45 Colt Single Action loaded warm to hot Info

[BgDnTX]

Hello All:
I'm researching for a 45 Colt single action and discover I don't know a lot about this. Actually I don't know a lot period
I have a 7.5 Redhawk in 44 mag which I shoot reloads, and very pleased with that. I reload close to standard around 1200 fps w/240-250 grain. And don't go hot very often.
But in the 45 Colt I Would like to bump them up a bit - maybe not Linebaugh but not 850 fps either: I figure 1100-1200 fps
So which models will take a 255/300 grain at, say, 1200 fps or somewhere around there. This will be mainly hunting medium game, and second for fun and target with milder loads.
I ask this because I was leaning towards a model 0472 convertible but read on this forum it is a smaller frame and may not be correct for my application and not take the hotter loads.
Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[JCW64]

The model 0472 Blackhawk Bisley 45 colt convertible is on the large frame and should be able to handle the longer bullets.

 

[BgDnTX]

Thank you for the reply.
I was also looking at a base model (least expensive) Blackhawk. Which I figure will handle the warmer loads.
So any info on other models will be appreciated. Looking at standard BH, Bisley, and Vaqueros.

 

[JCW64]

The standard large frame Blackhawk can handle the same loads but a lot of folks, myself included,prefer the bisley grip for stout loads. Best to go to your LGS or gun show and pick them up and compare and find out what fits your hand best. If you prefer stainless, Ruger makes the standard in stainless in 4 5/8" and 7 1/2" barrels but they are normally in short supply.
The blued bisley 45 colt with the 7.5" barrel will be discontinued for 2018 so keep that in mind if you prefer that.
Ruger made the large frame Vaquero in 45 colt but changed to the mid size frame appx. 10 years ago but can still found on the used market.
There are a lot of 45 colt options out there so good luck in you quest.
An easy way to determine frame size is the large frame has a 2 digit prefix serial number and the mid size will have a 3 digit prefix SN.

 

[BgDnTX]

Great. Good info. I do have a flattop Bisley in 44spcl (4-5/8) that I truly love. So a bisley is my first choice. I'm also figuring a 5.5" in the 45 colt since I have the 7.5" RH .44
Thanks

 

[DougGuy]

Blackhawks, Super Blackhawks and Vaquero models with a TWO digit prefix in the serials are all built on the large frame and will safely handle the "Ruger Only" loads up to 30,000psi.

New Model Flattops and New Model Vaqueros with THREE digit prefix are safe to 45ACP+P pressures of 23,000psi. There is discussion that the New Model Flattop 44 Special will safely handle 25,000psi because the cylinder walls are thicker in 44 caliber as compared to 45 caliber cylinder walls.

One easy way to tell is to look at the rear of the cylinder. If the ratchet star is a round boss (LEFT side in photo), it's for a large frame, TWO digit prefix revolver. If it has a scalloped ratchet star (RIGHT side in photo), it is for the smaller medium framed THREE digit prefix revolver.

 

[BgDnTX]

You guys are super. I learned more here in one afternoon than reading for a couple of days on this.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

 

[wildcatter]

I don't ever suggest going with what feels best to you in a gun shop when deciding any single action for heavy loads. I don't know anyone, even those that prefer the plow handle, that likes it in any gun with high recoil. I am pretty sure anyone shooting hot 45 Colt and heavier recoiling single actions will all prefer the grip on the Bisley to handle that kind of recoil.

Go with either Bisley model, Convertible, or Colt only, 5.5" or 7 1/2", Blue or Stainless, in the Blackhawk Bisley and you have a 30,000 Cup frame. Like Doug said, round boss on the cylinder ratchet star, your in!

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

Actually the 45 Colt Blackhawk in stainless is not cataloged in 4-5/8" or 5-1/2". If you are looking for a 4-5/8" you should probably contact ACRYLICTNK he "MAY" have one but I wouldn't wait. Not sure why it's so hard to find. I'm glad to have 2 of them, there was (apparently) a short run not too long ago, but they haven't been catalogued for a few years in that barrel length. The 5-1/2" is a Lipseys exclusive so check and see if they still have them. There is also a Bisley 5-1/2" in 45 Colt. There is a 4-5/8" flat top from Lipseys in the convertible. I would say if your heart is looking for something particular and you run across one, GRAB IT. I think the truth is many of these will be hard to find.
This report is from the catalogue, so it may not be the most current information.

A load I plan on trying this weekend is by Grizzly Cartridge Company that is a 265 gr WFNGC at 1400 FPS. I like the idea of the bullet, but I may have to buy some more and loads them down some. I suspect 1000-1100 fps will be adequate for Idaho in fact most places. This load from Grizzly is new to me and I've recently found the ammo at Sportsmans Warehouse but they only had a couple of 20 round boxes.

 

[BgDnTX]

Thanks for the info. I reload 44 mag/spcl so would do the same with 45 colt. Leaning toward a Ruger 0447 and checking on the Williams exclusive with 2 cylinders.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=263570