Ruger 77/50 User Manual

Page 15

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)

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.

KEEP HAND OFF END

NOTE RAMROD
PROTRUSION WHEN
PROJECTILE IS FULLY
SEATED ON POWDER

STARTING PROJECTILE

FULLY SEAT PROJECTILE