Ruger 77/50 - Manual (Page 14)

14
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
before 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.
CENTER BALL
ON PATCH
7 8
BLACK POWDER
OR PYRODEX
ONLY!
6
LOADING POWDER
INSERTING CONICAL
PROJECTILE
INSERTING
PATCHED BALL OR