New SS Ruger Vaquero 5.5" .45

[Mr.Paladin]

Hi All,
Long time reader, first time poster...

Just picked up a Ruger Vaquero SS 5.5" in .45 Colt. I've been wanting to add a cowboy gun to my collection for years but for some reason I've always found something else. I love this gun; it feels so well made and solid and it shoots like a dream. I have a feeling I'll be wearing this baby everywhere I can, kinda like a pocket knife...

Here are a couple of low quality phone pics:

I believe my .454 Casull dies will work for loading up some ammo. Any recommendations on where to get say 1000 pieces of .45 Colt brass? Or any good general purpose loads to recommend?

Thanks,
Mr. Paladin

 

[Yosemite Sam]

Welcome to the forum! Nice screen name. ;)

Aren't those single actions solid feeling? My first was a Vaquero, and I was amazed what a presence the thing had.

In answer to your question, you should probably check out MidwayUSA's website, and/or Starline Brass directly. I'm sure they can help you out.

-- Sam

 

[Mr.Paladin]

Thanks Sam...its my favorite television show so easy choosin'.

Yes these singles are solid and like you I too am amazed at the presence of this gun. When my boy is of age I'll know what he'll be getting from me (along with my 12 gauge over/under) :-)...

I have an account with Midway. I'll give them a shout if I can't find a better deal...

 

[dougader]

This is New Vaquero, right? So you know to keep loads down in the 14k psi range, right?

Starline is where I got my last batch of 45 Colt brass and it is excellent quality. I like a 250 grain RNFP with about 6.5 - 7.0 grains of WW 231 for a soft shooting load with around 800 fps velocity from a 5.5" barrel.

 

[maxpress]

very nice.
if your going to carry it you might want to have a .45acp cylinder fitted for $250. gives alot more options for deffensive loads.

 

[Rainman]

Try Trail Boss powder in your practice loads. It a big, fluffy powder that looks like little Cheerios. It's clean burning and low recoil.

With a 250 gr cast bullet, 5.8 gr of TB will give you over 700 fps and a reasonable pressure of your New Vaquero that won't beat you or the gun to pieces. It's a neat powder to play with.

Dan

Source of Load- Hodgdon's Online data.

 

[powder smoke]

I buy my brass from Starline Here's there link. ps

http://www.starlinebrass.com/

 

[Mr.Paladin]

This is New Vaquero, right? So you know to keep loads down in the 14k psi range, right?

Starline is where I got my last batch of 45 Colt brass and it is excellent quality. I like a 250 grain RNFP with about 6.5 - 7.0 grains of WW 231 for a soft shooting load with around 800 fps velocity from a 5.5" barrel.

Yes sir, it is the new Vaquero. Thanks for the reminder about the loads. Always good to make sure that's in threads like these.

Last night I ordered 500 rnfp's and 100 pieces of Starline brass (I've got a pretty decent stash already from what I've gathered from the range in the last couple of years).

After I ordered the bullets I talked to a buddy of mine and turns out he has been collecting lead for the last couple of years...he's got buckets full! Also he has the Lee molds for .45 Colt; he said come on over, we'll cast up as many as you want. What a friend...

Thanks for all the recipes guys! When casting and reloading my own ammunition this is going to be even more economical than I thought!

 

[Mr.Paladin]

Try Trail Boss powder in your practice loads. It a big, fluffy powder that looks like little Cheerios. It's clean burning and low recoil.

With a 250 gr cast bullet, 5.8 gr of TB will give you over 700 fps and a reasonable pressure of your New Vaquero that won't beat you or the gun to pieces. It's a neat powder to play with.

Dan

Source of Load- Hodgdon's Online data.

Thanks Dan, thats the recipe I am going to start with.