Genetologist
Member
Revolvers have always been my cup of tea and lately I have become more and more enamored with Single Actions. I seem to be perplexed though with two different choices.
First some facts. I am choosing the Ruger New Model Blackhawk to be the platform I want. 90% of the gun's shooting will be for target practice and possible Cowboy Action Shooting in the future, and 10% deer hunting at 50 yards of less.
I am torn between the 6.5" .357 magnum, 7.5" .45 Colt, or the 5.5" .45 Colt with a swapable .45 ACP cylinder.
My situation regarding the .357 mag is that my father already has a lot of .38 special brass that I can reload for cheap target practice.
I regards for the .45 Colt I would be completely starting a new caliber, so have no brass or bullets to start with for reloading. Not a huge concern but less cost per round equals more rounds to shoot.
When it comes to deer hunting I know that both will get the job done, but I'm also liking the fact that the .45 colt can get the job done at a lower velocity, so less muzzleflash and noise. Then again would this really be something that I even notice when actually hunting? Hard to say.
Also with the .45 Colt would you deem the 7.5" barrel to unwieldy, or would I even notice the extra 1" over the 6.5" .357 mag? I've handle the .357 and found it to be very comfortable and handle well. The convertible .45 ACP doesn't come in the 7.5" variety, but does in a 5.5" barrel. I like the idea of being able to shoot .45 ACP as well with it, and have heard good reports of it being quite accurate in these guns. However would I notice a significant increase in noise and muzzleflash over the 7.5" barrel? Would it only become an issue in hotter loads?
I plan on reloading so ammo availability isn't a concern of mine. Another question is since the .45 Colt case is so big are there any powder burning problems in milder loads with so much empty space?
Also the recoil of each isn't an issue for me. I find the .357 to be "snappier" with more barrel rise, but the increased velocity does make for a nicer trajectory. The .45 seemed to be like a slow push backwards. In your opinion would the difference in trajectory even become an issue when shots will be kept within 50 yards? The only time I will try long shots will be when punching paper so misses aren't a big deal.
So good people of the boards what would be your recommendations and why given the parameters I've given?
First some facts. I am choosing the Ruger New Model Blackhawk to be the platform I want. 90% of the gun's shooting will be for target practice and possible Cowboy Action Shooting in the future, and 10% deer hunting at 50 yards of less.
I am torn between the 6.5" .357 magnum, 7.5" .45 Colt, or the 5.5" .45 Colt with a swapable .45 ACP cylinder.
My situation regarding the .357 mag is that my father already has a lot of .38 special brass that I can reload for cheap target practice.
I regards for the .45 Colt I would be completely starting a new caliber, so have no brass or bullets to start with for reloading. Not a huge concern but less cost per round equals more rounds to shoot.
When it comes to deer hunting I know that both will get the job done, but I'm also liking the fact that the .45 colt can get the job done at a lower velocity, so less muzzleflash and noise. Then again would this really be something that I even notice when actually hunting? Hard to say.
Also with the .45 Colt would you deem the 7.5" barrel to unwieldy, or would I even notice the extra 1" over the 6.5" .357 mag? I've handle the .357 and found it to be very comfortable and handle well. The convertible .45 ACP doesn't come in the 7.5" variety, but does in a 5.5" barrel. I like the idea of being able to shoot .45 ACP as well with it, and have heard good reports of it being quite accurate in these guns. However would I notice a significant increase in noise and muzzleflash over the 7.5" barrel? Would it only become an issue in hotter loads?
I plan on reloading so ammo availability isn't a concern of mine. Another question is since the .45 Colt case is so big are there any powder burning problems in milder loads with so much empty space?
Also the recoil of each isn't an issue for me. I find the .357 to be "snappier" with more barrel rise, but the increased velocity does make for a nicer trajectory. The .45 seemed to be like a slow push backwards. In your opinion would the difference in trajectory even become an issue when shots will be kept within 50 yards? The only time I will try long shots will be when punching paper so misses aren't a big deal.
So good people of the boards what would be your recommendations and why given the parameters I've given?
