45LC Ruger only, 44Mag questions.

[PapaGeno21]

The "Flattop" version of the blackhawk convertible was a Lipseys special edition gun. It uses the 357 frame for the 45LC/45ACP load. The gun is not as strong as the normal Blackhawk as that is using the 44 Magnum frame.

I forgot where exactly I was reading it, but if you put that into Google there are a TON of different places all saying the same thing. I was pretty sad, as I was in love with the Lipseys model and had a deposit on one, but changed to the normal one as I couldn't afford both.

Oh and I am not going to bother with 2400 for now, I am just going to use the H110. I have it on hand and will give it a shot. If its too much power maybe I will change to 2400 but seeing as how I only want to do a few of these "Ruger only loads" every time I take the Blackhawk out I don't see it being a problem. If it is less recoil than the Smith 500 I shot last weekend then I won't care!

 

[kelbro]

The "Flattop" version of the blackhawk convertible was a Lipseys special edition gun. It uses the 357 frame for the 45LC/45ACP load. The gun is not as strong as the normal Blackhawk as that is using the 44 Magnum frame.

OK. Makes sense I didn't know you were talking about a special model. I was thinking about a regular Blackhawk 45LC.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

You might not want to run those full power Ruger Only loads through that Blackhawk. You yourself just said it's now built on the .44 Magnum frame. You're playing with fire there...

 

[USSR]

The "Flattop" version of the blackhawk convertible was a Lipseys special edition gun. It uses the 357 frame for the 45LC/45ACP load. The gun is not as strong as the normal Blackhawk as that is using the 44 Magnum frame.

All the more reason NOT to use H110. It's not a very flexible powder at all. It's a powder that requires full power loads, and the manufacturer states do not try to use reduced power loads with it. Personally, I find that either 2400 or 4227 do whatever I need to do in that velocity range, and reduced power loads are no problem with them.

Don

 

[PapaGeno21]

I don't own the Lipseys Blackhawk...

Once again lol, I had put a deposit on one. Then I found out it was built on the 357 frame and is not able to run the Ruger Only loads. I then switched my deposit over to a normal Blackhawk. I now own the normal 45acp/45LC Blackhawk built on the 44 Mag frame capable of anything I wish to throw at it.

I am also most likely going to try to use the 2400 first. It is cheaper to grab a pound of powder then a box of primers (I dont use LP Magnum for anything). I figure if the 2400 does not have enough boom, then I will then grab some primers.

I will keep you all informed as to how this beast of a round comes together!

 

[41 Mag]

PapaGeno21,

I picked up a nice Redhawk last fall in a 7.5" 45 Colt. Since then I have been playing with a few of the powders mentioned here, and can teel you they are right on the money with the recommendations.

If you can't get where you want to get with 2400, most likely H-110 isn't going to do it for you either. I have loaded several different bullets, (all cast however), up to 320grains and not found H-110 to be one iota better than the others here. Wile I DO admit there is an increase in velocity, the drawback has been less accuracy and more muzzle blast.

I also shoot plenty of 454 rounds so recoil and blast isn't much of a personal issue with me, but accuracy or the lack there of is. The powders like 2400 or AA-9 will give you a better flexibility over your loads, and will allow you to squeeze out the accuracy from them. The H-110 / 296 are more or less set to parameters and thats about all you get.

If your up to shooting lead GC'ed or not, the Colt will deliver plenty of accuracy out to further than you might think with even the mild 1000-1200fps loads, especially with the afor mentioned 45 270 SAA, or the Lee 255gr RF or 300gr RFGC. There are also PLENTY of commercial cast bullets within the 250 - 300gr weights that also shoot great.

Good luck with your development,

 

[bergmen]

One tip I could give you is to try a different powder for the 45 LC. Consider 2400 for your loads as it could be downloaded safely, within reason, unlike the H110. If recoil is a consideration then start at regular 45 colt loads, then venture north as your comfort and needs allow. If all else fails you could use it with your 357 mag. as a fantastic powder.

If you use 2400 you will not need mag primers. Almost all recipes list H110 with mag primers, so yes, you do need them for that powder.

Also be certain that your pistol is capable of handling the "Ruger Only" loads as not all convertibles are.

You can safely go down to 20.0 grains of H110/W296 under a 240/250 grain JHP bullet, I've used that load for years. My favorite load, of course, is 25.0 grains of W296 under a Hornady 250 grain XTP, but anything between 20.0 and 25.0 will work just fine.

Dan

 

[Clark]

20 gr will work with a good roll crimp.

Without a roll crimp, with 21 gr I can get squib.

I hate it when a bullet gets lodged in the forcing cone.

 

[bergmen]

20 gr will work with a good roll crimp.

Without a roll crimp, with 21 gr I can get squib.

I hate it when a bullet gets lodged in the forcing cone.

Yes, true. I make sure I have good stout neck tension and a full roll crimp on all loads. I have read from many reputable sources that a full roll crimp is highly recommended for slow burning powders for .45 Colt revolver loads.

The 20.0 grain load is the max listed in Speer #12 for their 260 JHP with a starting load of 18.5 grains. When I first started loading for the Blackhawk I used the 20.0 grain load. This was (and is) a very accurate load and a very good one to introduce new big bore revolver shooters to "flamethrowers".

I always use WLP (Winchester Large Pistol) primers for the .45 Colt loads which are good for standard or magnum loads. I have had perfect results for more than 20 years with H110/W296 in .45 Colt.

I love the combo.

Dan

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I own an original Bisley Vaquero which can be loaded with those hotter .45 Colt loads but I have never felt the need to load them so hot. I have tried W231, AA#5, HS-6 and Trail Boss. I had trouble finding an accurate load using AA#5 but have great success with W231 and HS-6. I just don't feel the need to go hotter...

 

[PapaGeno21]

Ok so I actually used some 2400 in my 357's and they work better in my Desert Eagle than my H110 does... LOL

So here is what I have done. Got my stuff today, so loaded up two different kinds of rounds. I forgot to take pics of the plinkers but they are just 7.0g of 231 with a 255 Xtreme Plated FP bullet, Wolf Primers, very light taper crimp. Nothing special. I did 1.57 OAL.

Now on the big bang brothers, I used Hornady XTP 250g, 20.5g of 2400, CCI 300 primers, Heavy crimp, 1.6 OAL. I cannot wait to fire these tomorrow!!!! I loaded 6 of these, and then 17 of the other ones as that's all I had in my sample pack of those bullets. Also all the brass is brand new starline.

WOOT!

 

[DaisyCutter]

If you use 2400 you will not need mag primers. Almost all recipes list H110 with mag primers, so yes, you do need them for that powder.

^This

 

[PapaGeno21]

That is the big reason I got the 2400. I needed to buy either 2400 or LP Magnum Primers, so I bought the powder as its cheaper than primers and has more room to work with than H110.

It meters fantastic too!

 

[PapaGeno21]

Shot the 45LC today.

The 7.0g of 231 with the 255g Plated Xtreme FP's produced a 1/2" group shooting off hand at 25 feet. I was impressed considering that was my first time loading for 45LC. They did not have a lot of recoil, was real nice to shoot.

The 20.5g of 2400 on the other hand had quite the hand full of recoil! Also very accurate though. Serious thumpers I must say! LOVE IT. Very glad I did them. I will be using quite a few of these for some serious bang power!

 

[bergmen]

Shot the 45LC today.

The 7.0g of 231 with the 255g Plated Xtreme FP's produced a 1/2" group shooting off hand at 25 feet. I was impressed considering that was my first time loading for 45LC. They did not have a lot of recoil, was real nice to shoot.

The 20.5g of 2400 on the other hand had quite the hand full of recoil! Also very accurate though. Serious thumpers I must say! LOVE IT. Very glad I did them. I will be using quite a few of these for some serious bang power!

The 7.0 grain W231 load is one of my all time favorites. You can go up to 8.0 and even 9.0 grains for more pep, but not necessary. These are very good plinking and general fun loads, extremely accurate, and are good to introduce new shooters to big bore revolver fun. My youngsters loved to shoot the 8.0 grain loads, very comfortable for them.

Handloading brings out the best in the .45 Colt.

Dan