GP100 vs blackhawk in 357. Which is stronger?

[clipse]

Which is stronger and more durable, the GP100 or the blackhawk in 357?

clipse

[lawson]

they will both outlive you.

[461]

If you're running in the red area that would stress either one then you have more problems than handgun longevity and strength. In reality the Blackhawk (not new flat top) would be the stronger of the two due to extra cylinder and frame size. I feel pretty sure either will keep your offspring happy long after you're gone unless stupidity is involved.

[rnovi]

Clipse,

I've run .357 mags up to 180 gr. Hardcasts up to 1400fps - this is well into the red range of the GP100. Realistically, this is just about the outter limit of the .357 with a 180 grain pill.

I'm not showing any major pressure signs with this load (slightly cratered primers only, no case stickiness). I suppose I could push a bit harder, but there really isn't much reason to. I'm dealing with max loads of 2400 coming in slightly compressed. Recoil is stout. You know you've pulled the trigger on something special.

I have yet to find any reason to try and push a .357 any harder than that. If you are trying to push much over that I would have to say you are willing to put a lot at risk.

As to the durability, in my GP100 I show minimal pressure signs. I'm quite content to blast away with these loads and don't expect the gun to suffer much for it.

[MCgunner]

I have a similar load, AA#9 and 180 JHP Hornady XTP. I'm pushing 1400 fps from my 6 1/2" blackhawk, slightly sticky case extraction, at the limit. I will not shoot these loads in anything, but that Blackhawk, not even my carbine. They're too hot for anything else, but I trust 'em in the Blackhawk. I don't shoot a lot of 'em, got 'em set aside for hunting. They're extremely accurate in the Blackhawk.

Both these guns and Rugers in general are built ultra-strong. You can bad mouth Rugers for looks or size and weight, but you can't say they ain't stronger than strong and they're not accurate and they don't work. Well, you can say that, but you're a liar if you do. :D

My vote for "most strong" of the two would be the Blackhawk. It's got no crane, simple cylinder in a frame. That's what I like about single actions and why I like 'em as outdoor guns. But, it's hard to argue against a GP100 or Redhawk for strength.

[Surefire]

The Blackhawk is stronger, IMO.

But...the Blackhawk is also IMO a lot more uncomfortable with super hot loads than the GP 100. I don't like shooting hot loads in the blackhawk due to the grip.

[Ben Shepherd]

I would give a slight edge to the gp100. One piece frame. You lose a lot of rear frame with the blackhawk loading gate. Don't know for sure though, not sure of the difference in strength between stainless and carbon steel.

However-for real fun: Hot rod a REDHAWK in 357. (or just get a 357 MAX.:D )

Have fun pushing, but be careful.

[gogetumnow]

The 357 New Model Blackhawk is by far the strongest. This is the same frame that Ruger makes their Super Blackhawk 44 mags on. This is also the same frame that some custom smiths make 5 shooters in artillery calibers.

Now a Redhawk in 357 vs a New Model Blackhawk in 357 could be an interesting debate.

[Jim March]

Gogetumnow is right. Two exceptions: the old "three screw" Blackhawk on the 357 frame or the "50th Anniversary Blackhawk" on a two-screw frame similar to the old three screw (and same as the New Model Vaquero".

The GP100 may be a hair stronger than those...at least in terms of "blowup strength".

Odd thing, there are two ways to measure a gun's strength: "blowup strength" and the long-term durability of the action. Single Action wheelguns automatically have an edge in the latter area.

[pete f]

Both have WAY more strength than any right minded individual needs to find out about.

Both will take loads that you should only reach by accident or stupidity.

Modern load manuals are very specific in telling you what is safe...Let guys with PE and Phds in engineering and ballistics develop the loads, if you can not find a listed load that will do what you want the gun to do, but a different caliber.