First time at the range with the Rogers and Spencer

[ovenpaa]

I need to escape from being flat out on the machines so the plan is to slope off to the range tomorrow with a Rogers and Spencer .44 we have here. I am very new to these things and will loading with Triple seven covered by a lubed wonderwad followed by Polenta and shooting at 25m.

Any tips or thoughts?

[Rab]

Having never fired or handled one I can't say, but did you know that the original Rogers and Spencer revolvers were all purchased by the United States government in 1865 and not one was ever issued for combat use. I wonder what became of them.

[redcat]

They were sold off as surplus to Francis Bannerman. Their lack of military service is the reason that many originals are found in excellent condition today.

David, what is Polenta?

Redcat

[ovenpaa]

I must stress this is the Euroarms version and not an original.

Redcat, Polenta is best described as a coarse ground corn and is used as a filler.

[dromia]

Polenta = Eytie semolina.

Be careful with that triple seven, it is very compression sensitive and can give nasty pressure spikes also you need to be very consistent in seating. I would use conservative loads with that stuff.

I tried it when it first came out and would never use it again in pistols, or any other muzzle loader for that matter but especially pistols. Seems to work well in modern in-lines which is what I suspect it was made for.

I hope it is a replica as I wouldn't risk that triple seven stuff in an original gun of any kind.

Why are you using semolina as a filler as well as a wad? It seems a very overly complicated way of loading.

I like the rogers and Spencer as it fits my hand well.

[DanTheMan]

I used 777 extensively with my Rogers & Spencer, just a dollop of engine grease over the ball and never had an issue. Just use the small dispenser on the powder flask as the large one used to send flaming fireballs downrange resulting in a fire on the floor once - actually needed the fire extinguisher :)

[dromia]

Aye nasty stuff that tripple 7.

[ovenpaa]

Dromia, I also like the fit of the Rogers and Spencer, it fills the palm of my hand and is well balanced. The load data and process came with the revolver and I will be using conservative loads based on what I have found out so far.

[dromia]

I wouldn't bother with the semolina. Waste of space.

Have you slugged the barrel and cylinders?

[1066]

The R&S is a great pistol if you are looking for an accurate muzzle loader revolver, the solid frame design is streets ahead of the Colt system.
I've tried Pyrodex and 777 on and off over the years but to be honest nothing compares with good quality black powder for accuracy and it's all I use now.

All of the original style BP revolvers have poor sights, usually just a filed notch, but some of the modern copies are available with adjustable sights which are much more usable. If you have adjustable sights you might be limited in competitions and forced to compete in "open" classes.

These pistols, if properly loaded, are quite capable of keeping all their shots in the 10 ring of the 25 yard target - the shooter's the weakest link.