The .45 adventure ahead...

[DA_TriggR4Ruger]

Well, as many of you know, and some of you who know me personally, know that I have started expanding into new calibers, specifically revolvers.

For years, I primarily shot and reloaded for long barrel .44 magnum revolvers (dies, powders, etc.)

Most of my shooting time is consumed by tactical 3-Gun courses, semi-auto competitions, etc.

But revolvers have always had a special place in my heart.

A few weekends ago, a buddy had me shoot his .45 Colt blackhawk. I fell in love with it.

I started researching and learning the versatility of this load.

If there is something I can't do with a .45 colt, that would require a .44, I'm going to 454 or 460 now.

I'm very excited about this transition and I've read several posts from other members here who are on the same path.

I would like to see posts from any of you interested in the .45.

Certainly not bashing the .44 mag. Just thinking out loud, with my wallet.

 

[reloader]

I like them both equally. They both can be loaded up or down depending on what you want to do with them.
If you end up buying other 45 Colts that are not as strong as the Ruger, it's a good idea to pick up some nickel plated plated brass for the 45 Colt to use for the heavy loads so that you don't accidentally put a heavy load in a weaker gun.

 

[tsubaki]

I joined this forum in order to educate me on my quest for a 45 Super Blackhawk as a twin for my 44 magnum and companion for a 1892 Winchester in 45colt.
Most of you know the unicorn, a 7 1/2" stainless with Super Blackhawk grip frame.

Refitting a 7 1/2" stainless from an XR3 to a Super Blackhawk grip frame and trigger would add over $250 to my quest and just live with the fluted cylinder until a Bisley cylinder became available and add more $ to the quest. Or I could simply rebarrel a stainless Bisley to 7 1/2". Not ever handling a Bisley, I was unsure of doing that.

And then along comes the Super Blackhawk Hunter to fit the bill perfectly but finding one is almost as elusive as a winning lottery ticket. Just slightly more $ than building one to suit me.
The whole purpose was to fit my slightly over sized hands and safely shoot/hunt with 45cal stuff at pressures above Colt replicas.

I gave up pursuing the unicorn about 910 days after joining this forum, I "settled" for a model #0871.
Yes, it is an inch shorter, a little heavier, only a 5 hole and a dang Bisley grip but at least it will safely shoot 250gr stuff at 1100fps.

As for the unicorn, like my wife said "Just because you are married, it don't mean you're dead, you can still look".

 

[MaxP]

If there is something I can't do with a .45 colt, that would require a .44, I'm going to 454 or 460 now.

There is nothing on the face of this earth the .44 Mag can do that the .45 Colt can't. You can load it quite warmly in a Ruger. I think you will find this great old caliber to be very versatile.

 

[Cracker-American]

I enjoyed a thirty five plus year love affair with the .41 magnum. And still have a soft spot for all of mine. But in 2007 I traded into a 4&5/8" Blackhawk .45 LC. I have since changed out the frame for a Super Blackhawk frame and added a single hole sight blade from Steve (Sixshot).

I load and use heavy soft point bullets from Sierra and H110 powder. Combination has killed whitetail deer and hogs for me and one hog for a fellow forum member.

Yeah, I like the .45 Long Colt.

 

[veeman]

I've had my .45 Colt Blackhawk for many a year, bought new in 91 I believe. I have never thought I needed a 44 Mag, the 45 will do it all. Recently put on a stainless SBH grip frame and hammer, and stag grips.

 

[contender]

I think you will discover a lot of us enjoy the 45. I'm a bit different than many in that I have a love affair with almost all calibers. I can reload over 60 different calibers if I want, I have the dies & such. I have several 41's, 45's & 45's. All have their purposes & all have their good points. I choose to enjoy them all.
But, as many will attest,,, the 45 is extremely versatile, and you can do almost anything you wish with it.
Enjoy the fun!

 

[trapperon]

In my opinion, I believe a 7.5 inch ruger Blackhawk 45 colt loaded with 250-265 grain slugs at 1000fps is the ideal revolver. In comparing this load to a 44mag, I believe the larger bullet diameter makes up for the couple hundred fps speed of the 44. Its a true big bore--with some history--and will get the job done without even having to find a 454 or 460!

Another thing I like about this combination is the ability to stick with keith style cast slugs. At the 1000 velocity leading of the barrel is not an issue.

Good luck in your procurement--and welcome to the 45 world!

Ron

 

[Rclark]

Nothing quite like it. Been on the job since 1873. Has lots of character.... Can be loaded from mild to wild as needed. Just something about the .45 Colt that feels right (to me). Something the .429 Mag just doesn't have. For my purpose It will do everything a big bore needs doing. Whether target shooting, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting.... Therefore the .454, .480, .500 just have no 'pull' nor really the peanut .357. Anyway, may not be for everyone, but it fits me. I shoot the other cartridges too, but the .45 Colt is rarely far from hand. Enjoy.

 

[s4s4u]

I've had calibers come and go from my small herd, but the 45 Colt will always be there to stay.

 

[Bob Wright]

As to the .45 Colt, I do like 'em. Here is a sampling of my .45s:



As most of y'all know, my heart is with the .44ss, both Specials and Magnums. Too hard to pick a favorite for me.

My own observation has been the .45 Colt handles heavy bullet loads (up to 350 grs.) better than the .44 Magnum, while the Magnum gets maximum velocity with the light (180 gr. weight) bullets.

For some time time (some folks have attributed it to my advancing age) now I have preferred the smaller Blackhawk Flat Top in .44 Special or a Blackhawk with 4 5/8" barrel in the milder persuasion in cartridge selection. Too tough to choose one over the other, so I'll just go with both.

A recent acquisition, this represents my ideal revolver, so held since my youth:



Bob Wright

 

[Varminterror]

Folks will go back and forth between the 44mag and 45colt as long as the two are available to be purchased. Flip a coin, you'll be happy. For the reloader, the gap is null, for the factory ammo shooter, full house "Ruger Only" 45colt loads aren't as widely available, and typically come at a significantly higher cost. Guys will banter about cylinder wall thickness, case head strength, sectional density, bore volume, ballistic coefficient, etc etc until the end of time.

I have both, I shoot both, I've killed game with both. For a reloader, flip a coin, you won't be disappointed. If you're NOT a reloader (or not YET a reloader), then be careful when you hear this kind of statement below:

There is nothing on the face of this earth the .44 Mag can do that the .45 Colt can't.

Two specific exceptions for factory ammo shooters:

1) 44mag can be found in full power loads at EVERY shop that sells handgun ammo. Go find some Buffalo Bore or Garrett 45colt (or any other 44mag equivalent load) at your local Walmart. There are even gas stations around here that sell 44mag full house ammo - they also sell STANDARD 45colt, but they're not loaded to the same level.

2) 44mag full power factory loads can be found with hunting quality bullets for cheaper than full power "Ruger Only" 45colt loads. The Garrett, Grizzly, HSM, Buffalo Bore, etc loads for 45colt that match 44mag performance tend to run between $1.25-1.75 per shot, whereas you can get that level of 44mag ammo at the same performance for 60 cents to $1.00 per shot.

So for anybody shooting factory ammo, the 44mag and 45colt are NOT equivalent. The higher power 45 colt loads are less prevalent (harder to find), and more expensive.

 

[Biggfoot44]

Ok , with certainty , "Ruger Only" .45Colt loads will fully match standard full power .44 Mag. 300-320gr in .44 loaded to old school 42K pressure vs stock .45 Blackhawk is interesting campfire debate.

Strictly common factory load comparisons involve priorities. As noted standard 240 Jhp .44Mag everywhere ammo is sold. .44spl / cowboy .44Mag , or "sweet spot" .44 ammo ( 240-ish @ 900-1000fps , either warm Spl or 3/4 throttle Mag ) not so much , wheras traditional .45Colt (250/255 @ 900-ish) is semi-common.

And *for me* the New Model BH is just right in .45 or .41 , better than Super or the shrunken BH .YMMV .( Yes , Bisley is great specifically for extra powerful loads , but for all around use , the XR3red is more natural. YMMV.)

 

[Mus408]

I like my .45's too and have a few...great to shoot and load for.
Recently traded in my one and only .44 Mag SBH Hunter for my first DA .45/454 revolver...SRH Alaskan because I also like the beefy short barrel setup.
Disappointed had to send him back for repair/replacement, however it will be back soon.

If you are looking for some good factory loads for .45 Colt check out Underwood. He has them from mild to wild like a 250 gr XTP going 1400+ FPS but use only beefy revolvers or 1892 lever rifles!

 

[MaxP]

Folks will go back and forth between the 44mag and 45colt as long as the two are available to be purchased. Flip a coin, you'll be happy. For the reloader, the gap is null, for the factory ammo shooter, full house "Ruger Only" 45colt loads aren't as widely available, and typically come at a significantly higher cost. Guys will banter about cylinder wall thickness, case head strength, sectional density, bore volume, ballistic coefficient, etc etc until the end of time.

I have both, I shoot both, I've killed game with both. For a reloader, flip a coin, you won't be disappointed. If you're NOT a reloader (or not YET a reloader), then be careful when you hear this kind of statement below:

There is nothing on the face of this earth the .44 Mag can do that the .45 Colt can't.

Two specific exceptions for factory ammo shooters:

1) 44mag can be found in full power loads at EVERY shop that sells handgun ammo. Go find some Buffalo Bore or Garrett 45colt (or any other 44mag equivalent load) at your local Walmart. There are even gas stations around here that sell 44mag full house ammo - they also sell STANDARD 45colt, but they're not loaded to the same level.

2) 44mag full power factory loads can be found with hunting quality bullets for cheaper than full power "Ruger Only" 45colt loads. The Garrett, Grizzly, HSM, Buffalo Bore, etc loads for 45colt that match 44mag performance tend to run between $1.25-1.75 per shot, whereas you can get that level of 44mag ammo at the same performance for 60 cents to $1.00 per shot.

So for anybody shooting factory ammo, the 44mag and 45colt are NOT equivalent. The higher power 45 colt loads are less prevalent (harder to find), and more expensive.

Why be careful? In order to extract the best possible performance out of any firearm, one will reload. I didn't draw the distinction between cowboy action type loads and proper .45 Colt loads as the conversation didn't warrant drawing such a distinction IMO. It's a given that in factory form there are more options available to the .44 Mag owner. That said, I stand by my statement.

 

[DA_TriggR4Ruger]

If there is something I can't do with a .45 colt, that would require a .44, I'm going to 454 or 460 now.

There is nothing on the face of this earth the .44 Mag can do that the .45 Colt can't. You can load it quite warmly in a Ruger. I think you will find this great old caliber to be very versatile.

MaxPayne, this is great news. I'm still learning these things.

 

[DA_TriggR4Ruger]

I've had my .45 Colt Blackhawk for many a year, bought new in 91 I believe. I have never thought I needed a 44 Mag, the 45 will do it all. Recently put on a stainless SBH grip frame and hammer, and stag grips.

This is almost the exact gun that got me started down this path "of madness".

It's a fever right now.

 

[DA_TriggR4Ruger]

In my opinion, I believe a 7.5 inch ruger Blackhawk 45 colt loaded with 250-265 grain slugs at 1000fps is the ideal revolver. In comparing this load to a 44mag, I believe the larger bullet diameter makes up for the couple hundred fps speed of the 44. Its a true big bore--with some history--and will get the job done without even having to find a 454 or 460!

Another thing I like about this combination is the ability to stick with keith style cast slugs. At the 1000 velocity leading of the barrel is not an issue.

Good luck in your procurement--and welcome to the 45 world!

Ron

Thank you! I'm very excited

 

[Rclark]

If you get a chance to, pick up the book Big Bore Revolvers by Max Prasac. Besides the wonderful pictures there is lots of good info there. A good read. Max gives couple of pages just to the .45 Colt on p. 28 and p. 29. Voice of experience . Another good read is Ross Seyfried on the .45 Colt . Then there is Brian pearce on the .45 Colt, some loads . Can't leave out Taffin and the .45 Colt or what about Linebaugh - Dissolving the Myth . Should give you some ideas concerning the .45 colt .

 

[MaxP]

If you get a chance to, pick up the book Big Bore Revolvers by Max Prasac. Besides the wonderful pictures there is lots of good info there. A good read. Max gives couple of pages just to the .45 Colt on p. 28 and p. 29. Voice of experience .

Thanks for the kind words, Rclark! Much appreciated!

 

[Cordite]

If you get a chance to, pick up the book Big Bore Revolvers by Max Prasac. Besides the wonderful pictures there is lots of good info there. A good read. Max gives couple of pages just to the .45 Colt on p. 28 and p. 29. Voice of experience .

+1 to Max's book. I bought a copy when it came out in 2012 and enjoy re-reading it from time to time.

Cordite

 

[CraigC]

+1 on Max's books!

Definitely read the Linebaugh and Seyfried articles. However, keep in mind that when these were written, most of it could be taken as gospel. These days, we have better .44 bullets and the .45 just can't outrun it in standard six-shot guns with comparable bullets up to the 350-360gr range.

 

[trigger643]

I once had several .45lc revolvers but am down to just one, and have relegated to the trade fodder shelf. Really nothing against the caliber and in my time I quite enjoyed it. But simplification of a my shooting tastes over recent years has me doing most of my wheel gunning in .41 or .357 for no particular reason other than personal preference.

Here's my last .45lc.

 

[superblackhawkhunter]

Question ??? I have the new 45 Colt / 45 acp Blackhawk Bisley, Love It !!!! Why is it Only a Blackhawk ??? Same Size Frame as My 41 and 44 Superblackhawk Hunters ??? Sorry, Just Wondering ??? Thanks

 

[Rclark]

Ahhh, you got caught up with 'marketing'. The BH and the SBH (Hunter included) use exactly the same large cylinder frame and cylinders... Just different size holes! The grip frames are interchangeable. If you recall, Ruger History, there was the flattop BH .44Mag back in '56. The Super Blackhawk was introduced in '59. The flattop was dropped in around '63 I believe. Again just marketing. The SBH had the new ears around the rear sight, and a different grip frame the dragoon style.... So it was marketed as 'Super'.

There are now medium frame BHs out there for .44Special, .357, and .45 Colt/.45 ACP. The .44Special is a factory cataloged item, while the the .357 and .45 are Lipsey special runs. All have flattops and have a three digit prefix on the serial number. There was also a .357 50th (2005) on the medium frame and a 50th flattop BH (2006) on the large frame. Confused yet?

 

[superblackhawkhunter]

Thanks !!!! Not Yet, But it does sound Confusing !!!! Ruger Revolvers are Number 1 in My Book !!!! Semi-Auto and it is a Springfield for Me !!!! But The Revolvers are Way More Fun To Shoot and Reload !!!

 

[sousana]

I've been a fan of the OM vaquero for ages. I've got 9, six of which are 4.75" bbl & 3 are 5.5" models. 45 colt is versatile from low powered to hot loads, which is why the old model vaquero is my fave as it can handle hot loads where the new model vaquero is rated for cowboy action loads.

On my 300 acres of all forest and stream, I normally carry a freedom arms 454 casull loaded with 45 colt bear loads and a Henry 45 long colt rifle.

I've since picked up a pair of Alaskans in 454. I like the ability to have speedloaders with the alaskan as I can have 454 casull loads on tap as needed. As to ammo? I recently picked up 10k rounds of 45 colt ammo, 250gr fmj-fp at $19 per 50rd box. At home I keep my vaquero and alaskan loaded with liberty 76gr fragmentation rds, in the woods I use 45 colt fmj and use 300gr jhp 454 loads.

 

[Rclark]

I've been a fan of the OM vaqueros...

Well, I might be too ... if there was just such a revolver . Would be nice to have an OM (three screw) Vaquero . Yes indeed! Unfortunately there is only the NM original Vaquero and the NM New Vaquero. Just had to say it.... That said I have one original Vaquero (.45 Colt) and and couple New Vaqueros (.44Spec and .45 Colt). Enjoy them all!

I probably won't ever get a .454, .480, .475, .500 as I can always load up any of my .45 Colts to the power level I may need in the woods, so I don't see a need for those cartridges. The age of dinosaurs is past, so, truly, the .45 Colt will do all that needs doing around this neck of the woods.