Ruger Blackhawk 45 colt/45 acp convertable and Ruger Only loads

[TennJed]

I was not sure if I need to put this in the revolver or reloading forum so if it needs to be moved please move and I apologize.

I have a question. Are all New Model Ruger Blackhawk convertable 45 colt/45acp models (excluding the current lispey's run) caplable of ruger only loads? I bought a NIB 4 5/8" blued convertable a few months back and have recently gotten into reloading. I have seen the info on the Lipsey's special run that is out right now that they are not capable of the hotter load and was wondering about mine. I do not want to load any extra hot loads and get myself in trouble.

Thanks

 

[243winxb]

Lipsey's Exclusive revolver is the first Ruger Blackhawk Flattop chambered in 45 Colt

http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-Lipseys45Flattop.htm

This Ruger is strong, and is not limited to the so-called “cowboy” loads available on the market. Those are light target loads, and the 45 Flattop can take full-power 45 Colt ammunition. It is not built for the 45 Magnum class of ammo. That is best left to the larger Ruger frames. However, again, this is a strong sixgun, and does very well with the 45 ACP Plus P rated ammunition.

I would want info from Ruger, not an online gun magazine. Take note that the working pressure of the 357mag is higher than the 45 Colt Ruger load data on Hodgdons website.

Are all New Model Ruger Blackhawk convertable 45 colt/45acp models (excluding the current lispey's run) caplable of ruger only loads?

I would say Yes. And i bet if you ask Ruger, the Lipsey model is also. Checked Rugers website on the "Lipsey", no warning about any ammo restrictions. Correction, this statememt is true > "It is not built for the 45 Magnum class of ammo"

AMMUNITION (CARTRIDGES) NOTICE
WE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE
OR INJURY WHATSOEVER OCCURRING IN CONNECTION WITH, OR
AS THE RESULT OF, THE USE IN RUGER REVOLVERS OF FAULTY, OR
NONSTANDARD, OR “REMANUFACTURED” OR HANDLOADED
(RELOADED) AMMUNITION, OR OF CARTRIDGES OTHER THAN
THOSE FOR WHICH THE FIREARM WAS ORIGINALLY CHAMBERED

 

[Eb1]

I would say that Ruger would not condone any loading over SAAMI spec, and IIRC Ruger doesn't put out that load data for their revolvers. My bet is you will get a big fat "NO!" from them.

If you wanted a Magnum. You should have bought a Magnum.

 

[243winxb]

45 Colt

Eb1, your right. SAAMI lists 45 Colt (Long Colt) at 14,000 psi maximum. This is what Hodgdon lists as loads for Old single action Colts. Most factory ammo has 255gr bullets, lead or jacketed, at 920 fps. This would be loaded for the Old Colts. There are a few +P loadings, but SAAMI has no standard for them. When i had my convertable years ago, i just shot factory to get the brass. Ejection of the brass got old fast, but still fun to shoot as all new toys are. From Rugers Instruction Manual >

AMMUNITION (CARTRIDGES) NOTICE
WE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE
OR INJURY WHATSOEVER OCCURRING IN CONNECTION WITH, OR
AS THE RESULT OF, THE USE IN RUGER REVOLVERS OF FAULTY, OR
NONSTANDARD, OR “REMANUFACTURED” OR HANDLOADED
(RELOADED) AMMUNITION, OR OF CARTRIDGES OTHER THAN
THOSE FOR WHICH THE FIREARM WAS ORIGINALLY CHAMBERED

 

[TennJed]

Just for clarification I do not have the Lipsey model. I have a "regular" new model convertable

eb1 and 243win I have a question. I have seen in a few reloading manuals and load data guides listing for "ruger and t/c contender" usually these loads are listed as being ok for the Ruger Blackhawk.

My original intent of the post was to find out if the convertable model of the 45 colt blackhawk was built on the larger frames and ok for these loads.

If I am understanding you correctly there realy is no such safe "ruger only" load? if I am misunderstanding you I apologize

I bought this gun because it was a convertable. I was not "looking to buy a magnum" It would be nice to know if this gun is capable of "hotter loads" just for the ability to load for it occasionally. If this gun is not capable of these loads I am still glad I bought. My primary reason for buying this was not to duplicate a magnum load. Again if I can great and that would be nice to know.

I have a 357/9mm convertable that I love and thought this would be a good addition.

Again do you think I need to ignore and skip the listings I occasionally see for ruger and t/c contender loads?

 

[Flatbush Harry]

I've got a pair of .45 convertible old style Vaqueros...they're just fine with the "Ruger/TC" loads published.

FH

 

[243winxb]

This is so i dont get sued if you use Hodgdon data. CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond currently published SAAMI maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The High Road, nor the staff of THR assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.

Your Ruger may handle the loads listed on the Hodgdon website for Rugers. Start low on the powder charge and work up as always. Ruger just does not want to take any RESPONSIBILITY for handloads & get sued.

 

[zxcvbob]

If I am understanding you correctly there realy is no such safe "ruger only" load? if I am misunderstanding you I apologize

Of course there are safe "ruger only" loads, you're just going to be hard-pressed to find anybody to certify that -- especially a gun manufacturer who has no control over what you stuff in the cylinder. However, the European standard for .45 Colt is 1100 bar; approximately 15950 psi. That's a pretty good step up from 14000 SAAMI and should still be safe in prewar medium frame revolvers.

I have a Bisley-Blackhawk in .45 Colt, and I try to keep the loads under 25000 psi. At that pressure I can get 1400 fps from a 255 grain bullet pretty easy. It's actually more fun to shoot keeping it a little lower than that.

 

[Eb1]

To set my tone straight. I wasn't trying to be a smarty pants. It might have come across that way, but wasn't intended.
Personally I feel that if anyone wants to have that velocity and power. They should buy the appropriate gun that is rated for those pressures, or shoot a rifle.

 

[Seedtick]

My original intent of the post was to find out if the convertable model of the 45 colt blackhawk was built on the larger frames and ok for these loads.

Jed, I have the same 2 convertible Blackhawks that you have and I luv em.

Mostly all I shoot in mine are 'Ruger Only' loads. However, I do not load as high as many of the loads I've seen on the net though.

Start low and work up carefully.

Seedtick