I am looking at a SS model mentioned above. Has Ruger got the problem fixed of cylinder size vs barrel or forcing cone size on this revolver so can shoot lead without excess leading now? I haven't been on the forums for a long time and was curious. thanks guys triker
Ruger 45lc/acp question
- Thread starter triker
- Start date
contender
Ruger Guru
Well, I happen to own many of the Ruger 45 convertables, including the one you mentioned. My stainless Bisley convertable hasn't had the cylinder reamed yet, and it shoots just fine with lead.
Many folks find that it tightens accuracy by doing mods to any firearm. In the case of the 45 convertables, quite often it's done by reaming the cylinder holes to a uniform .4525. Others add a forcing cone re-cut, changing the angle. (Not always necessary.) And even others do a firelapping of the barrel.
I think too many folks shoot lead not realizing that they need to keep the velicity of the bullet matching the hardness of the bullet. Soft lead, slower, harder lead can be run faster.
I would say that if you are looking at one, do not let these "issues" keep you from getting a fine gun.
And yes, I have heard that Ruger has been cutting the cylinder holes more uniform than in the past.
Many folks find that it tightens accuracy by doing mods to any firearm. In the case of the 45 convertables, quite often it's done by reaming the cylinder holes to a uniform .4525. Others add a forcing cone re-cut, changing the angle. (Not always necessary.) And even others do a firelapping of the barrel.
I think too many folks shoot lead not realizing that they need to keep the velicity of the bullet matching the hardness of the bullet. Soft lead, slower, harder lead can be run faster.
I would say that if you are looking at one, do not let these "issues" keep you from getting a fine gun.
And yes, I have heard that Ruger has been cutting the cylinder holes more uniform than in the past.
sourdough44
Single-Sixer
If it comes with both cylinders that price doesn't sound bad. I paid a bit less for my stainless 45 Colt, then I had to track down a 45acp cylinder that fit.
Chuck 100 yd
Hunter
I have a pair of Vaquaro .45Colt/ACP 4 5/8". They both came regulated to hit right on
the top of the front sight with my Cowboy loads and hit the exact same spot with my ACP cast loads developed for my SR 1911
Colt = 200 gr. Saeco ,Lee or Lyman bullet over 6 gr. Trail Boss
ACP = 230 gr. RCBS .45-230-CA over 4.8 gr. Red Dot
Sweet shooting little revolvers.
the top of the front sight with my Cowboy loads and hit the exact same spot with my ACP cast loads developed for my SR 1911
Colt = 200 gr. Saeco ,Lee or Lyman bullet over 6 gr. Trail Boss
ACP = 230 gr. RCBS .45-230-CA over 4.8 gr. Red Dot
Sweet shooting little revolvers.
Every Ruger .45 Blackhawk I have dealt with had undersized throats and I had them all reamed to .4525" because I wanted it that way.
That said, I'd still agree with lark63 and try shooting it "as is" to see what you get. As contender says, matching velocity (pressure, actually) to the bullet hardness is the key to successful loads. But grossly undersized throats can even mess that up.
Must reading . . . http://rugerforum.net/library/19869-lead-bullets-revolvers.html
And a nice eleven-degree forcing cone is a very nice feature. Ruger's are usually quite abrupt and, worse, rough.
JMHO
That said, I'd still agree with lark63 and try shooting it "as is" to see what you get. As contender says, matching velocity (pressure, actually) to the bullet hardness is the key to successful loads. But grossly undersized throats can even mess that up.
Must reading . . . http://rugerforum.net/library/19869-lead-bullets-revolvers.html
And a nice eleven-degree forcing cone is a very nice feature. Ruger's are usually quite abrupt and, worse, rough.
JMHO
brushunter
Single-Sixer
Triker ,
I just bought a 45C / ACP a few months ago. Stainless , The Bisley Blackhawk. I really like it. I was told the new blackhawks have more uniform holes. I had numerous 45 caliber bullets on hand , both lead and jacketed. I did it the easy way...took various bullets and pushed them into the chamber throats....some would go and some wouldn't. Found a .452 would not go....but a 451 would just push through. Same on all throats of the 45C cylinder. ( Didn't try the ACP cylinder yet ) The Oregon Trail SWC I use mic at .452 , thats what I use over Unique powder at 1050 fps through my Chrony. ( + P load ) I get 1 1/2 inch groups at 20 yards. Very little leading , but it will show lead ahead of the forcing cone after maybe 100 to 150 rounds. Comes out easily with a couple swipes with a Lewis Lead remover and a few patches of Hoppes.
I was told the newer Blackhawks were reamed differently and thus have better tolorances . I have not slugged my barrel , but I'm very happy with it the way it is and shoots. Also the newer Blackhawks have the lettering on the bottom of the barrel under the ejector rod...instead of on the side of the barrel. I believe someone here eluded to this a month or so ago.
Good Luck ,
regards , brushunter
I just bought a 45C / ACP a few months ago. Stainless , The Bisley Blackhawk. I really like it. I was told the new blackhawks have more uniform holes. I had numerous 45 caliber bullets on hand , both lead and jacketed. I did it the easy way...took various bullets and pushed them into the chamber throats....some would go and some wouldn't. Found a .452 would not go....but a 451 would just push through. Same on all throats of the 45C cylinder. ( Didn't try the ACP cylinder yet ) The Oregon Trail SWC I use mic at .452 , thats what I use over Unique powder at 1050 fps through my Chrony. ( + P load ) I get 1 1/2 inch groups at 20 yards. Very little leading , but it will show lead ahead of the forcing cone after maybe 100 to 150 rounds. Comes out easily with a couple swipes with a Lewis Lead remover and a few patches of Hoppes.
I was told the newer Blackhawks were reamed differently and thus have better tolorances . I have not slugged my barrel , but I'm very happy with it the way it is and shoots. Also the newer Blackhawks have the lettering on the bottom of the barrel under the ejector rod...instead of on the side of the barrel. I believe someone here eluded to this a month or so ago.
Good Luck ,
regards , brushunter
Rick James
Bearcat
- Joined
- Sep 12, 2012
- Messages
- 16
triker said:
I have the same gun. I'm under the impression that you can shoot the high test stuff through these guns. I believe it's the Vaqueros and Flat Tops that you can't shoot the hot loads through. I've got mine shooting 15 grain loads of HS-6 into little bitty groups.
bigboredad
Blackhawk
if you shoot lead reaming can help but as others have said it's not mandatory and cylindersmith can take care of it pretty quick and for a decent price. The benefit of reaming the acp cylinder for me was being able to seat longer bullets further out. I have a habit of playing with bullets that are real heavy for caliber. I really like the 280 swc in the blackhawk in .45acp case
Same here. I have four 45s (total of six cylinders) and all needed reaming. I did two other .45 Colt revolvers for a couple of other shooters too that needed it. Note that the later versions (my flattop 45s) the throats are much better sized (I recall .451 ... but still not .4525) ... Anyway, that was my experience....
That said, you should shoot it first and see what you think. I must say though (didn't take my own advice), with my flattops, I did the simple plug gauge test and the bullet test... and reamed them before shooting. Worked for me
.Revolver-Time
Single-Sixer
I have three 45c/acp Rugers. To me there is only one 45 Colt load and that is a 255 Lead bullet over 8 grains of Unique.
Pathfinder2
Bearcat
I have several rugers in 45 colt including one Redhawk. Agree with above that 8.0 Unigue and 250/255 lead is hard to beat for general use.
RaisinRiverRon
Single-Sixer
+1 on 8.0 gr. of Unique and a 255 gr. lead bullet. My Acusport Bisley will put five into a 3/4" ctc group at 50 ft. all day from the bench.
