need 45 colt ammo help

[SamGoldstein]

I recently purchased a ruger NEW vaquero. Yesterday, I shot it for the first time and I used cowboy action cartridges from MAGTEC. I didn't realize how whimpy these rounds were. I'd like something with more power, but won't over pressure my revolver. I don't know what rounds are considered safe to use as far as pressure goes. My understanding is that +P is not appropriate for this gun. But I want something more than cowboy loads but less than +P loads. What do you recommend?

[Lead Waster]

Unfortunately, unless you handload, or ask someone who handloads (which I guess you are doing here), it'll be hard to find .45 Colt that has any "oomph" to it because manufacturers are afraid you'll load their round into an 1873 Colt SAA and blow up the gun and then sue them. So most loads will be wimpy "cowboy" loads.

But I could be wrong, there could be higher power .45 Colt around, they'll probably be marked as such.

[wamphyri13]

I think Buffalo Bore has some good choices. Check them out.
Ryan

[Just_some_guy]

I saw some .45 Colt, Winchester PDX1-Defender at the Mountain View WalMart of all places just the other day.

It caught my eye, surprised to see .45 on the shelf, but then saw it was not .45 ACP, but .45 Colt.

[Hardwarejunkie]

This page will allow you to compare current factory loadings: http://www.ballistics101.com/45_colt.php

I hope you have good luck finding something in stock to buy!

[pyromensch]

probably the "cowboy" loads, are in the 800fps range, (I have the older vaquero, and load really hot loads), but I think that your firearm should be able to handle 900-1000 fps ammo...just got to locate it, or as mentioned...make it

[rsmorgan]

Lots of options; regular .45 Colt loads are quite robust and purpose-built defensive loads are broadly available, such as WW Silvertip Hollowpoint. Even the mildest non-cowboy loads are in the same range as the .45ACP and some standard pressure loads are substantially higher. Original 1873 loading of .45 Colt was a 255gr slug at 900fps, the most powerful handgun cartridge commonly available until the advent of the .357 60 years later.

[Old Scribe]

If you are going to shoot it much, get set up to reload. There are a lot of different loads for the. 45 colt. I have loaded up some snappy loads without problems. Have fun!

[Glockrocks]

Reload your own ammo, you have the once fired brass still?

[SamGoldstein]

Reload your own ammo, you have the once fired brass still?

Of course. But I don't have any reloading equipment. I'm cash poor and space restricted.

[Lead Waster]

Cash poor and space restricted ...



THe thing is like $25 bucks (was, before panic)

[Todosi]

The Black Hills stuff I have used in the past is pretty punchy!