.25ACP Ruger New Model Single Eight.

[Chev. William]

I am Copying over This from the R.A.T.S. 'sign-up page to add more information over time.

I am a 'Relatively' new Ruger Shooter as I bought my First Used Ruger Revolver in late November 2015.

It is a New Model .22 CAL. Convertible Single Six that I had custom converted to a Center Fire Single Eight in .25ACP, and other Cartridges, with a 10-5/8" long barrel.

The end of June 2016 my Second Cylinder was finished by my gunsmith in ".250ALRM"; a .25ACP diameters "wildcat" of 1.250" case length.  I also have some other 'Mildcats' I can shoot through this revolver now:
"6.35x26mmSR Stewart" of 1.020 through 1.056" case length, I currently am trimming to 1.055" in my experiments.
This is the same Case length and overall length as a .22WMR cartridge and also has the name ".25 Magnum Auto" and ".25MACP".
"6.35x28.6mmSR Stewart" of 1.125" case length.  This is the Same length as the old .25 Stevens Rim Fire Cartridge.
"6.35x32mmSR Stewart" of 1.250" case length.  the same case length as the ".250ALRM" but made from a 5.7x28mm Case.
All the 'mm' case designations are Made from Resized and trimmed 5.7x28mm FN once fired Brass.
All the "inch" case designation sar e made form Resized and trimmed .22 Hornet Brass (mostly new PPU brass).

So far I have loaded 50 grain FMJ and 63 grain Lead bullets ahead of BE-86, Power Pistol, Bullseye, Or Unique.
weakest fired to date is Factory Prvi Partisan 50 grain FMJ .25ACP, and the Strongest so far is 3.0 grains of BE-86 behind ^3 Grain Lead in a .25ACP case.


Left side of my Ruger .25ACP Single Eight, with Cylinder installed.


Right side of my Ruger .25ACP Single Eight with cylinder removed and Loaded with cartridges.


Close up of the Modified 8-shot cylinder. It is still marked as '22-MAG' though.

Eventual Plans is to have four separate Cylinders, one for each basic cartridge designation/case length.

I have not yet come up with a method to remark the cylinders in their actual Cartridges without the chance of distortion.
I also have a Stevens "Favorite" converted to Center fire and use a ".25 Stevens" barrel to 'plink' with .25ACP rounds.
I can fire 6.35x28.6mmSR Stewart in it if I down load to about Trans sonic Velocities (about 1124fps).

Best Regards,
Chev. William

[Chev. William]

Yesterday a Friend an dI took my Ruger Single eight, a Colt Lightening DA38 Six Shooter, and an Iver Johnson Top Break Five shooter in .32 S& W to the Shooting range along with a chronograph for a First Testing outing.

Here is a report on our day of Testing .25ACP loads:

Chronograph results of Load Testing on Tuesday August 16th 2016.
At "Angeles Shooting Ranges".

Instrument used: 'Super Chrony F1 Master' with printer.

Test Firearm:
Ruger New Model Convertible Single Eight in 25ACP and .25ALRM Cartridge Chambering eight shot Revolver with 10-5/8" barrel (~12" Muzzle to Breech/Recoil Face.

Test Setup:
Positioned on "Handgun Firing line in front of Permanent Target Frame about 5 yards from long Bench Type Firing line.  Bench height about 38 inches.
A Stool was used for the Testing as a Seat for the 'Shooter'.
Chronograph wsa Set up on a Tripod about 5 feet forward of the Firing Line.  The Remote readout and printer were positioned on the Firing line bench.
The Printer and Chronograph were operated on Internal Batteries.
Altitude = ~ 1,680 feet Above Mean Sea Level, Temperature ~100 Degrees F.

Test Results:
Comparison run employing "Privi Partisan" (PPU) Factory Loaded (Made in Serbia)  .25ACP 50Grain FMJ-RN ammunition manufactured under CIP Regulations and Controls.

Technical Information
•  Caliber: 25 ACP
•  Bullet Weight: 50 Grains
•  Bullet Style: Full Metal Jacket
•  Case Type: Brass

Ballistics Information:
•  Muzzle Velocity: 771 fps
•  Muzzle Energy: 66 ft. lbs.

Raw results(fps)
874.8; 771.8; 788.3; 913.1; 711.7; 725.1;778.3; 733.7;
742.3; 791.8; 706.4; 618.0; 691.1; 733.2; 745.7.
Max. = 913.1; Min. = 618.0; Average = 755.02, or ~755fps.

755/771 = 97.9% of stated Factory Performance (out of a 2" test Barrel) when fired from a Revolver with a 10-58" barrel. (-2.1%)

Hand Loads Tested:
#1.  50 grain FMJ-RN (Rem.), PPU Brass, WSP Primer, 2.7 grains of "Power Pistol" Propellant;
1118; 1220; 1170; 1278; 1190; 1273; 1130; 1189;
1201; 1302; 1244; 1195; 1136; 1213; 1188.
Max. = 1302; Min. = 1118; Average = 1203.1, or ~1203fps.
Calculated: 1302fps @ 17079psi and Actual 1203fps: -8.2%

#2.   63 grain Lead FN (Hunters supply), GFI Ni Brass, CCI SP Primer, Various Charges of "Bullseye" Propellant.
A.   1.36 +/-0.05 grains: 916.1; 876.8; 1042; error;955.5.
      Max. = 1042; Min. = 876.8; Average = 947.6, or ~947fps.
Calculated: 937fps @ 14145psi and Actual 947fps; +1.1%
B.   1.39 +/-0.05 grains: 1162; 1075; 1060; 1150; 1104. (no Tape).
.                                    : 1174 (case fail); 1056; 1030; 1129; 1288.
      Max. = 1288; Min. = 1030; Average = 1122.8, or ~ 1123fps.
Calculated: 991fps @ 14808psi and Actual 1123fps: +13.3%
C.   1.43 +/-0.05 grains: error; 1164; 1179; 1149, FTF.
      Max. =1179; Min. = 1149; Average =1164.0, or ~ 1164fps.
Calculated: 1009fps @ 15492psi and Actual 1164fps: +15.3%

NOTE:  1.46 grain data not taken/recorded.

D.   1.50 +/-0.05 grains: error; error; 1130; error; error.
      Max. = 1130; Min. = 1130; Average = 1130, or ~ 1130fps.
Calculated: 1045fps @ 16925psi and Actual 1130fps: +8.1%
E.   1.53 +/-0.05 grains: 1062; 1070; 1028; 1066; 1043.
      Max. = 1070; Min. = 1028; Average = 1953,8, or ~1054fps.
Calculated: 1063fps @ 17674psi and Actual 1054fps: -0.85%
F.   1.56 +/-0.05 grains: 1262; 1030; 1075; error; FTF.
      Max. = 1262; Min. = 1030; Average = 1122.3, or ~ 1122fps.
Calculated: 1080fps @ 18445psi and Actual 1122fps: +3.9%
G.   1.60 +/-0.05 grains: error; FTF; 1354; 1138; 1210.
      Max. = 1354; Min. = 1138; Average = 1234.0, or ~ 1234fps.
Calculated: 1097fps @ 19239psi and Actual 1234fps: +12.5%
H.   1.63 +/-0.05 grains: 1201; 1368; 1316; 1190; 1151.
      Max. = 1368; Min. = 1151; Average =  1245.2, or ~ 1245fps.
Calculated: 1114fps @ 20058psi and Actual 1245fps: +11.8%
I.    1.67 +/-0.05 grains: 1239; 1182; 1231; 1096; 1278.
      Max. = 1278; Min. = 1096; Average = 1205.2, or ~ 1205fps.
Calculated: 1131 fps @ 20696psi and Actual 1205fps: +6.5%
J.    1.70 +/-0.05 grains: 1297; 1375; 1243; 1238; 1329.
      Max. = 1375; Min. = 1238; Average = 1296.4, or ~ 1296fps.
Calculated: 1147fps @ 21760psi and Actual 1296fps: +13%
K,   1.73 +/-0.05 grains: 1235; 1338: 1209; FTF; FTF.
      Max. = 1338; Min. = 1209; Average = 1260.6, or ~ 1261fps.
Calculated: 1164fps @ 22849psi and Actual 1261fps: +8.3%
L.    1.77 +/-0.05 grains: 1229; 1257; 1232; 1289; 1276.
      Max. = 1289; Min. = 1229; Average = 1256.6, or ~ 1257fps.
Calculated: 1180fps @ 23563psi and Actual 1257fps: +6.5%
M.   1.80+/-0.05 grains: 1266; 1268; 1214; 1241; 1242.
      Max. = 1268; Min. = 1214; Average = 1246.2, or ~ 1246fps.
Calculated: 1196fps @ 24502psi and Actual 1244fps: +4.2%

NOTE:  1.84 grain Data not taken/recorded.

N.   1.87 +/-0.05 grains: 1311; 1275; 1175; 1214; Jam (not fired).
      Max. = 1311; Min. = 1175; Average = 1243.7, or ~ 1244fps.
Calculated:1227 fps @ 26357psi and Actual 1244fps: +1.4%



3.  50 grain FMJ-RN (Rem.); GFI Ni Brass; CCI SP primer Propellant compare:

A.   1.50 +/-0.05 grains:"Bullseye"; 1188; FTF; error; 1179; 1278.
      Max. = 1278; Min. = 1179; Average = 1215.0, or ~ 1215fps.

B.   1.50 +/-0.05 grains: "BE-86":    1107; 1381; 996.2; 1147, error.
      Max. = 1381; Min. =996.2; Average = 1157,8, or ~ 1158fps.
    Conclusion: for the Same Charge Weight BE-86 Generates a lower Peak Pressure than Bullseye under the same conditions.

SUMMARY

    Recorded data Results seems to vary from Calculated Values by Bilateral amounts. It is probable the sample size used is not adequate.  It is also probable that the Charge Weights vary due to the Imprecise Scale used for the Charge Weight Resolution desired.
Due to the Low Value Charge Weights, in the range of 1.3 to 2.7 grains, and the marked Resolution of the Scale used, 0.1 grain, the interpolation of charges to 0.01 grain +/-0.05 grain is less than the observed variation in measured performance.  

The instrument used has a measuring base of about 1 foot and four digit readout resolution but the full Accuracy and Resolution Specifications are not known at this time.  

The factory Ammunition tested for comparison measured about 2.1% lower out of this 10-5/8" barrel compared to factory Test Barrel length of 2".  This is quite low compared to similar Barrel lengths tested By "Ballistics By The Inch" using a Single Shot Handgun with a Locked Breech and sealed length Barrel (no cylinder gap).  They found a 10" barrel yielded Velocities about 28% increase in measured MV.

How much The Ambient temperature, and the temperature of the Instrument, which was in direct Sunlight, affected These Results is unknown at this time.

Overall, The confidence level in these results is low due to the reasons state in the summary but they ARE the Results obtained and recorded.

The Colt yielded a Louder Report and more "Kick" than my Ruger. and the Iver Johnson was in between the two others.
Later today, when it is cooler, I will be cleaning my revolvers before Putting them away until next time.

Best Regards,
Chev. William

[rickk]

For cylinder marking, consider finding someone with laser etch capability.

As one of the few diehards that reload everything, including the 25 ACP, I feel your pain.

Getting 25 ACP charges to be uniform as a true hassle.   I guess if I got serious about it, I would look for a finely ground power and make myself a custom power measure that works well in the 1-2 grain range, but I don't take it that serious. I have several powder measures and none of them are really practical for 25 ACP.  In fact, I use a cut down 22 case with a wire handle soldered to it for a power scoop.

enjoy... it looks like fun !

Rick

[Chev. William]

For cylinder marking, consider finding someone with laser etch capability.

As one of the few diehards that reload everything, including the 25 ACP, I feel your pain.

Getting 25 ACP charges to be uniform as a true hassle.   I guess if I got serious about it, I would look for a finely ground power and make myself a custom power measure that works well in the 1-2 grain range, but I don't take it that serious. I have several powder measures and none of them are really practical for 25 ACP.  In fact, I use a cut down 22 case with a wire handle soldered to it for a power scoop.

enjoy... it looks like fun !

Rick

Thanks for the Kind words of encouragement.
  Yes! it is Fun to fire this customized Ruger, especially with some of the Hand loads i have tried in it so far.
  Higher MAP charges with 50 grain FMJ bullets do add some to the Interest.
  Ditto with Charges used under 63 grain Lead FP Bullets.

  One Robust one is 3.0 grains of BE-86 behind the 63 grain Bullet.
  It Seems to hit at around the same point as a Factory 50 Grain Bullet at about 7 yards,  I have not tried it at longer ranges yet as I am Still learning to "hold' This Long Barrel for accuracy, I shoot it without a rest under the Barrel.

Best Regards,
Chev. William

[rickk]

FWIW, while I have yet to try it myself, I have heard of #3 buckshot (.251) being used in the 25 ACP for the ultimate penny pinching load.  Lube post bullet seating with Lee liquid Alox.

[Mustang Gregg]

William:

Have you tried to get "extra" cylinders from Ruger? 
The last I talked to them (2013), they would not sell a blank cylinder, because they want to fit the cylinder to the frame.
Do you have a machinist who can mill out a cylinder from stock?
There used to be one in Omaha who would make 5-shot cylinders for the big-ass cartridges like .458, .460, etc.

I still have the dream of getting a 12" K-Blackhawk in .256 Mag.

Mustang

[Chev. William]

For my Ruger "New Model Convertible Single Eight" project I bought 'replacement 22-Mag 8-shot cylinders' from "gunpartscorp.com" over time at about $158 each with the Shipping extra.  I don't know what they might have to fit your frame.

In my case, the 8-shot cylinder is drilled then reamed to .250'-.251" straight through, removing almost all of the 22-WMR chamber but leaving the rim recess outer diameter.  then a piloted chambering reamer (roughing, followed by finishing) run into the straight bores to make it suitable for the intended Cartridge: be it .25ACP, .25ALRM/6.35x32mmSR, or one of the other experiments.

Best Regards,
Chev. William

PS: I have been buying my reamers and pilot bushings from "Pacific Tool and Gauge" over the last few years (one reamer at a time).
They are in the same time zone as I am so it has made telephone conversations much easier.
Chev. William

[rickk]

There are people who make wildcat .25ACP/.22's.   That would eliminate the need for changing the barrel.

[Chev. William]

There are people who make wildcat .25ACP/.22's.   That would eliminate the need for changing the barrel.

That might have been a thought a few months ago but I already have my 10-5/8" long .25ACP/6.35 Browning Barrel finished on my Ruger Single Eight Revolver.

I still have about 12" left of the original blank for a Second Barrel.

Best Regards,
Chev. William

[Chev. William]

 My new spare and Replacement parts for my 'Shooting Chrony' FI Master arrived Via UPS so perhaps next week I can go to the range again.

I currently;y have 'my eye' on a Used .32 H&R Magnum chambered Ruger 'new model' Single Six at my Local Gun shop.
I plan to stop by and put my money down next Tuesday.  

So I hope to be a 'two Ruger owner' eventually.

Best Regards,
Chev. William

[Chev. William]

Evening Project has been preping some 6.35x32mmSR cases for reloading.
Now starting to load 63 grain Lead FP Hunter supply Bullets over Hodgdon Universal Clays with WSP primers.
I am Starting a Test sequence with 3.0 Grains of Universal and I am Seating the bullets to 1.395"=/- .003" overall Length.
Since I calculate a 3.3 grain Charge would give about 25,000psi Pmax in a !2 inch 'Sealed' barrel, and I am firing them out of a 10-5/8" Revolver Barrel with a Cylinder length (at the chambers) of 1.415" I should be good for the range.
I will be using a Roll Crimp on these Cartridges.
I will also load some at 3.1 and 3.2 grain them end the sequence with 3.3 grains.

Labor Day Weekend so Everyone Be Safe and Have an Enjoyable Holiday.
Best Regards,

[Chev. William]

September is my "Birthday Month" so Iam Preparing.
I now have my replacement Sky Screen Parts but have delayed scheduling a trip to the range as i am still loading soem new "Ladder Sets for the testing".

Additionally, today I paid for a Used Ruger New Model .32 H&R Magnum Single Six with a 5-5/8" barrel.  It will come with a Holster as part of the consignment Sale.  Now I need to Wait out the ten day State Imposed waiting period before I can Take Possession.

I have already had conversations with my Gunsmith about adapting a Cylinder to allow Shooting .32 Long Colt Cartridges in the
Revolver (of .930" length and using Heeled Bullets).
This is NOT the S&W diameters.
This IS  the smaller Colt diameter Cases.
My intent is to be able to Interchange Cylinders for the two sizes of case diameters and use the same barrel for Both.
Since Ruger informs me that they DO NOT do custom changes to Cartridge nor calibers, this will be an 'Exercise in Gunsmith Arts' for my gunsmith and myself.
We believe we Can adapt a .22WMR Six shot Cylinder to fit the .32 H&R frame.
We believe we will need to machine the Cylinder rear side to adapt it to the .32 LC Cartridge.
We believe we may need to machine the FRONT of the .32 H&R Cylinder to match the other cylinder so the Forcing Cone can be made to work with both.
It may also need some machining on the Barrel to get it to fit Both cylinders. Possibly setting it back and re-cutting the Forcing Cone.

I also Dropped off my third .22WMR 8-shot Cylinder along with Two reamers to chamber it for ".25ALS/6.35x28.6mmSR" but with the Rim rebates opened to take thinned (to .050" thick nominal) Hornet Rims of .348"-.350" Diameter.

Also i confirmed my order at PT&G for my .25 Magnum Auto Finishing chamber reamer.
This is a .25ACP Diameter Cases of 1.055" case Length.  they estimate a few weeks wait yet.

So goes my 'disposable funds' for this month.  I think I am going to enjoy my birthday later this month.

Best Regards,
Chev. William

[Chev. William]

Drats!
My plans to get an 8-Shot cylinder chambered in "6.35x28.6mmSR Stewart" hit a 'Roadblock" as The Two PTG Reamers in this cartridge I had purchased turned out to be 'Undersized" as They are marked 'RZR" which means Resizing to PTG and results in a reamer that is made to 'rough out' the chamber prior to running the Finish Reamer into the chamber.
So Now I need to order a correct Finish Chamber Reamer in "6.35x28.6mmSR Stewart" before I can make the Cylinder Correctly.

Talking to PTG, I found they have records that they Completed a Finish Chamber reamer for my ".25 Magnum Auto" but have NO Records of it ever being shipped!  Now they Are Searching for it and will report back to me as to what they find out.

Patience is a Virtue it Seems, and Also a Necessity when it comes to custom chamber reamers.

On a Happier note: I gained possession of my Used .32 H&R Magnum Ruger New Model Single Six Revolver with belt holster on September 20th, and today is my Birthday Anniversary!  My 74th!

Best Regards,
Chev. William

[Chev. William]

The PTG Finish Chamber reamer for ".25 Magnum Auto" came today just before the Presidential First debate.
No I need to Verify its dimensions before using it.

Best Regards,
Chev/ William

[Chev. William]

William:

Have you tried to get "extra" cylinders from Ruger? 
The last I talked to them (2013), they would not sell a blank cylinder, because they want to fit the cylinder to the frame.
Do you have a machinist who can mill out a cylinder from stock?
There used to be one in Omaha who would make 5-shot cylinders for the big-ass cartridges like .458, .460, etc.

I still have the dream of getting a 12" K-Blackhawk in .256 Mag.

Mustang

Yes, but Ruger customer service says 'not available separately', and also 8-shot cylinders are 'aftermarket' anyway at this time.

There is the "Problem" that IF I send my .25ACP Ruger back to Ruger, FIRST they Will restore it to FACTORY Configuration before it could have any other work done on it.  their Policy is NOT to repair 'modified' firearms unless they are restored to Factory configuration first.

Bummer, but presently I have a "work around" so i am currently'good to go' with this project.

Best Regards,
Chev. William #736

[Chev. William]

My gunsmith is due back in the shop this week so I will be talking to him about scheduling some more Cylinder Re-cut work for this Revolver.
I have Two "Story" 8-shot .22 Cal. cylinders I bought off Ebay to have Modified eventually.  
I also received my "6.35x28.6mmSR Premium Finish Chamber Reamer" form PT&G so I can get my "Number Three" Cylinder Cut.

"Number One" is the .25ACP one cut with standard Tapered Semi-Auto Pistol type chambers.
"Number Two" will be the one Cut with Chambers for ".25Magnum Auto/6.35x26mmSR" Cartridges (at the Gunsmith now).
"Number Three" is described above; it will fit both the 6.35x26.8mmSR and .250ALS cartridges..
"Number Four" is the cylinder cut for ".250ALRM/6.35x32mmSR" cartridges.
"Number Five" will be cut with Straight Cylinder Chambers fo r.25ACP to see if this will stop the "Bulge in the wall at the Web to Wall Transition.  

Here is a photo of my R.A.T.S. Badge fitted in my new Badge Wallet:


Best Regards,
Chev. William

[Chev. William]

I have had a Holster made for my custom Long Barrel Ruger Single Eight Revolver and was able to buy a "Factory Second" Western Drop belt and have the same Leather Worker/Saddle Maker add additional cartridge Loops to it so I can carry 36 extra cartridges on it with the maximum eight in the cylinder, for a gross capacity of 44 on hand.

I will add a photo of the Belt and Holster when I am able to get one taken and uploaded.

Best Regards,
Chev. William

[Mustang Gregg]

Chev. William:

I probably missed it, but what barrel do you have installed in the .25 revolver receiver?

Much obliged,
Mustang

[Chev. William]

The barrel on my .25ACP Ruger Single Eight Revolver is a Custom Machined 10-5/8 inch long one made by Willie Clark of "American Gun Works" of Glendale California from a 23 plus inch long "Cr-Mo Alloy Steel" Lothar Walther "Pistol Barrel Blank".  I still have about 12 inches left of the original Blank to make into another barrel at a Later date.

I am sorry it took me so long to notice your Question.

Best Regards,
Chev. William R.A.t.S. #736

[Chev. William]

Passing on Information:
NOE Bullet Molds is hosting a Group buy for the Ranch dog TL255-50-RF 50 grain .25ACP design, and I have Signed up for a 4 Cavity Aluminum Mold (minimum of Ten Purchasers required to start the work).

I also Queried NOE to find out if they could MODIFY the Mold Machining Program / Design to add another driving band/Lube groove so the finished Mold would cast a 65-70 grain Bullet in Soft Lead.  NOE is investigating the possibility and said they will get back to me later with an answer.

Best Regards,
Chev. William