|
|
Post by wrl45colt on Jun 2, 2016 16:59:50 GMT -5
guys i recently acquired a 45 colt flat top, 4 5/8 barrel made in 1982 according to Ruger. I know that several article I have read say to keep the loads mid range. I also notice that in most articles they list several loads using H 110 that run about 1025 fps, with heavier bullets and are recommended for hunting. But most of these are for 5 1/2 inch barrels. I am wondering if using something like Longshot or power pistol would work better in this short barrel when using 250 or 300 grain bullets. Some of these faster powders give about the same velocity but they do not seem to reccomend them for hunting. This will be used primarily as a back up gun, but i want something that will work if the opportunity for a shot presents itself. Thanks
wrl45colt
|
|
Paden
.375 Atomic
Lower Goldstream Creek
Posts: 1,132
|
Post by Paden on Jun 2, 2016 21:41:28 GMT -5
8-9 grains Power Pistol should serve well under a 285 RCBS-270-SAA. Compare Pearce's loads in HL #234 vs HL #246. The #234 data was shot from the 4 5/8 New Vaquero.
|
|
tedro
.240 Incinerator
Posts: 43 
|
Post by tedro on Jun 3, 2016 7:38:46 GMT -5
So we have loads for older Colts and such. We have a loading for flattop sized Rugers, then a loading for Super Blackhawk,Redhawk etc. Where is a good place to find info on this ? I see data in my manuals for 45 Colt and Ruger only 45 Colt but I am a bit lost on the "small frame" Rugers
|
|
|
|
Post by Encore64 on Jun 3, 2016 7:43:21 GMT -5
So we have loads for older Colts and such. We have a loading for flattop sized Rugers, then a loading for Super Blackhawk,Redhawk etc. Where is a good place to find info on this ? I see data in my manuals for 45 Colt and Ruger only 45 Colt but I am a bit lost on the "small frame" Rugers I am a huge fan of the 45 Colt. For years I have kept data from different reputable sources. Mine is kept in a three ring binder with tabs for Colt thru 50,000 psi loads. |
|
|
|
Post by zac0419 on Jun 3, 2016 7:52:46 GMT -5
I guess I am confused. I thought the mid frame flattop was made only a few years ago. If made in 1982 in 45 Colt and not a "new Vaquero" it should be large frame right? Please correct me if I'm wrong.
|
|
tedro
.240 Incinerator
Posts: 43
|
Post by tedro on Jun 3, 2016 9:16:20 GMT -5
I guess I am confused. I thought the mid frame flattop was made only a few years ago. If made in 1982 in 45 Colt and not a "new Vaquero" it should be large frame right? Please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm not sure if the Lipseys flattop is a large or mid frame. |
|
|
|
Post by mhblaw on Jun 3, 2016 9:21:21 GMT -5
I think zac0419 is correct. My NMFT 45 convertible was purchased in July, 2011. About the same time I had Bowen make me a 45 Colt on a 357 frame OMBH. Hamilton said at the time "...if Ruger can chamber the 45 Colt in a medium frame, so can I..."
|
|
|
|
Post by contender on Jun 3, 2016 10:12:02 GMT -5
In 1982, the only 45 Colt offering by Ruger in a SA,,, was the Blackhawk. That will be the "large" framed gun. The only Flattop 45 is a New Model, of more recent production. I think Lipseys was the distributor of them, and they were a special run. I'd have to dig into my records to see for sure. But I do know that a 1982 built 45 SA will only be on the large frame,,, if built by Ruger. Customs not included.
Reloading data for Rugers has had the waters muddied in recent years. When all the Blackhawks, & Super Blackhawks were the only models, they are all on the same large frame. Ruger only loads were published in manuals. With the introduction of the NM mid frame Flattop size, (The same sized frame as the original Blackhawks of the 1950's & early 1960's,) in 2005 with the anniversary of the Blackhawk 357, and later on other calibers & such, it became a bit more confusing. The "New Vaqueros" were also built on the medium frame, over the original Vaqueros. You can distinguish them by the Originals having a 2 digit prefix in the serial, while the NV's have a 3 digit prefix.
The 45 Colt caliber is an ancient one, and there are many guns built in that caliber. And with old guns, lower powered ammo was the normal load. When Bill came out with the strong Blackhawk framed 45's in 1971, a whole different world opened up for the old caliber. That's why we have "Ruger & T/C loads only" info. The newer mid-framed guns fall in-between these two loads. You can load a mid framed Ruger higher than an old Colt SA, but not as heavily as a regular Blackhawk.
My advice is;
"Know exactly which gun you have before you load any ammo. Then follow the safe loading information published for that gun."
|
|
|
|
Post by dougader on Jun 3, 2016 12:00:34 GMT -5
I like a 255 grain SWC with grains WW231; also
- 265 grain Beartooth or CP WFNGC with 12.5 grains Blue Dot;
- 255 grain Beartooth RNFP with 13 grains Blue Dot
- 285 grain 270 SAA with 12 grains Blue Dot
|
|
|
|
Post by lscg on Jun 3, 2016 12:16:36 GMT -5
Brian Pearce did an article in Handloader no. 275 on loading for the mid frame flat top 45 colt. in it he lists about 75 standard pressure (14,000psi) loads and around 38 +p(23,000psi) loads.
in the +p loads he has several using longshot and power pistol with 240-318 grain cast and jacketed bullets.
if anyone wants this article send me a PM with your email and I will pass it along to you.
|
|
Paden
.375 Atomic
Lower Goldstream Creek
Posts: 1,132
|
Post by Paden on Jun 3, 2016 13:11:49 GMT -5
My advice is; "Know exactly which gun you have before you load any ammo. Then follow the safe loading information published for that gun." Good advice! The original .44 Ruger Blackhawk known as the "flat-top" was produced from the mid-50's to the mid-60's. Mid-2000's it was resurrected for Lipsey's with updated lockwork and different gripframe. It has a flat topstrap with no raised protective ears surrounding the rear sight base. It is the frame referred to as "mid-sized" or "medium frame". The New Vaquero is a medium frame gun with a smaller diameter cylinder than the original and falls into this same catagory. Limit these to <20,000 PSI. Original Vaquero's, and New Model Blackhawks / New Model Super Blackhawks (with raised "ears" surrounding the rear sight base) are classed as "large frame" guns. Limit these to <32,000 PSI (so called "Ruger only loads"). Handloader 246 has comparative loads for small frame Colts and such, and medium and large frame Rugers. ----> www.riflemagazine.com/magazine/PDF/HL%20246partial.pdfHandloader 234 compares the original Vaquero to the New Vaquero. ----> www.riflemagazine.com/magazine/PDF/HL_234_preview.pdf |
|
|
|
Post by lscg on Jun 3, 2016 13:41:14 GMT -5
My advice is; "Know exactly which gun you have before you load any ammo. Then follow the safe loading information published for that gun." Good advice! The original .44 Ruger Blackhawk known as the "flat-top" was produced from the mid-50's to the mid-60's. Mid-2000's it was resurrected for Lipsey's with updated lockwork and different gripframe. It has a flat topstrap with no raised protective ears surrounding the rear sight base. It is the frame referred to as "mid-sized" or "medium frame". Limit these to <20,000 PSI. Original Vaquero's, and New Model Blackhawks / New Model Super Blackhawks (with raised "ears" surrounding the rear sight base) are classed as "large frame" guns. Limit these to <32,000 PSI (so called "Ruger only loads"). The New Vaquero is a small frame gun with a smaller diameter cylinder than the original. It's in the same class as Colts and such. Limit these to <14,000 PSI. Handloader 246 has comparative loads for small frame, medium frame, and large frame Rugers----> www.riflemagazine.com/magazine/PDF/HL%20246partial.pdf
i'm pretty sure new Vaquero's are Medium frame guns and can handle stouter loads than Colt SAA's.
Lee says they'll handle 23,000 psi. www.singleactions.com/FiveShot45Colts.html
|
|
|
|
Post by Encore64 on Jun 3, 2016 13:50:04 GMT -5
The midframed and New Vaquero Rugers are available with an auxiliary cylinder in 45 acp cylinder that's approved for +P ammo.
Considering how cautious Ruger is about their guns, it goes without saying they will handle 23,000 psi loads.
|
|
Paden
.375 Atomic
Lower Goldstream Creek
Posts: 1,132
|
Post by Paden on Jun 3, 2016 14:02:22 GMT -5
i'm pretty sure new Vaquero's are Medium frame guns and can handle stouter loads than Colt SAA's. Good catch. They are a medium frame gun. I corrected my previous post for posterity's sake. Handloader 234 has a good comparison of the original Vaquero vs New Vaquero. ----> www.riflemagazine.com/magazine/PDF/HL_234_preview.pdf |
|
|
|
Post by wrl45colt on Jun 3, 2016 15:37:38 GMT -5
Guys I just got off the phone with Ruger and now they say that this is a standard New Model Blackhawk made October 16 1981. This is different from what I was told before by another Ruger employee. Sorry for the confusion and the incorrect information. Since it is a standard NMBK this will mean it will take the heavier loads and I have some of these I use in a Bisley. Again sorry for the confusion wrl45colt.
|
|
