I'm new to this forum, I recently purchased a Ron Long Ballard in 32-40. It came with a 15X Unertl Scope and box full of accessories including a Ron Long bullet mould.  I never shot a breech seated bullet before but as fortune would have it my neighbor Charlie Shaw has.  I spent a couple of hours with Charlie the other day at his place going over the basics.  And it was educational and fun.  However, I know little about Ron Long and even less about Ballards.  I'm looking for someone(s) who can help educate me both the man and the rifle.
I'm looking forward next year and hope to make it Edna Green.

I took a bunch of pictures but it looks like I could only upload one and at a greatly reduced file size.  If you want better quality picture email and I'll send them to you.  Bob

Your rifle will shoot well after it's set up, with the BSer and a good load. His advise to me for my 32/40 was to set the BSer at .035 - .050 of the base of the bullet, left unengraved.

Couple of new terms BSer and left unengraved I'm not familiar with.  BSer referring to the bullet starter would be my first guess, not a clue on unengraved.

Charlie looked at the bullet starter that came with it and it's set about 1/16th of inch.  He decided to to use 13g of 4227 as a starting point.  That load proved to be very accurate at his 100 yard target.

Thanks for the reply

“Your rifle will shoot well after it's set up, with the BSer and a good load. His advise to me for my 32/40 was to set the BSer at .035 - .050 of the base of the bullet, left unengraved.“

Bill he is talking base and not nose

bnice wrote on Nov 16^th, 2025 at 8:16am:


Yes, BSer is breach seater and unengraved means that there is no rifling marks on that part of the base band.

Bob wrote on Nov 16^th, 2025 at 1:31pm:


Ron could have done it either way. What marking are stamped on the left side of the receiver? Is there a serial number on the bottom of the action near the forearm? These will help me determine which way Ron took this Ballard.

When I first met Ron he was making locks "Longs Locks" for muzzle loading rifles seeing a need for improvement. He was self taught in all aspects to include programing for CNC equipment. I could go on and on, but best to recommend a tribute to Ron by the Ballard rifle author John Dutcher in the ASSRA journal. You might talk to your neighbor as he may have a copy for you to read, It will be a most reliable account as opposed to other information I have seen. Ron was capable of building a rifle from scratch to include the receiver, barrel, stockwork, to include checkering, sights and metal finish, bluing, browning and case coloring. His most notable achievement to me was being a good man. I believe many on this forum would enjoy seeing photographs of your rifle. You have a real prize, as far fewer left his shop before going to Cody Wyoming to work for Ballard Rifle company. This is not to say he only made Ballard rifles, but also !878 Sharps, Winchester 1885's and others. 

Bob wrote on Nov 16^th, 2025 at 4:41pm:


Sounds like there's a good chance it's an original with that serial number. Likely it was in rough shape and Ron had to polish or surface grind the action sides to get it smooth enough. Not uncommon on some that saw tough conditions and neglect before being saved.
The serial number also indicates a fairly late model Ballard action, and likely forged as I doubt Ron would ever have built up this Ballard on a cast action. Guessing maybe 1887-1888 time frame. I hope you do post pictures as I'd enjoy seeing it also.

The rifle at Track is attributed to Ron Long but not signed.