Redhawk 45 Auto / 45 Colt Brass?

[Super Max]

I'm looking seriously at the Redhawk in 45, really like the dual cartridge option. The cylinder looks to be relieved so it can accommodate moon clips or a rimmed cartridge, but it looks like the cartridge isn't supported all the way around at the head due to this machining. Then I saw a report that 45 Colt brass was getting visibly scored at this unsupported area. So is that a real concern or just internet FUD?

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

I have fired heavy , Ruger ONLY ,loads in mine without seeing any issues with the brass at all. Do you not think Ruger has tested the design thoroughly??? These internet rumors are mostly spread by people who do NOT have a clue. Modern made .45 Colt brass is strong stuff.

 

[Super Max]

Thanks Chuck, that's what I figured.

But let me ask another dumb question. The cylinder on the Redhawk has to be long enough to accommodate a 45 Colt, so it's probably not the optimum length for 45acp. So would a revolver like a Blackhawk convertible with individual cylinders for each cartridge be better for 45acp? My shooting is probably 90% 45acp and 10% 45 Colt. Thanks.

 

[s4s4u]

So would a revolver like a Blackhawk convertible with individual cylinders for each cartridge be better for 45acp?

Absolutely.

 

[DA_TriggR4Ruger]

I'm looking seriously at the Redhawk in 45, really like the dual cartridge option. The cylinder looks to be relieved so it can accommodate moon clips or a rimmed cartridge, but it looks like the cartridge isn't supported all the way around at the head due to this machining. Then I saw a report that 45 Colt brass was getting visibly scored at this unsupported area. So is that a real concern or just internet FUD?

I had NO clue what you were talking about, but once again, common sense (and Google) proved to be powerful allies!

http://www.ruger.com/mobile/products/5032.html

I'm very VERY excited about this gun, and very happy I held off on my Redhawk 5 inch .44 mag purchase.

Thank you!

 

[Three44s]

Thanks Chuck, that's what I figured.

But let me ask another dumb question. The cylinder on the Redhawk has to be long enough to accommodate a 45 Colt, so it's probably not the optimum length for 45acp. So would a revolver like a Blackhawk convertible with individual cylinders for each cartridge be better for 45acp? My shooting is probably 90% 45acp and 10% 45 Colt. Thanks.

First off, there are no dumb questions and second, your question is spot on as member s4s4u points out.

Third, welcome to the forum!

I am very fond of the Redhawks. I thought about a 5.5" RH real hard in .44 mag.

A four or five inch in .45 LC would be better in some ways ........ I really liked the convertible RH in .45LC/.45 acp when I handled one locally. ......... until I checked and found the very issue you are questioning.

My hangup would be that for plinking/target work if the .45 ACP does not shoot that accurately ....... then why not just use more .45 LC brass and load plinkers in them and save having boolits jumping from acp cases to the throat?

Though I am a DA guy ...... I have always thought about the BH in a .45 convertible ...... two cylinders each mated to the cartridge they were designed for. Or just go with a .45 LC Redhawk.

That's my take on it anyway.

Best regards

Three 44s

 

[DPris]

I had no issues in shooting several hot .45 Colt loads through one sample I have here.

The rims are only supported about 30%, but it didn't affect brass.

And the model will ONLY accept Ruger clips.
NOT S&W clips.
Denis

 

[DA_TriggR4Ruger]

A VERY interesting review I just read on this gun...

http://www.handgunsmag.com/reviews/ruger-redhawk-45-acplc-revolver-review/

 

[DPris]

I'll mention again the Kindle book on it has much greater detailed info, if you're interested in what two samples did in specific accuracy, velocity, and energy figures.
Denis

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

ACP's are not as accurate as Colts in my gun BUT this is a compromise situation and ACP's are not that inaccurate either. I have found a couple loads that do quite well in my gun. The most accurate bullet in the .45 Colt case so far is a Lyman 255 gr. Cast Keith bullet over either RedDot or Unique at around 800 fps or the 250 gr. Hornady XTP at around 1100 fps. For the ACP, my gun will shoot them all into about 2" at 45' using just about any 230 gr. bullet at around 800 fps. Testing loads is the only way you will know how yours will do. I never shot any ACP load in mine that shot really poor. As always, YMMV

 

[DPris]

The two samples I worked with using factory loads were shooting groups up to 8 & 9 inches at their best at 25 yards with some.
Others were down to 2-3 inches.

.45 Colt stuff did much better consistently.
Denis

 

[s4s4u]

A short case in a long chamber is never a recipe for accuracy. My Bisley with the ACP cylinder will shoot right along with the 45 Colt cylinder.

 

[DPris]

Some accuracy degradation in ACP was expected, for that very reason.
Denis