BigBlue
Single-Sixer
I looked through Ruger's online manual and didn't see this referenced, but is it safe to use Ruger only level loads in a New Model Blackhawk .45 Colt?
Ruger Only .45 Colt Loads?
- Thread starter BigBlue
- Start date
Chuck 100 yd
Hunter
Large frame BlackHawks and RedHawks only. Not safe in mid framed guns.
WIL TERRY
Buckeye
Are you saying there are two different frame sizes called BLACKHAWK by name that are chambered in 45COLT ?? And NOTHING else differentiates between these two BLACKHAWK frame sizes ?
IF SO, when in the world did that sillyness begin ?
And so it goes...
IF SO, when in the world did that sillyness begin ?
And so it goes...
Chuck 100 yd
Hunter
Some people think ALL Ruger six shooters are BlackHawks. Just to remain on the safe side ,I suggested only large frame revolvers are safe to use .45 Colt Ruger only loads. Even then, I think those loads are pushing the limit and should be approached with caution by an experienced reloader.
Chuck 100 yd said:
I agree, only the experienced reloaded, and only the large frames. but after 30 years I can say when loaded and used in the proper guns, after 1000's of rounds, they are totally safe.
CraigC
Hawkeye
The mid-frame .45 convertible flat-tops are still just marked "Blackhawk".
Well, the medium frame revolver has a 'flattop' while the large frame has the sight ears. Just know what you have. Simple. If you don't, you probably aren't a reloader anyway. Also the prefix is three digit on the medium frame, two on the large. Again know what you have.... Personally I am happy because I prefer the .45 Colt on the medium frame. With three flattops in .357/9mm, .44 Special, and .45 Colt/.45 ACP, I feel I have my 'perfect' set of 5 1/2" barreled revolvers.
Don Lovel
Hunter
I use CorBon, Buffalo Bore, Grizzly and Doubletap +P 265gr, 300gr and 335 gr ammo in my 1st year production 45 Bisley, but I would never use this ammo in one of the newer blackhawks or vaqueros on the lighter frame. Not that they can't handle a few of them but the +P loads will loosen up or maybe crack a frame or cylinder over time
Jimbo357mag
Hawkeye
Here is another one.
Ruger Revolvers and 45 Colt +P Ammunition
https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=153
Ruger Revolvers and 45 Colt +P Ammunition
https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=153
smith1961
Blackhawk
BigBlue said:
Large frame BlackHawks certainly are (ears and two digit prefix). They're not safe in mid framed guns. (Flattops-three digit prefix)
Soooooo......YES standard regular production large frame Blackhawks are good to go.
I think there is a lot of confusion over the "new" Blackhawks, meaning the flattops and such in .45 Colt now being produced and the traditional "New Model" Blackhawks meaning the ones that were introduced in the early 70s with the hammer block safety that have been in continuous production since. I had read a post where the author insisted none of the .45 Colts now produced by Ruger could handle the heavier loads. I'm glad we were able to clarify that. One thing I didn't know was that they could be identified by the difference in the two digit versus the three digit prefix. Thanks for the help and education.
Jimbo357mag said:
This is an article that should be a 'sticky' for the next time this question surfaces. If nothing else, the cylinder measurement tells the story.
The other thing to remember is that neither Ruger nor any other gun manufacturer is going to tell you what handloads/reloads are "safe" in their guns. For example: here's what Ruger has to say in the Redhawk manual. And yes, it's in all caps and red font surrounded by a red square. So, Ruger is yelling this rather loudly.
AMMUNITION (CARTRIDGES) NOTICE
WE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE OR INJURY WHATSOEVER OCCURRING IN CONNECTION WITH, OR AS THE RESULT OF, THE USE IN THE SUPER REDHAWK REVOLVER OF FAULTY OR NON-STANDARD OR “RE- MANUFACTURED” OR HAND LOADED (RELOADED) AMMUNITION OR OF CARTRIDGES OTHER THAN THOSE FOR WHICH THE FIREARM WAS ORIGINALLY CHAMBERED.
This basically says.... "Only use factory ammunition loaded to SAAMI specs." There is no such thing as 45 Colt +p or +p+ or "Ruger Only" SAAMI spec ammo. Only 45 Colt, which is 14000psi/cup ammo.
AMMUNITION (CARTRIDGES) NOTICE
WE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE OR INJURY WHATSOEVER OCCURRING IN CONNECTION WITH, OR AS THE RESULT OF, THE USE IN THE SUPER REDHAWK REVOLVER OF FAULTY OR NON-STANDARD OR “RE- MANUFACTURED” OR HAND LOADED (RELOADED) AMMUNITION OR OF CARTRIDGES OTHER THAN THOSE FOR WHICH THE FIREARM WAS ORIGINALLY CHAMBERED.
This basically says.... "Only use factory ammunition loaded to SAAMI specs." There is no such thing as 45 Colt +p or +p+ or "Ruger Only" SAAMI spec ammo. Only 45 Colt, which is 14000psi/cup ammo.
Fox Mike said:
Here's the best line in that article....
".having said that, it is still the users/shooters responsibility to understand what firearm they are buying for what purpose and while I am not into “blaming”, Ruger did it wrong, but the ultimate responsibility lies with the end user and folks in America seem to have an aversion to accepting responsibility for their choices."
WIL TERRY
Buckeye
BigBlue said:
I well remember these conversations !! There was also a load developed for 45COLT S&W M25-5[etc] sixguns using 320GR LFN projectiles, and these were also okay in COLT SAA 45COLT sixguns.
AND so it goes...
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