Charter Arms Bulldog XL 45 lc

Here is more info:
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/charter-arms-bulldog-45-colt.838129/page-4

I have four Charter Arms revolvers: 22lr, 32 H&R magnum, 44 special, and 45acp.

Their triggers are kind of "toylike" and a bit gritty, but not stiff. I haven't shot the 22 yet (just got it), but the others shoot well.

I got the 45acp used at my LGS. It locked up solid after I shot just a couple of cylinders. CA fixed it quickly and for free, no questions asked. It's been fine since. (It looked like it had barely been fired. I'm guessing that the previous owner detected an impending problem and got rid of it.)

Their triggers and feel of "quality" aren't as nice as my best Smiths, but they are all functional and accurate enough for snubbies. The recoil on the 44 and 45 is NBD as far as I'm concerned. I would assume the 45colt would feel similar.

Someguy...

I love mine and don’t regret the purchase.

The Black Spot turned me on to some Pachmayr Compac grips and that made a world of difference with my accuracy. The factory grips were not comfortable to me.
Thank-you, Black Spot...!

It is surprisingly lightweight and very comfortable to carry. The short barrel makes for an easy draw. Not big and bulky and hides well under a loose overshirt.

Although it gets carried alot, I’ve only put about 300 rounds through it. I’ve cycled it hundreds of times and the action keeps getting smoother. S/A trigger pull is short and crisp... D/A pull is very long but not overly stiff. Ejector needed to be worked alot to loosen up. All said, it’s right where I want it to be now.

Hornady’s 185 gr Critical Defense is the carry loading. They expanded well with little recoil and made the expense of almost a buck a piece a little less excruciating. They hit POA at 20 yards.

I have loaded 200 gr SWC and 230 gr LRN both with light charges of 6.4 grains of Universal. They all hit the paper plate at 25-30 yards... when I did my part.
We shall see how they do when I get around to upping the charges.

250 gr lead RNFP “cowboy” loads have been the least accurate.

Not sure of the rate of twist... reckon I ought to get around to reading the owner’s manual sometime.

This tag came in the box with a new 45 Colt Bulldog XL in April 2019. Note the "+P Rated". I'm guessing this means any load you don't mind torturing your wrist with is A-OK. Personally, I'll stick with SAAMI specs. Loading up some 200gr Hard Cast Hollow points to play with. Will report once I've fired several.

Jeremwah said:

CA Bulldog XL Tag

• Jeremwah
• Apr 21, 2019

This card came in the box with a new .45 Colt Bulldog XL by Charter Arms April 2019.

This tag came in the box with a new 45 Colt Bulldog XL in April 2019. Note the "+P Rated". I'm guessing this means any load you don't mind torturing your wrist with is A-OK. Personally, I'll stick with SAAMI specs. Loading up some 200gr Hard Cast Hollow points to play with. Will report once I've fired several.

Click to expand...

Woah...okay, I'm in.

Me too! If I can find one local, it will be my first CA.

Jeremwah said:

CA Bulldog XL Tag

• Jeremwah
• Apr 21, 2019

This card came in the box with a new .45 Colt Bulldog XL by Charter Arms April 2019.

This tag came in the box with a new 45 Colt Bulldog XL in April 2019. Note the "+P Rated". I'm guessing this means any load you don't mind torturing your wrist with is A-OK. Personally, I'll stick with SAAMI specs. Loading up some 200gr Hard Cast Hollow points to play with. Will report once I've fired several.

Click to expand...

A "+P" rated .45 Colt Charter Arms?



No... that can't be. It must be a mistake...

That doesn't look like any manufacturers insert to me. IF, (a big if) any plus P loads are OK in it, I would guess only 45ACP plus P in the 45ACP version, not 45 Colt, which has no plus P definition

Additionally, if you think an 8 groove barrel nets a higher MV, I have a bridge to sell you...

Mine had that tag also. But there is no need that i see for +P in the bulldog 45 colt.

I bought mine in 45Colt last year, did not have that paper in the box then. I suspect it is supposed to go in the 45ACP version, maybe

Not to throw cold water on all the enthusiasm but what is the point of the 45 Colt (a black powder case with huge capacity) over the 45 ACP version? In that short barrel you won't get anything out of the 45 Colt you can't get out of the 45 ACP. And the ACP is cheaper if your buying ammo, much more available, and there is an endless variety of self defense ammo for the auto pistol cartridge. Oh, and it's cheaper to reload as well.

Dave

My 44 Bulldog also came with a similar P+ card. Thought it was unusual. But I keep to published level handloads anyway so no big deal.