Hello This is a few years latter than your posting I want to let you know, I've been shooting and Handeling Percussion Revolvers& Pistols for over 23 years, I must say that I can say with confidence and expierence/knowledge that the gentleman who siad the ROA is under powered ,well HE IS WRONG. The Ruger Old Army is more then capable out to max 60 Yards of harvesting Big Game, Black Bear Wilid Boar, Deer have all been sucessfully taken with it. Google Hunting with Ruger Old Army and see the results. I recomend a minium of 40 grains of powder, Tripple seven is proberly the most powerful and a good Bullet like a Ball-Et 190 grains. I have not conographed however others have and some people say that the Old Army can achive regulary 800/900 LBS Per Ft of Energy at max. If you use 45-50 grains of power you will have magnum loads like a 41/44 magnum. another option is to purchase an extra cylinder that holds more powder=more Power, Classicballsix sells them for under$200.00. Another option David Clements will bore out your current cylinder to take 5 to 10 more grains of powder, the 2009 cost is about $50.00 per cylinder. david Clements also will make a hand made special 50 caliber conversion Revolver out of a Old Army he uses Kreiger custom barrels and the cost is around 1000.00 a once in a lifetime buy family heirloom. He takes usualy up to a year to make a custom gun. google and you will find all the answers/info you need.

Good Luck,Hunting and be Safe

Kaido