Ruger Model 77/50

F. Remove the ramrod from under the barrel by pulling it downward out ofits recess in the barrel and then forward (upward) out of the stock andramrod thimble. Grasp the ramrod around its side and, with a firm evenstroke, seat the bullet firmly on the powder charge. Do not push down onthe ramrod tip with the palm of your hand, in the event that the powdercharge ignites while you are loading! (See Fig. 10) For maximumaccuracy, the powder charge should be very lightly compressed by thebullet. Be sure that the bullet is seated deeply enough so that it restsfirmly against the powder charge. Do not leave an air space between thepowder and the bullet. This can cause the barrel to burst when firing!KEEP HAND OFF ENDNOTE RAMRODPROTRUSION WHENPROJECTILE IS FULLYSEATED ON POWDER9STARTING PROJECTILEG. You should not “pound” on the ramrod to fully seat the projectile, sincethis can deform the bullet, cause accuracy problems, or even set off thepowder charge and fire the rifle! Once you determine that you have fullyseated the projectile of your choice onto the correct powder charge, noteand mark how much of the ramrod protrudes from the muzzle. Youshould always be sure that no more of the ramrod protrudes after loadingthe rifle -- otherwise, you may have loaded too much powder, multipleprojectiles, 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 rifleand injury to the shooter and bystanders. Be safe -- unload your rifle andstart over again if your ramrod protrudes excessively from the muzzleafter loading (See “To Unload”, p. 20)H. REMOVE THE RAMROD FROM THE BARREL. If you replace it in thethimble under the barrel, you will not leave it behind.IF YOU FORGET TO LOAD POWDERIf you have inadvertently loaded a ball without first loading a powdercharge, you must remove the breech plug with the breech plug wrenchand push the ball from the barrel (See “To Unload”, p. 20) before startingall over again.1510FULLY SEAT PROJECTILE