Hornady loads for the .45 Colt

[esheato]

Gentlemen,

I've ran across a small problem in trying to put together a load for my Ruger Vaquero in .45 Colt.

My original intention was to get a JSP around 250 grn for hunting , but the local gunshop didn't carry what I was looking for. It was between Hornady 240 grn (which is too close to .45 ACP for my tastes) and 300 grn XTPs. I'm hoping to take a bear with the pistol and have a friend with a rifle for backup. These are California black bears...not that large, but I still want as close to a one-shot stop as possible.

I ended up purchasing the 300 grn bullets. The Hornady manual has two loading sections for the .45 Colt. One for SAAs and clones and another for T/Cs and Rugers. Does this include all Rugers? (Blackhawk and Vaquero?) Or are these hotter loads only for the Blackhawks?

My question is that the boxes were labeled XTP for the 240 grn and XTP/MAG for the 300 grainers. The bullets appeared different. The 240 looked more like a regular HP, thinner jacket towards the bullet mouth. The 300 grain bullets look more solid, but I'm curious about the internal differences. So what's the difference? I poked around on the Hornady site and can't find the answer.

Also, I'm planning on loading these over some WW 296 and WLP primers. Any pet loads? Of course I'll be shooting them through my own gun, but a starting point will be appreciated. The Hornady manual starts out at around 18 grns of powder. That will be the starting point unless someone suggests otherwise. Thanks in advance.

esheato...

 

[RCL]

Esheato, the XTP Mag bullet is a tougher version of the original XTP. It was designed for the higher velocities of the .454 Casull handgun, .45 Colt rifles and muzzleloaders (with a sabot). I really don't know if you can drive them fast enough in your .45 Colt Ruger to get reliable expansion. You may want to call Hornady and ask them.
The loading manual loads would be good for all Rugers. The 18 grain statring point is good also.
You may find some interesting reading at the link below.

http://www.sixgunner.com/linebaugh/dissolving.htm

 

[esheato]

I appreciate the information.

This entire report is based on facts proven in the popular and strong Ruger Blackhawks and Bisley models chambered for the .45 Colt Cartridge. I have felt a need for a long time to set the record straight as to the full safe potential of this fine gun and round. This material is not about Colt SAA, Dakotas, or any other import. These are fine guns in their own realm, but require safe, carefully assembled handloads of much LESS PRESSURE than we are talking about in the Ruger Revolvers.

AGAIN, ALL THE INFORMATION IN THIS REPORT PERTAINS "ONLY" TO NEW MODEL RUGER SINGLE ACTION BISLEY OR BLACKHAWK REVOLVERS

They're pretty adamant about Blackhawks and Bisley's as the only frames that can handle these pressures.

I guess a call to Hornady would be my best bet. Thanks again.

esheato...

 

[JoeHatley]

There is a few "Ruger only" loads for your bullet over here: http://www.realguns.com/loads/45colt.htm

Good Luck...

Joe

 

[RCL]

Esheato, I hope I was clear in stating that the Vaquero frames are as strong as the Blackhawk frames (Linebaugh says they may even be slightly stronger). All of the Ruger new model single actions (except the Single Six and Bearcat) are built on the same basic frame. This includes the Blackhawk, Super Blackhawk, Bisley, and the Vaquero (with the Vaquero having a slightly different topstrap). The major difference is the gripframe. You can find out more at the link below.



http://www.sixgunner.com/linebaugh/Default.htm

 

[caz223]

Any ruger SA in good condition can take RUGER ONLY loads.
I shot RUGER ONLY loads in my blackhawk for years, and it has an aluminum gripframe, vaqueros, bisleys, and super blackhawks are even tougher because of the steel gripframes.

 

[45crittergitter]

I use 250 XTP-HP's in my .45 Colts. Don't remember the load - full load of H110.

 

[Jim March]

I was perusing this subforum and caught this thread.

Every source I've seen that mentions the Vaq's strength lists it as being as strong as the Blackhawk. It doesn't quite look like it's topstrap is as tough, but it is - the Vaq lacks the "step" at the rear of the topstrap where the rear sight goes, which reduces the Blackhawk's topstrap strength.

In the real world, it doesn't matter because both topstraps are stronger than the cylinder. If the cylinder blows, a Ruger topstrap will generally bend without breaking outright...which is a good thing as the cylinder bits blow sideways and no topstrap pieces are added to the shrapnel.

And it takes really stupid handloads to blow the cylinder (which is identical and interchangable between both models).

Some of Linebaugh's articles on his website may be old enough that the Vaq didn't exist yet. Also, most "handcannon" conversion owners start with Blackhawks for the adjustable sights. I've seen mention of Linebaugh conversions to 475 or similar on Vaquero bases; Jim Stroh at Alpha, Bowen and others do likewise.

 

[esheato]

I appreciate the advice everyone. I did start out at 18.5 grains of WW 296 under the 300 XTP-MAG and let me tell ya...they're just a tad stout. Ten rounds and I have incorporated a flinch that requires re-acquainting myself with my little .22 LR pistol.

I did realize that Ruger smooth grips do nothing to keep the gun in your hand. It appears as if I'll be in contact with Eagle Grips to get something....well, "send me anything you've got, just make sure it's checkered!"

I benched it the other day on some sandbags to minimize my flinch. Thought it was a good idea. I didn't realize I had a nice meaty part of my palm under the bottom of the grip. I did realize it was under there once I pulled the trigger...:banghead:

Thanks again everyone.

esheato...

 

[Tom C.]

I don't consider checkered grips appropriate for a hard recoiling gun, particularly a single action. I use checkered grips on my SASS guns to keep them anchored in my hand for fast recovery, but for hard recoiling loads, I use smooth grips, with all edges rounded like well used soap. The gun is going to rotate in the hand. It is much more pleasant if no nasty edges or surfaces are scraping my hands. My favorite grips for heavy loads in a Blackhawk are Hogue cowboy grips. I have thinned them and rounded the lower edge to make them very pleasant to use.

 

[RCL]

Esheato, listen to what Tom C. has to say about checkered grips on a hard recoiling single action. The single action type of frame was designed to roll in the hand. Those checkered grips will act like sandpaper against your palm.
Shooting a single action may take some getting used to, but I think eventually you will find it controllable. I started out with single actions much the same way, with a Blackhawk .44 Mag that had a 4 5/8" barrel and the same grip frame as your Vaquero. I nicknamed it "Thumper". It took a while to learn what it was all about, but now I have a variety of single actions, from a very light Sherrif's Model Vaquero to a Freedom Arms .454 Casull that I load some very stout loads for. I find them all fun to shoot, and easier to control than similarly loaded double action guns.
Try a different powder such as 2400 or Unique so you can load down a little more. Work yourself into it gradually.