reloading 45 colt for ruger

[joeymfd]

in my two reloading manuals ,as well as a few magazine's, 45 colt has an asterick that says for ruger, t/c contenders,etc. Im sure they mean black hawks, but could you use these in newer redhawks? can they handle the same pressures as the blackhawks?

thanks

[stranded1980]

There shouldn’t be a problem. Usually the asterisk is to indicate that the particular load is only safe in a modern reproduction (such as the Blackhawk) or newer style handgun (such as the Redhawk, T/C Contender, S&W), and should NOT be used in an original 1800’s revolver built during the black powder era, as the metallurgy was supposedly weaker back then.

If in doubt though, put a call into Ruger. I hear they have decent customer service.

[sofbak]

Because of product liability issues I doubt Ruger CS would greenlight anything but factory ammo, but it would be intersting to hear.

[silas3d]

I've loaded and shoot a lot of 45 colt in my 5.5" Bisley Blackhawk. My research lead me too believe that new model super Blackhawks were good to go if they did not have the "flat top" style top strap. Lipsey's makes some new models with the flat top...

New Redhawks do not have a flat top strap...

[JMP]

Work up the pressure slowly. In my 460, I can load 45 Colt with as much 4227 as can fit with no problems.

[Tom-ADC]

When I load my Blackhawk for the * loads I like Win 296 I tend to stay in the middle of the published loads.

[Whiterabbit]

NOT

I don't believe any S&W belongs in that list....

I would have grave reservations about putting 26 grains of H110 under a 250 grain bullet, and loading that in a S&W revolver. Not so much a ruger revolver.

[Cowboy T]

in my two reloading manuals ,as well as a few magazine's, 45 colt has an asterick that says for ruger, t/c contenders,etc. Im sure they mean black hawks, but could you use these in newer redhawks? can they handle the same pressures as the blackhawks?

thanks

Redhawks (the double-action model) haven't changed since they came out in, what was it, 1978? They've always been strong enough for "Ruger only" .45 Colt loads, so you should be fine. If you have a Super Redhawk 454, then you're definitely good to go.

Disclaimer: as always, work up to that beefier load.

[orangeusa]

I don't believe any S&W belongs in that list....

I would have grave reservations about putting 26 grains of H110 under a 250 grain bullet, and loading that in a S&W revolver. Not so much a ruger revolver.

Yup.

Why do you think is it that it's called 'Ruger and T/C'?

.

[stranded1980]

I don't believe any S&W belongs in that list....

I would have grave reservations about putting 26 grains of H110 under a 250 grain bullet, and loading that in a S&W revolver. Not so much a ruger revolver.

I think it depends on the S&W model. I was thinking of the modern X Frame for 45 LC, and that it should be able to withstand modern max pressure loads....I could be wrong though.

[Whiterabbit]

Of course. But it's a mistake to compare the X-frame which is not chambered for 45 colt (regardless what is safe to fire in that revolver, and yes I own a 460S&W) For ANY S&W revolver chambered specifically in 45 colt.

If we are going to "go there", then we have to consider that the X-frame is designed for a pressure ceiling of 65ksi, and the "ruger only" 45 colt loads max out at 30 ksi.

Therefore, by that consideration, though there be a lack of data, we have to acknowledge a "S&W / MRI" only load (and any revolver chambered in 454 casull), and recognize that such loads could damage or destroy a ruger blackhawk or T/C contender.

But I personally dismiss such an idea because such revolvers are never chambered for 45 colt, but rather 454 and 460, and merely have the ability to fire 45 colt (loaded to 65ksi if you felt the need)

(and if you tell me freedom arms will chamber a model 83 in 45 colt, we will be 2 levels away from relevance rather than just one with the X-frame in 460S&W, even farther away from apples to apples in discussion)

----------------------

If we are playing apples to apples, we are talking about Ruger vs S&W revolvers chambered in 45 colt only. S&W guns are generally regarded as "not as strong".

[stranded1980]

Whiterabbit: I stand corrected; thank you.

OP/JoeyMFD: If you end up calling Ruger for their opinion, instead of asking if you can load a Redhawk with your own high pressure reloads, I would instead ask if the Redhawk can handle the same pressures as the Blackhawk. And then further ask what those pressures are. Then proceed to load accordingly by working up loads as was recommended. Best of luck in your endeavors!

[MongooseV8]

Ruger does not condone reloads of any kind. If you call them ask about something like buffalo bore or corbon loads meant for an encore.

[at_liberty]

You don't need a Super Blackhawk. My 45 convertible NMBH handles it. My Redhawks were never a question. Fire away. Watch for base pin jump though.

[Whiterabbit]

Super I believe is 44 mag only anyways?

For base pin jump if it ever happens, go buy a wolff high power spring to hold the base pin in place.

I can't tell you at what point the pin jumps, I just make it a point to put them on all my revolvers before I fire them.