Ruger Super Blackhawk Bisley in 45 Colt

[bopsahl]

Just joined the forum and been reading for a while. Could use some help... I want to know if the new Ruger Super Blackhawk Bisley I purchased in 45 Long Colt is capable of handling +P or +P+ ammo as I have read in so many posts on the net from various sources. The walls on the cylinder (between the rounds) are so much “thinner” than the walls of my Ruger 44 magnums that it is concerning... I called Ruger and they don’t recommend +P in the 45 Colt or even in the 44 magnum… not surprising in this litigious world… looking for help. Please advise… and thanks!!! Bart

 

[rcmodel]

Yes, the Blackhawk Bisley is built on the .44 Mag size frame and is capable of shooting any "Ruger Only" load you might find in a reloading manual, as well as Buffelo Bore and Cor-Bon +P factory loads.

However, there is no SAAMI pressure standard for either +P or +P+ in either .44 Magnum, or .45 Colt.

You can consider your gun safe with 25,000 CUP "Ruger Only" loads.

rc

 

[bopsahl]

Thanks RC... in know the frame is certainly stout enough but the cylinder walls (thinnest part between cartridges) on the 45 Colt Blackhawk are significantly thinner than my 44 mag Ruger. They actually appear the same "thinness" (I have not measured) as my Sons Taurus Gaucho 45 Colt which I would not shoot anything but 45 Colt Cowboy rounds. Your post gives me confidence and I've seen many others post about +P+ being fine in the Ruger Blackhawk 45 Colt so I believe I'll stick with your thought... Thanks Again! If anybody else has any bad experiences related... I'd love to hear that too...

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

in know the frame is certainly stout enough but the cylinder walls (thinnest part between cartridges) on the 45 Colt Blackhawk are significantly thinner than my 44 mag Ruger.

That point is well taken, and you shouldn't try to load miniature hand grenades or artillery shells in it. If you handload and stick to the published "Ruger Only" data, or purchase commercially loaded cartridges, you should be fine.

 

[Drail]

If you're lobbing bullets that are .452 dia. you don't need no +P+ marketing silliness. If you can hit with it you are good to go.

 

[wwace]

If you're lobbing bullets that are .452 dia. you don't need no +P+ marketing silliness. If you can hit with it you are good to go.

+1 on this, Use standard ammo or reloads, there is no need to try and kill dinosaurs with your 45 Colt. Linebaugh has a nice article about the strengths of modern Rugers, good reading.

http://www.customsixguns.com/writings/dissolving_the_myth.htm

 

[Cosmoline]

As it happens I just took my Bisley Blackhawk .45 Colt out today. I found the Buffalo Bore to recoil way too much for comfort. But I don't think there's any safety issue with it. The Blackhawk is a tank.