Took The Step - New Ruger

[Harry C.]

Hello All,

I have been lurking here for well over a year. I have enjoyed the insights and shared experiences. I have done a lot of Internet 'tire kicking' but last night I went ahead and ordered my first single action.

On the thread entitled "New SSBH Bisley", forum member "QB" noted a revolver for sale on the Sporting Arms website. A Ruger Blackhawk, SS, Bisley, 5.5 inch, .45 lc/acp. It is time and the price was right. I secured it with my credit card and will give them a call when they open on Tuesday.

My thanks to QB for pointing out this revolver. My thanks to the folks oin this forum for sharing their experiences and passion for SA shooting.

I expect to get into reloading in the fairly near term and may do a bit of minor tweeking on this revolver. But first I just plan on spending some time shooting it to see what it has.

I do a fair amount of shooting in my occupation and while I enjoy it, it is an aspect of my job. I have been looking into a form of shooting that cannot be confused for work. I think this will do it for me.

Respectfully,
Harry C.

 

[RonEgg]

Welcome to the forum. You bought a winner, years of great shooting.

 

[Harry C.]

Thanks Mr. Egg,

I have a Ruger Security Six (ss, 4") that I carried every day for about 17 years and put 10's of thousands of rounds through...lots and lots of magnums. The rifling is worn off for the first couple inches of barrel. It is still rock solid and shoots every time I pull the trigger. I hope to get similar good service from this new one.

Respectfully,
Harry C.

 

[StanMemTn]

Welcome!
Congrats on the purchase.

 

[Harry C.]

Thanks MemTem!

 

[Chief_10Beers]

I expect to get into reloading in the fairly near term and may do a bit of minor tweeking on this revolver. But first I just plan on spending some time shooting it to see what it has.

Harry C.

LoL! Let the addiction begin! It's one of the Few Good habbits to get addicted to................................................................

Oh ya, Welcome to Rugerforum!..................................

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

Harry C, I think you have a good plan. Do shoot it some before you decide on any modifications. Welcome to the forum. Those single actions can be addicting and you have a very nice one. I think you two will have a fine time growing old together.

 

[cellar701]

Congratulations on the purchase! That's a nice gun in a nice caliber(s). I'm sure you'll get a lot of enjoyment out of that.

 

[CraigC]

Hard to beat a good 4 5/8" to 5½" big bore Bisley!

 

[Tommy Kelly]

You have a fine gun. I personally don't care for the bisley gripframe but have a blackhawk in the 45 convertable that is a favorite shooter. I also have a blackhawk non convertable just 45 colt that I enjoy also. Be warned that the rugers need plenty of company. Also reloading is a easy way to shoot a lot's more. The cost savings is great once you get everything gathered up and start saving big money on ammo cost.

 

[tacklebury]

You have a fine gun. I personally don't care for the bisley gripframe but have a blackhawk in the 45 convertable that is a favorite shooter. I also have a blackhawk non convertable just 45 colt that I enjoy also. Be warned that the rugers need plenty of company. Also reloading is a easy way to shoot a lot's more. The cost savings is great once you get everything gathered up and start saving big money on ammo cost.

+1 on the convertible and reloading. 8) I love the colt, but like being able to buy the more abundant .45 acp also. 8)

 

[Harry C.]

Hello All,

Thank you for the kind words and encouragement.

While I am confident in my choice of revolver, I have no clear idea where to go with the reloading setup. I am looking for something inexpensive and doubt I'll reload anything but revolver calibers. I've been looking at reloading threads on this forum.

I am also looking for one or possibly two loads for the .45lc. Possibly one hot-ish load and one gentle load...ideally with both shooting the same cast bullet? Any thoughts on that? I doubt I'll ever hunt with this but like the idea of a stout load (not a screamer though).

I'd appreciate any insights.

Take good care,
Harry C.

 

[Chuckbuster]

The RCBS 45-270-SAA bullet has a pretty good reputation. I would say use Trail Boss for the light load, HS6 for the medium Hot. Lots of data available.http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=94514Good thread here


Welcome to the party
Kevin

BTW it's called RUGERITIS
and there is no cure!!!!

 

[the fatman]

Welcome to the forum Harry from James in Florida.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

You will get many suggestions for loads, but one of the classics for the .45 Colt is a 250-255-grain lead bullet over 8 grains of Unique powder. This is not a powder-puff load nor an "ear-rattler" . . . just a nice "solid" bang that essentially matches (sorta) the original loading.

Your Ruger will handle hotter loads should you find that necessary.

Reloading is the way to enjoy the .45 Colt at moderate cost.

Welcome to RugerForum!

 

[Harry C.]

Hi Mr. C. Buster,

Appreciate the link. It was interesting.

Thanks to all for the comments and suggestions.

TAke good care,
Harry C.

 

[Yosemite Sam]

Congrats! I got one of those a couple of years ago and it's still a favorite. Don't be shy to send the cylinder to CAS and have them reamed out to the proper size (assuming they're small, which is common, of course).

I use a 255gr LSWC on top of 6.2gr of W231 or HP-38 for a nice little target load. I have some 300gr jacketed loaded up with Blue Dot in case I ever want to take it hunting.

-- Sam

 

[contender]

I too will welcome you to the wonderful world of Sa Bisley shooting. You made a fine choice.
Now,, about reloading,, go to the "Reloading" section here,, and read the "stickys" and study everything a lot before jumping in. Top of the list should be a couple of good manuels before investing in equipment.

 

[Harry C.]

Hi Contender,

I have been self-guiding myself into reloading and appreciate your direction.

Harry C.

 

[Harry C.]

NOTE:

I just got off the phone with Becky at Sporting Arms. She has a SECOND such revolver for sale. I posted a note in the LINKS section of the forum but will go ahead a repeat the info here:

www.sportingarms.com
(972) 315-9086

5.5" SS Bisley .45 lc/acp $527.00 plus S&H

Respectfully,
Harry C.

 

[Belt Fed]

Hey Harry C. If you don't have a press, I would suggest something simple like a Lyman Spartan. It is a single stage press, bull strong and will last forever! You can find them used for a reasonable price. They will take all standard dies. I have used one since 1970. Never any problems!

 

[Tensaw]

Welcome Harry C. You picked a great cartridge - very versatile and a lot of fun to shoot. We expect a range report after you take her for a spin.

 

[Dale53]

I think that the Ruger SS Bisley .45 Colt/.45 ACP Convertible is one of the best revolvers as well as the best value to be had in a serious firearm.

I have always been a .44 fan (both .44 Special and .44 Magnum) and still am. However, a few months ago a couple of close friends kind of twisted my arm to get a 5½" Ruger SS Bisley 45 Colt/.45 ACP. I reamed the cylinders (both) after running into leading problems, and had my usual Ruger trigger job done as well a modify the original pawl to a "free spin pawl".

After using this revolver for a bit I began to see what all of the shouting is about. The combination is a dandy one and with a little bit of tuning you end up with a flat out wonderful revolver that can often challenge an expensive custom revolver for a fraction of the amount.

I now have added the .45 Colt to my list of favorite cartridges.

Harry C. you have made an EXCELLENT choice in a revolver (as the many other comments have suggested).

Dale53

 

[Dale53]

Double post.
Dale53

 

[Dale53]

I think that the Ruger SS Bisley .45 Colt/.45 ACP Convertible is one of the best revolvers as well as the best value to be had in a serious firearm.

I have always been a .44 fan (both .44 Special and .44 Magnum) and still am. However, a few months ago a couple of close friends kind of twisted my arm to get a 5½" Ruger SS Bisley 45 Colt/.45 ACP. I reamed the cylinders (both) after running into leading problems, and had my usual Ruger trigger job done as well a modify the original pawl to a "free spin pawl".

After using this revolver for a bit I began to see what all of the shouting is about. The combination is a dandy one and with a little bit of tuning you end up with a flat out wonderful revolver that can often challenge an expensive custom revolver for a fraction of the amount.

I now have added the .45 Colt to my list of favorite cartridges.

Harry C. you have made an EXCELLENT choice in a revolver (as the many other comments have suggested).

Dale53

 

[Harry C.]

Thanks for the kind words Mr. D. 53