediately.

Figure 4. Safety selector in

“SAFE” (full rearward) position.

The safety selector is fully nested in the groove in the cocking piece. When the safety selector is in this position, the bolt handle cannot be raised. The curved arrow on the bolt sleeve indicates the direction and motion of the safety selector to bring it to the “SAFE” position.

Keep the safety in this position except when actually loading, capping, unloading, or firing.

SAFETY POSITIONS

Keep the safety on unless actually firing. Always move the safety fully to its intended position and check it. The safety has three positions –“SAFE,” “LOAD-UNLOAD,” and “FIRE.” Never depend on a safety mechanism or any other mechanical device to justify careless handling or permitting the rifle to point in an unsafe direction. The only “safe” rifle is one in which the bolt is open, the barrel is empty of both powder and projectile, and the nipple is uncapped.

KNOW HOW TO USE THE SAFETY

The safety selector is held in each of its positions by a plunger that is under spring tension. Therefore, the gun user should frequently check the position of the safety selector to be certain it has not been inadvertently moved. If the safety does not function properly, or if the selector seems to move too easily, or if the safety selector does not seem firmly positioned in any of its three positions, the rifle should be discontinued from use and returned to the Newport Product Service Department for repair (See p. 38).

WARNING –MANUAL SAFETY

SAFE

LOADUNLOAD

FIRE

WARNING – LEAD EXPOSURE

Discharging firearms in poorly ventilated areas, cleaning firearms, or handling ammunition may result in exposure to lead and other substances known to the state of California to cause birth defects, reproductive harm, and other serious physical injury. Have adequate ventilation at all times. Wash hands thoroughly after exposure.

SHOOTING OR CLEANING GUNS

MAY EXPOSE YOU TO LEAD

AMMUNITION

BLACK POWDER OR PYRODEX ONLY

The RUGER®MODEL 77/50 is a single shot muzzleloading percussion rifle intended solely for use with Black Powder or Pyrodex. It should never, under

any circumstances, be loaded with any type of smokeless powder as the result could be damage to the rifle and injury to the shooter or bystanders. Be aware that certain smokeless powders may appear black in color even though they are not

Black Powder! Never use any powder that you are not certain is actually Black Powder. The best way to do this is to only use powder from clearly marked

original cans of Black Powder or Pyrodex.

Death, serious injury, and damage can result from the use of wrong ammunition, bore obstructions, powder overloads, or incorrect components. Always wear shooting glasses and hearing protectors.

Never use smokeless powder in any muzzleloader! Never fire an unknown powder charge. If you

are uncertain as to which components your rifle is loaded with, do not fire it -- you must unload your rifle and remove the unknown components.

IMPROPER AMMUNITION

DESTROYS GUNS

Black Powder is usually classified by powder grain size, with “Fg” being the largest granulation and “FFFFg” being the smallest granulation normally available. Use only “FFg” (sometimes called “2F”) grain size black powder in the

RUGER

MODEL 77/50 rifle. Replica Black Powder such as Pyrodex RS

may be used, so long as suggested loading data is strictly adhered to. Note that Pyrodex RS is less dense than FFg black powder and must only be used as a measur

e-for-measure substitute for FFg black powder. If you substitute Pyrodex

RS for FFg black powder on a weight-for-weight basis, you will overcharge your rifle and risk serious injury.

POWDER CHARGE

Since Black Powder is sold in bulk, you are in complete control over how you load your rifle. Be sure to weigh each charge, or use a dipper which holds the exact weight of powder you wish to load. Check to be sure the dipper holds the correct amount of powder by weighing a dipper-full of powder befor

e you begin loading your rifle from the dipper. Never load powder into the barrel directly

from a flask or other powder container -- you run the serious risk of explosion and severe personal injury.

A good starting accuracy load, using a pure lead .50” diameter ball or conical projectile, is 40 grains of FFg black powder. You may find that adjustment of this charge upward or downward is more accurate in your rifle. A good starting hunting load for deer-sized game with the same projectile is 70 grains of FFg black powder. Consulting a black powder loading manual for recommended target or hunting loads is essential. Never exceed the maximum powder charge

listed for the specific

projectile you are using! Never exceed a powder charge of

120 grains of FFg black powder, r

egardless of the projectile you are using!

POWDER?

Never Use Unknown or Smokless Powder

WARNING –AMMUNITION

Black Powder is an extremely sensitive propellant and is readily ignited by heat, spark, static electricity, friction, pressure, impact, etc. Unlike smokeless powder, Black Powder will ignite with great violence and rapidity even when unconfined.

Black Powder should be handled only in very small quantities. Never pour powder

directly from a flask or powder hor

n into any muzzleloading firearm! Never smoke while handling Black Powder!

Many shooters pre-weigh single charges into small containers for use on the range or in the field. Never fire the rifle near an open powder container, or an explosion may result.

If you are not familiar with safe handling procedures for Black Powder and for muzzleloading firearms in general, you should obtain one of the authoritative muzzle loaders’ Manuals and study it carefully before beginning to shoot.

BLACK POWDER IS

EXPLOSIVE

WARNING–BLACK POWDER

Never Pour Powder Directly From Flask!

PROJECTILES

The RUGER®MODEL 77/50 is designed to use a .500” diameter pure lead round ball or lubricated conical bullet of pure lead, a .490” round ball with a lubricated .010 - .015” thick cloth patch, or a smaller diameter projectile encased in a .500” diameter sabot. Bullets of either type can be purchased from your dealer, ready to use, or can easily be cast at home with a small investment in equipment. Information on bullet casting is available from the manufacturers of moulds and casting equipment and from various authoritative handbooks. Your dealer should be able to provide you with any equipment which you may require.

(See “Lead Exposure” Warning, p. 7)

The Ruger Model 77/50’s rifling twist (1 turn in 28”) is designed for best results with pre-lubricated soft lead conical projectiles, or jacketed or soft lead bullets encased in “sabots” (See p. 10). Patched round balls generally do not deliver as high a level of accuracy with this rifling twist, but may be safely used if correctly loaded (See p. 14).

The use of non-saboted jacketed or alloy bullets is not recommended as accuracy is generally not as satisfactory as with the pure lead bullets. They may be difficult to load and may raise pressures to dangerous levels.

Whatever projectile you select, you must remember that if it is not a tight fit in the barrel when loaded, it could shift forward off the powder charge and act as a bore obstruction, causing the barrel to bulge or burst when fired! It is your

responsibility to select the proper lead ball/patch combination of a lubricated conical lead bullet that fits securely in the bore, yet is not excessively difficult to load, particularly after a shot or two of black powder fouling has built up in the bore.

Never load multiple projectiles into the barrel. The rearmost projectile slamming into the other projectiles when fired could cause a burst barrel and severe personal injury. Use only one bullet at a time.

SABOTS

Some projectiles designed for muzzleloading rifles are considerably undersized from the bore diameter and are encircled by a resilient synthetic or fibre “sabot” or “shoe”. An undersize sabot can easily release its projectile to become a bore obstruction, or the sabot itself can act as a bore obstruction. Never lubricate a

sabot -- this can cause the saboted bullet to slip forward up the bore and act as an obstruction when fired, possibly resulting in destruction of the rifle and severe injury to the shooter or bystanders! If sabots are used, their

manufacturer’s directions must be scrupulously followed.

PATCHING

.490” diameter round ball projectiles of soft lead must be fired with a lubricated round linen cloth patch of .010 - .015” thickness (about that of a gun cleaning patch) and about 1.5” diameter. However, many shooters prefer to use lubricated soft lead conical projectiles, and these often work best without a patch, particularly if they are hollow-based. Always follow the instructions regarding patches that are furnished by the manufacturer of the projectile (or bullet mold if you cast your own bullets) that you chose. The best lubricants for patches are vegetable-based greases, synthetic lubricants specifically designed for this use. Petroleum-based lubricants often char the patches when fired and may leave excess residue in the bore -- don’t use them to lubricate patches for bullets.

PERCUSSION CAPS

A percussion cap is a small metal cup, the interior top of which is coated with a priming mixture. This priming mixture is usually covered with a foil or paper liner. It fires when struck a blow.

The cap is placed on the nipple and when struck by the striker, the priming compound explodes, igniting the powder charge.

The cap should fit the nipple only tightly enough so that it does not fall off when the barrel is elevated with the bolt open. Do not attempt to use caps which ar

e too tight or try to force or pound caps onto the nipples, as a premature discharge could result. Suggested cap size for the RUGER®MODEL 77/50

rifle is No. 11 (U.S.) or equivalent.

Since percussion caps have an open end (which is placed on the cylinder nipple when you are ready to fire), they are susceptible to contamination. Be careful when handling percussion caps, especially with oily fingers, and try to keep water, grease, dirt and other contaminants out of the open end of the caps. Failure to do so is the main cause of misfires in percussion muzzleloading firearms.

Percussion caps are designed to fire as the result of a blow (“percussion”).

A capped rifle loaded with powder and ball is fully loaded and will fire if the cap is struck.

Never clean, lubricate, disassemble, or work on a rifle while it is capped or loaded. Never install, remove, or carry a capped nipple or breech plug.

Always remove the percussion cap before unloading the barrel or disassembling the rifle.

NEVER STRIKE A

PERCUSSION CAP

WARNING–PERCUSSION CAPS

DON'T STRIKE CAP!

EYE AND EAR PROTECTION

Safety glasses must be used when loading and firing the RUGER®MODEL

77/50, or any percussion firearm. In percussion muzzleloaders, unlike cartridge

firearms, the thin percussion cap is the only seal against the hot gasses of main powder charge, which can escape out of the nipple with great force when the rifle is fired. Small pieces of the percussion cap are frequently blown away to the side or rear when a percussion arm fires. Always wear hearing protection when

firing any firearm, in order to avoid permanent hearing damage.

TO LOAD AND FIRE

Practice this important aspect of gun handling (with an unloaded rifle) until you can perform each of the steps – described below – with skill and confidence. But

before loading the rifle, please read completely through this manual, and be certain the muzzle is pointing in a safe direction. Do not load the rifle until you are ready to use it!

(The following procedure assumes a new rifle with the bolt out.)

INSERTING THE BOLT

1. Be certain the barrel is empty by pointing the muzzle upward towards a

light source and glancing through the rear of the action at the rear end of the nipple. You should see light through the hole in the nipple, indicating that the barrel is empty. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and keep your fingers off the trigger throughout the assembly and loading process until you are actually ready to fire. (See Rule 2, p. 43).

2. Position the safety selector in the “Load-Unload” position (see Figure 3, p. 6).

3. Make certain the bolt is correctly assembled and ready to be inserted in the receiver. If there is any doubt, see numbered paragraph 6, p. 33 (To Assemble the Bolt) in the “Reassembly” section of this manual.

4. Note that if the breech plug is not screwed all the way into the receiver, the bolt cannot be fully closed. Whenever you install the breech plug, be sure that you coat its threads with grease in order to be able to remove it for cleaning. (See p. 31).

5. Depress the bolt-stop and insert the bolt into the receiver.

WARNING: Please re-read carefully the paragraph entitled

“Warning - Black Powder”, p. 9.

In the interests of both performance and safety, it is important that steps which

follow be performed in sequence and with attention to detail:

1. BEFORE LOADING:

Lift the bolt handle and place the safety in the “load-unload” position. Remove

the bolt by pressing down on the bolt stop and withdrawing the bolt to the rear. Look through the hole in the nipple with the barrel pointed toward a light source to make sure the barrel is empty of powder or ball. Reinsert the bolt.

Check rifle to ensure that:

A. Nipple is uncapped. B. Barrel is empty. C. Bore and nipples are free of grease, oil or other obstruction.

2. CLEARING THE NIPPLES:

Without loading the barrel, place a percussion cap on the nipple. Point the

rifle in a safe direction, a few inches from some grass, leaves, or snow. Move

the safety to the full forward “fire” position, and pull the trigger to fire the cap. You should see the grass, leaves, or snow move from the force of the percussion cap. Repeat this process with a second cap. This is done to ensure that the nipple passage is clear and dry.

Open the bolt, place the safety in the “load-unload” position and remove the percussion cap and cap fragments.

Know the bore diameter of your rifle you are loading and load projectiles of only correct diameter into it! Either a too tight or too loose projectile can cause a burst barrel, resulting in serious injury to the shooter or bystanders.

This rifle is designed to use a .500” projectile (or a .490” projectile with a .010 - .015” thick patch), a #11 percussion cap, and up to a maximum of 120 grains of FFg black powder (or equivalent volume of Pyrodex RS) only. Never use smokeless powder of any kind.

Before firing, be certain the percussion cap is seated completely on the nipple. A rifle discharged by the closing of the bolt on an incorrectly seated cap can result in possible serious injury to the shooter and those nearby.

If a projectile does not fully seat readily, do not force it. Check to be certain that each projectile is the proper caliber and of correct dimensions. If you cannot determine why the projectile will not fit, carefully remove the projectile, empty the rifle of all powder (see pp. 20 - 22) and write or call the factory.

The wrong components or an excessive powder charge can destroy your gun and result in serious injury to you or bystanders.

BE SURE WHAT YOU LOAD

IS CORRECT

WARNING –LOADING

3. CHARGING THE BARREL:

A. Starting with the bolt open in its

full rearward position, place safety in the “load-unload” position. (See Fig. 5) Do not touch the trigger while loading! Be sure that no cap

is on the nipple!

B. With one hand, hold the rifle

securely with the barrel pointing straight upwards and the recoil pad or butt plate on the ground.

Keep your face and other body parts away from the muzzle!

LOADING POSITION

MUZZLE UP

NIPPLE UNCAPPED

ACTION OPEN

SAFETY IN "LOAD/UNLOAD" POSITION

C. Using a dipper or other single-charge

measure, pour the desired amount of powder into the front opening (muzzle) of the barrel. (See Fig. 6) Never exceed the powder charge recommended for the projectile you have selected from a reputable black powder loading manual. Do

not pour powder directly from the flask or other powder container (See “Black Powder Warning”, p. 9)

D. Place the bullet in the muzzle of the charged barrel, with the flat spot

(“sprue”) of the round ball or the point of a lubricated conical projectile facing upward, out of the muzzle. (See Fig. 7) If you lubricate your projectile, be sure to use a lubricant designed specifically for black powder. Ordinary petroleum-based lubricants can cause fouling to build up and make it difficult to fully seat the projectile on the powder charge, with the resulting danger of a burst barrel and injury to the shooter and bystanders.

E. If you wish to use a patch on your round ball for tighter fit or improved

sealing of the ball in the barrel, place a 1 1/2” diameter patch lubricated with a commercial black powder gun grease centered over the muzzle befor

e you place a ball into the muzzle. (See Fig. 8) Again, align the sprue of the bullet in the center of the bore facing upward, out of the muzzle. (See Fig. 9, p.15) Some shooters now push the ball slightly into the muzzle with a “short starter” rod of about 1” in length and then trim away any excess patch material protruding from the muzzle, but this is optional.

LOADING POWDER

INSERTING CONICAL

PROJECTILE

INSERTING

PATCHED BALL

BLACK POWDER OR PYRODEX ONLY!

CENTER BALL ON PATCH

F. Remove the ramrod from under the barrel by pulling it downward out of

its recess in the barrel and then forward (upward) out of the stock and ramrod thimble. Grasp the ramrod around its side and, with a firm even stroke, seat the bullet firmly on the powder charge. Do not

push down on the ramrod tip with the palm of your hand, in the event that the powder charge ignites while you are loading! (See Fig. 10) For maximum

accuracy, the powder charge should be very lightly compressed by the bullet. Be sure that the bullet is seated deeply enough so that it rests firmly against the powder charge. Do not leave an air space between the

powder and the bullet. This can cause the barrel to burst when firing!

G. You should not “pound” on the ramrod to fully seat the projectile, since

this can deform the bullet, cause accuracy problems, or even set off the powder charge and fire the rifle! Once you determine that you have fully seated the projectile of your choice onto the correct powder charge, note and mark how much of the ramrod protrudes from the muzzle. You should always be sure that no more of the ramrod protrudes after loading the rifle -- otherwise, you may have loaded too much powder, multiple projectiles, or failed to have fully seated the ball onto the powder charge. Firing a rifle with any of these conditions can result in a wrecked rifle and injury to the shooter and bystanders. Be safe -- unload your rifle and start over again if your ramrod protrudes excessively from the muzzle after loading (See “To Unload”, p. 20)

H. REMOVE THE RAMROD FROM THE BARREL. If you replace it in the

thimble under the barrel, you will not leave it behind.

IF YOU FORGET TO LOAD POWDER

If you have inadvertently loaded a ball without first loading a powder charge, you must remove the breech plug with the breech plug wrench and push the ball from the barrel (See “To Unload”, p. 20) before starting all over again.

STARTING PROJECTILE

FULLY SEAT PROJECTILE

KEEP HAND OFF END

NOTE RAMROD PROTRUSION WHEN PROJECTILE IS FULLY SEATED ON POWDER

+ 33 hidden pages