Just took my new model .45 Blackhawk to the range, .45 Colt shoots great, accurate, functions perfect. .45ACP is a different story, my reloads work perfect in my semi autos and drop right into my Wilson gage block but most of them hang up my cylinder in the Blackhawk. Primers are seated properly.Ideas?
New .45 Blackhawk question
- Thread starter ftlupton
- Start date
mattsbox99
Hunter
Have you tried any factory ammo in that cylinder?
Steve Myers
Single-Sixer
I just picked up one of the Lipsey 45 Colt/ACP convertibles. Colt is great.
What I found with the ACP is that the cylinder will accept a factory hardball round - no problem. However, my 200 LSWC handload will not drop all the way in the cylinder - much like you found with yours. My reload is tailored my 45 Auto, and the COAL is 1.250". This is a bit on the long side, but it fits my Auto perfectly.
To fit the Ruger 45 ACP cylinder, I am going to have to shorten the same round to probably about 1.150". Remember, this is with a 200 grn LSWC. With a 230 FMJ bullet, the same load might work in both the Ruger revolver and my Auto.
The revolver cylinder has what appears to be a shorter cylinder/headspace. Not an issue for me, as I bought it for the Colt.
What I found with the ACP is that the cylinder will accept a factory hardball round - no problem. However, my 200 LSWC handload will not drop all the way in the cylinder - much like you found with yours. My reload is tailored my 45 Auto, and the COAL is 1.250". This is a bit on the long side, but it fits my Auto perfectly.
To fit the Ruger 45 ACP cylinder, I am going to have to shorten the same round to probably about 1.150". Remember, this is with a 200 grn LSWC. With a 230 FMJ bullet, the same load might work in both the Ruger revolver and my Auto.
The revolver cylinder has what appears to be a shorter cylinder/headspace. Not an issue for me, as I bought it for the Colt.
rebut
Bearcat
I've only used factory ammo (several varieties) both Colt and ACP in my Convertible BH and I've not had a single problem with any of them.
Are your reloaded ACPs seating properly in the chamber? The factory rounds I've used move freely in the chambers before they are fired and most don't need much coaxing from the ejector to fall out after firing.
Are your reloaded ACPs seating properly in the chamber? The factory rounds I've used move freely in the chambers before they are fired and most don't need much coaxing from the ejector to fall out after firing.
wizofwas
Buckeye
Just off of the top of my head, the ACP cylinder might need reaming. Try sizeing them first.
Dale53
Blackhawk
I have a Ruger SS Bisley .45 Colt/.45 ACP Convertible. When I first bought it, my .45 ACP loads (home cast Mihec clone of an H&G #68 SWC) would not chamber as the full diameter of the bullet extended forward a bit from the case mouth (just what the O.P. is experiencing).
Further, when shooting .45 Colt, the barrel leaded and accuracy rapidly went to pot.
I checked the cylinder throats and they were undersize. I borrowed a Manson Reamer kit (made for the job complete with pilots) and reamed both cylinders to a throat diameter of .4525".
Now, the .45 Colt gives NO leading, great accuracy, and the .45 ACP cylinder allows me to chamber regardless of how far out the bullet is seated (and also with great accuracy).
I am completely satisfied with my revolver now and it is a VERY practical convertible.
I just load my .45 ACP's to fit my 1911's and they fit and shoot really well from the .45 ACP cylinder of my BlackHawk.
Dale53
Further, when shooting .45 Colt, the barrel leaded and accuracy rapidly went to pot.
I checked the cylinder throats and they were undersize. I borrowed a Manson Reamer kit (made for the job complete with pilots) and reamed both cylinders to a throat diameter of .4525".
Now, the .45 Colt gives NO leading, great accuracy, and the .45 ACP cylinder allows me to chamber regardless of how far out the bullet is seated (and also with great accuracy).
I am completely satisfied with my revolver now and it is a VERY practical convertible.
I just load my .45 ACP's to fit my 1911's and they fit and shoot really well from the .45 ACP cylinder of my BlackHawk.
Dale53
All good info, thank you all. I'm gong to check length, think that could be the problem, new hardball works but not my reloads that work in everything else I have. Probably won't use the ACP cylinder much anyway. Going to measure the cylinder closer too.
Dale53
Blackhawk
ftlupton;
The reason hard ball works, is that it has almost NO full diameter bullet ahead of the case (the bullet is rapidly tapered to a round nose). If you are happy with a round nose bullet, then the Lyman 452374 cast bullet will do the same for you.
However, if the throats are undersized, the barrel will lead regardless of how you load the bullet or which cast bullet you use.
Cylindersmith.com reportedly does a fine job on reaming cylinder throats, gives a package deal on more than one cylinder and has quick turn around for a very reasonable fee. If you measure the cylinder throats and find them undersize, then I would definitely have them reamed. You'll be MUCH happier in the long run, I know that I am.
Dale53
The reason hard ball works, is that it has almost NO full diameter bullet ahead of the case (the bullet is rapidly tapered to a round nose). If you are happy with a round nose bullet, then the Lyman 452374 cast bullet will do the same for you.
However, if the throats are undersized, the barrel will lead regardless of how you load the bullet or which cast bullet you use.
Cylindersmith.com reportedly does a fine job on reaming cylinder throats, gives a package deal on more than one cylinder and has quick turn around for a very reasonable fee. If you measure the cylinder throats and find them undersize, then I would definitely have them reamed. You'll be MUCH happier in the long run, I know that I am.
Dale53
Steve Myers
Single-Sixer
Dale/ft
Interesting. Haven't measured my throats in either cylinder. Took it from Pearce's Handloader article that all was good. I know, I know, assume....
But for the Colt cyl, it IS good. No leading and accuracy - with all powder/load combos with the Lee 252 (mine dropping 257) SWC/WW+2% tin has been excellant.
I have only fired FMJs in the 45 ACP cylinder, so no clue what it will do with the LSWC 200 (mine is also MiHec H&G #68 clone!). And don't really care. IF I ever use the 45 ACP cyl, it will most likely be as a personal self defense weapon, and for that, I prefer factory loads for liability purposes. And the 45 ACP does fine w/ factory FMJs, so...
Interesting. Haven't measured my throats in either cylinder. Took it from Pearce's Handloader article that all was good. I know, I know, assume....
But for the Colt cyl, it IS good. No leading and accuracy - with all powder/load combos with the Lee 252 (mine dropping 257) SWC/WW+2% tin has been excellant.
I have only fired FMJs in the 45 ACP cylinder, so no clue what it will do with the LSWC 200 (mine is also MiHec H&G #68 clone!). And don't really care. IF I ever use the 45 ACP cyl, it will most likely be as a personal self defense weapon, and for that, I prefer factory loads for liability purposes. And the 45 ACP does fine w/ factory FMJs, so...
tacklebury
Single-Sixer
Lee FCD die fixed my .45 ACP issues in my NMB. 
I had the same problem. I have two of the Lipsey flattop convertibles and three of the four cylinders needed to be sized up. I reamed them out to .4525 and all is well. Just say'n 
. Easy to check, just try to push a .452 bullet into the front of the throats (after a good cleaning) . Should be able to push the bullet into each throat with finger pressure. If you can't, the throat needs reamed.
. Easy to check, just try to push a .452 bullet into the front of the throats (after a good cleaning) . Should be able to push the bullet into each throat with finger pressure. If you can't, the throat needs reamed.tacklebury said:Lee FCD die fixed my .45 ACP issues in my NMB.
+1, I have had to use a Lee factory crimp die for all the S&W, Colt, and Ruger 45ACP cylinders that I have handloaded for that normally work in any of the semi autos that I use. My 45ACP dies are Lee and I just do an extra pass through the factory crimp die at the end to the ammo I intend to use in my revolvers
xtratoy
Hunter
I reamed my cylinders in my 45 Flat Top before I ever shot it an it take all 45 ACP handloads I have put in it. I agree with having your Cylinder reamed to .4525.
Barbarosa99
Single-Sixer
I use a Dillon Square Deal loader, the 45 acp has an hourglass crimp behind the bullet. I'm shooting Laser-Cast 200 grain SWC with no problem in my 45 Flat Top
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