New Blackhawks

[Revolver-Time]

This has probably been discussed but I need to ask before I go to a gun show today. I have 3 Blackhawk 45c/45acp revolvers that I do some Ruger only loads with. Does the newer flat-top 45 have the same strength with hotter loads. I normal shoot 9 grains of Unique with 250gr. lead. Would those loads be okay in the new smaller Blackhawk?

 

[gmartinnc]

No. But this doesn't make them weak by any means, it just that the others are extra heavy.
If it has a three digit serial number prefix, stay away from that section of the loading manual.

 

[Kanook]

9 grains of Unique should be around 900fps with that 250grain lead.

I would have to say it would be fine because it is a standard load short of max for Unique.

Modern Reloading, second edition, pg.583

PS get a reloading manual and go by what it says is safe. Anybody can make a typo on the web.

 

[Revolver-Time]

Yes, I have two manuals and one shows 8gr unique as max. So my go to around 9grains is too much for the smaller Ruger?

 

[gmartinnc]

Check this out, especially post #'s 11 & 12
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?174256-9-grains-Unique-45-Colt

 

[Jimbo357mag]

The large frame and cylinder was designed for 44mag/45colt.
The smaller Flatop frame and cylinder was designed for 45colt/44special.

 

[Bucks Owin]

The large frame and cylinder was designed for 44mag/45colt.
The smaller Flatop frame and cylinder was designed for 45colt/44special.

So the ORIGINAL Flattop in .44 MAGNUM was bigger/stronger than the current "new Flattop"? :shock:

My "old" .44 mag Flattop handled full tilt doses of W-296 in stride...

 

[pisgah]

9 gr. of Unique/255 gr. cast bullet is a standard load for the .45 Colt in Colt and Colt clone revolvers, albeit close to the top charge recommended for Unique (some, me included, will go to 9.2). I would not have the least worry over shooting it in any Ruger.

 

[Bucks Owin]

I waiting to hear it explained if the "old Flattop" was bigger/stronger than the "new Flattop"...Well? :?

 

[Rclark]

Ah no... Same frame, same size. The 'old' .44Mag flattop is the same as the SBH (Old and New Models) and the .44Mag 50th Anniversary flattop.

Now the .44Spec/.45 Colt flatops are on the medium frame.... So, Apples and oranges. NO, the .45 Colt flattop will not handle Ruger Only Loads (30k psi) .... But will handle tier 2 loads up to 23K psi. Leaves the Tier 1 (14K psi SAAMI) way behind....

Seems like I keep posting this article over and over, but here it is again :

Brian Pearce .45 Colt

9 gr. of Unique/255 gr. cast bullet is a standard load

Actually I think the standard is 8.0g of Unique under 250/255g cast bullet.... But there are quite a few people that hop up to 9g. I like 8.5g myself when using Unique. At the range, there were several shooters (some gone now) that really liked 7.8g under 250g RNFP. All relative!

To answer the OP, yes 9.0g would be just fine with the revolver under 250-280g cast bullet....