Next Up?

[lizziedog1]

About a year ago I purchased a Ruger Single Six in .32 H&R Magnum. I love this little gun. Not only does it shoot well, it just fits in with living in Nevada's high desert. Now I want to get one of its bigger brothers.

There is a gun shop that must have every model and caliber Blackhawk currently in production. So many choices. Actually I have it narrowed down to either a .357 magnum or a .45 Colt. I might eventually get both, but one at a time for now.

I do reload, so ammo in no problem.

Which of the two chamberings do you guys think would be more versatile? I mean for all around handgun use?

 

[hogcowboy]

That's a tough one for me as I have both. But if I had to choose one, I'd go with the .45 Colt. I like the 45 just a little bit more than the .357 because you can take bigger game and it just booms bigger without the harsher snap the .357 has.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I'd recommend the .357 magnum:

1. You can load it down to very light .38 special levels for plinking and target practice.
2. You can load it hot enough so it packs more punch than a .45 Colt.
3. Brass and bullets are less expensive, the latter more so than the former.
4. It's easier to find a compact .357 magnum to carry than a .45 Colt.
5. The .357 magnum loaded hot sounds sharper than the .45 Colt, but both will damage your hearing PDQ unless you've got good hearing protection; in fact, so will the .22 long rifle.

 

[CraigC]

For a handloader, the .45Colt is far more useful and versatile. it can be handloaded for anything from mice to moose, up to 32,000psi "Ruger only" loads. It's also much lighter than the current large frame .357. If you want a .357, look for the mid-frame 50th anniversary model.

 

[Lucky Derby]

Since you are specifically looking at Blackhawks, and you reload, I would recommend the .45. A Convertible .45Colt/ACP in fact.
.45 Colt can be loaded very light. In a gun such as a Blackhawk it can be loaded far in excess of .357. It can exceed .44 Magnum, with lower pressure to boot. A .45acp cylinder will allow you to pick up a box or two of ammo at just about any place that sells ammo should the need arise for whatever reason.

 

[lizziedog1]

You can load it hot enough so it packs more punch than a .45 Colt.

I always thought the 45 Colt had more punch. It might not have the velocity, put it sure packs a bigger and heavier bullet.

Which one does have more punch?

I am leaning towards the 45 Colt. It seems like a "natural" fit for single action revolver.

 

[lizziedog1]

Anyone?

I don't want to start a caliber war here, but doesn't a 45 Colt have more punch then a .357 magnum? That is what I always thought. If I am wrong, will someone please correct me.

 

[jad0110]

I don't want to start a caliber war here, but doesn't a 45 Colt have more punch then a .357 magnum?

From a purely kenetic energy perspective, typically no. Most .45 Colt loads are about on part with .45 ACP. However, the Ruger Blackhawks are so durable that there are "Ruger Only" .45 Colt loads for them. With these hopped up .45 Colt Blackhawk only loads, the .45 Colt is roughly on part with .44 Magnum (some say a touch stouter).

Since you reload, you can go either way, though be advised that the .45 Colt components (brass and bullets) will still cost more than their .357/.38 counterparts.

 

[Armored farmer]

I have Blackhawks in .357 and .45 Colt. Like 'em both. If I had to choose, I would pick .45Colt. It is what I hunt deer with.
Do you plan to get a carbine??

 

[bannockburn]

I like my Blackhawks in .357 Magnum and .44 Special, and my Vaquero in .45 LC.

 

[DammitBoy]

I solved this problem by buying all the blackhawks in every configeration I could find. My favorites are the conversion models that fire multiple calibers.

The best 'start-up' conversion is probably the .357/9mm since you can fire 38/9mm/.357 out of one frame.

Next up, I'd say get the 45colt/45acp conversion. That way you get five calibers for two inexpensive, rugged, reliable firearms...

 

[CraigC]

I don't want to start a caliber war here, but doesn't a 45 Colt have more punch then a .357 magnum?

Oh yes! Loaded to its potential, a 360gr LBT at 1200fps out of a .45Colt will beat anything the .357 can ever do. There's no replacement for displacement. IMHO, even loaded to standard pressures the .45 is still a more reliable and efficient killer when loaded with 260's@900fps.

Unfortunately there are a lot of folks who still believe in energy figures, which place far too much importance on velocity and too little on bullet weight and diameter.

 

[lizziedog1]

Unfortunately there are a lot of folks who still believe in energy figures, which place far too much importance on velocity and too little on bullet weight and diameter.

Lets not forget the word magnum. Adding that word to any cartridge automtically doubles or triples its ability kill. Colt blew it!

 

[CraigC]

That's right!