Ruger Vaquero in 357 or 45 LC??

[petrey10]

Looking into getting a Ruger Vaquero Stainless... but I am uncertain on what caliber to get... should I get 45 LC or 357 mag??

This gun will be used for fun... nothing special really just want something fun to shoot and this gun fits the bill for me... but i need help selecting caliber!!


Please help I would like to order the pistol ASAP....

 

[harvester]

If you reload or plan to in near future definitely get the 45colt. If not then go with 357 and use 38special when you don't want all the noise from a 357. 45colt is really a very versatile cartridge for the reloader able to be mild or wild. I don't think you can order a Vaquero any more but you can order the New Vaquero, yes they are different guns.

 

[beeenbag]

I am a .357 mag fan. If your gonna just blast it into paper then get the .357 so you can shoot cheaper .38s in it. Just my opinion.

 

[Meeteetse]

I have both and I like them both except for one thing. If you don't reload 45 LC is often hard to find and when you do it is expensive. I really prefer the 45 but economics come into play. Several of the big outlets like Cabela's and Cheaper than Dirt often have 38 special or .357 on sale.

The one exception to what I said above is this; if you can get a New Vaquero convertible in 45 LC/45 acp, then I would get the 45. You can find deals on 45 acp almost as often as 38 special.

Whichever you choose, you will enjoy the New Vaquero.

 

[bannockburn]

I have a Vaquero in .45LC and I love it. I mainly use it for plinking and casual target practice. I have found some good deals on ammo online and I reload so the cost isn't really that big of a factor.

 

[petrey10]

i will be reloading... looks as if I should go with 45 lc... thanks guys

 

[john bh]

I have the Vaquero Bisley 45 LC a really fun revolver to shoot, easy to reload.

 

[Dirty Bob]

You'll love the .45!

The .45 Colt is a hoot to shoot!

Even mild loads can be more powerful than .45 ACP, yet with very little recoil. To get the full benefit of .45 Colt, you really need to handload. You can do everything from very light round ball loads to stuff heavy enough for hogs or deer, although you have to be careful if it's a New Vaquero with the smaller frame. Still, there is plenty of power in the .45 Colt, even if you stay within the pressure levels that are OK with Colt SAAs.

It's a very easy cartridge to load, and the savings in this caliber will pay you back very fast, as factory ammo is pricey. A Lee Hand Press, or their Reloader press is very inexpensive when starting out.

Enjoy!

Dirty Bob

 

[remingtondude58]

45 is a good choice! I have single action from Ruger in 45 and love it! I hope to pick up a 357 as well, but not to take the 45's place!

 

[cottonmouth]

.357 and .38's are easire to get ammo for.

J.B.

 

[owlhoot]

If you are going to reload for the .45, I would suggest that you start with Trailboss powder. This powder is very bulky and takes up a lot of space, and when loading those big .45 cases this is a good thing because it is easy to see the powder in the case so you don't run the risk of getting a squib load. Moreover, a double charge will overflow the case, so you don't have to worry about blowing up your gun. These are issues that those new to reloading may be prone to encounter especially if using a progressive press.

 

[petrey10]

where did you guys find the deals on bulk ammo? I would like to purchase about 500-1000 rounds then use the cases for my reloading...

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I wanted to shoot cheaper so I bought a 38/357 Vaquero but then I wanted a old time tested .45 Colt so I bought one of those too!!!

I ended up with a Stainless .357, a Blue .357 and a Blue .45 Colt. I just couldn't help myself!!

 

[malpaismike]

Ain't they cute? I have rugers up the wazoo and didn't think I needed more. However, trolling (I'm too old and fat to surf) the net, I ran across a popup for Lipsey's -- http://lipseys.com/itemfinder.aspx?mfg=Ruger&family=Vaquero+Series&model=Vaquero --and checked it out. As I viewed the connection, it touted special runs of Vaqueros. These are 3 1/2" in .44 Spl -- my caliber and the reason I popped. Haven't shot a match with them yet, but I have the boolits cast, tl'd and ready to roll. I'll let you know how it turns out. See ya round the campfire. mm

 

[madcratebuilder]

I wanted to shoot cheaper so I bought a 38/357 Vaquero but then I wanted a old time tested .45 Colt so I bought one of those too!!!

I ended up with a Stainless .357, a Blue .357 and a Blue .45 Colt. I just couldn't help myself!!

This is the correct approach, nice guns by the way. I have assorted Rugers in 45, 44 and 357 and I really like the 45's. You have a excellent selection of loading components and off the self ammo.

I am pretty happy with the .357 BH.

 

[InkEd]

I have one in .357 and really like it. I prefer it because ammo is cheaper and easier to find in both .38 and .357 magnum.

 

[tazbigdog]

Purchased my .45LC 7.5 SS from CDNN Sports for 399.99