The Single Seven - First Impressions

Spoiler Alert: I like it.
 


 

The Ruger's Single Seven has exceeded my (high)expectations and was well worth the (difficult) wait.

I had a pretty good idea of what to expect.  I have a 32 H&R Single Six and a 327 SP101, both of which I really like.  Like every other Ruger I've ever owned the Single Seven arrived ready to go to work.  Not so refined that I would be afraid to use it, but very handsome in my opinion.  Rugged and solid feeling.  Tolerances all checked out.

A quick stop by the range demonstrated some real accuracy potential.

Single Seven!!

Just when I thought the Ruger Single Six couldn't get any better... Lipseys announces it will produce a run of Stainless Single SEVEN revolvers chambered in 327 Federal Magnum!





They will be available in 4-5/8", 5.5" and 7.5".  I have my heart set on a 5.5" 

I've heard (forum rumors) they may start hitting the market by the end of this month.  Other estimates put delivery out as far as November.  I just hope they made enough of them!

The versatility of a revolver in this caliber for the handloader make it VERY appealing.  Capable of using 32 S&W, 32 S&W Long, 32 H&R and 327 Federal broadly covers a lot of velocities with standard over the counter ammunition.  The handloader could cover that same ground with just the 32 H&R and 327 loadings.  The economy of reloading for the 32 caliber Ruger rivals all, especially if you cast your own.  From paper targets to Coyotes this revolver has it covered.

I've been extremely impressed by the 32 H&R Magnums ability at longer ranges.  I expect the 327 Federal Magnum will be even better.

I find the seven round capacity appealing though I've read that some may not.  In a single action revolver especially it would seem advantageous.  While it is unlikely (but not impossible) that all seven would be needed in a hunting situation it would be comforting to know there more ready.  In past hunts I've not always reloaded after taking game and small game bag limits can get through most of the cylinder.  While hunting, carrying the ammo in the gun my preferred method.  Some extra in the pack typically comes along too though I try to carry as little as possible while out hunting in hopes that I will be returning more weight in the form of meat.

If it sounds as if I am excited about this revolver it is because I am.  Should I be fortunate enough to find one to buy it will be accompanying me while I'm checking game cameras, used to take small game and varmints, punch holes in paper targets, ring steel and take advantage plinking opportunities. 

Getting a (new) Grip

The Rosewood Grips on the Ruger Single Six are OK but I decided to spice it up a little.

Lil'Gun Powder and the 32 H&R Magnum

On the Hodgdon Powder Company's website they list Load Data for their products.  A powder I've heard good things about is Lil'Gun.  The data shows it producing impressive velocities and relatively lower pressures.

For the 100 grain SPR JHP bullet the MAX load comes in at 19,900 CUP and produces 1208 fps in a 5" Barrel.

I used the excellent RCBS 32-98 SWC with this powder and worked up to this load.  At the MAX charge my 5.5" Ruger Single Six chronographed

1287
1266
1299
1297
1288
1285

The accuracy was impressive.  It was pleasant to shoot though there was a noticeable fireball and the recoil felt similar to a 38 special in a small revolver.

The 1894 Marlin Cowboy this same load produces 1750 fps.  The bore shows no signs of leading despite being a plain based bullet though the bore is left speckled with powder zombies.  The accuracy was also promising though the range was too short to be conclusive.

More testing is required.

CCI Quiet-22

I've been impressed with this ammo in my rifles and decided to give it a try in the Single Six.  The velocity averaged 582 fps and accuracy was nearly as good as HV ammo at 25'.  It will pass through two milk jugs of water and be caught in the third.  The report is greatly reduced.  I'm thinking this may be ideal for Grouse.

A Companion for the 32 Single Six

Marlin didn't make many of these but I happened into one I couldn't walk away from.

32 caliber Marlin 1894 - 32-20 Cowboy Carbine (top) and 32 H&R Magnum Cowboy (bottom)

The Marlin 1894 Cowboy in 32 H&R Magnum has a good reputation for accuracy.  So far that is proving to be true with my copy as well.

 

Likes:
- Aesthetics
-Accurate
-32 H&R mag in a rifle.
-Handy size

Less Thrilled about.
-No loading gate

Using the loads I like in the 32 H&R Mag Ruger Single Six The 32 H&R Mag Marlin 1894 gets a good bump in velocity.

Lyman 311008 (115 gr) over W231 averages 1101 fps (920)

RCBS 32-98 SWC (100gr) over W231 averages 1161 fps (compared to 854 fps in the Single Six) and over Unique it averages 1360 fps (compared 1050 fps in the Single Six).

Early testing gives the accuracy edge to the W231 loads but even the Unique loads were impressively accurate.

Long Range Shooting with a Ruger Single Six

Last weekend I had the opportunity to jet over to a friend's Ranch and do some shooting.  The little 32 Ruger shot so well at the closer targets (out to 200 yards) we decided to see what it would do on the 400 yard dinger.

At this range with these sight settings (50 yard zero) there was a good bit of holdover required.  I was impressed how well those little bullets did at that distance. 

Next time I'll try it Elmer Keith style.