new to me blackhawk 45 - what gr boolit?

[rdwarrior]

Hey all,
I am soon to receive a new to me 45 colt ruger new model blackhawk (7 1/2 in barrel). I have not shot or reloaded 45 colt in about 45 years. What weight booolit should I be looking for. I dont want to go too heavy. I realize I am opening a can of worms with this question, but what the heck - lets go for it. :)
rdwarrior

[ReloaderFred]

I shoot mainly 200 gr. RNFP bullets in my various .45 Colt revolvers and rifles, but I'm using them for SASS matches, and just shooting steel targets. With the 200 gr. bullets, I get more bullets per pound of alloy, and no target has yet complained about being hit with a lighter bullet.

Hope this helps.

Fred

[rdwarrior]

Thanks Reloader

I should add, i did a search on the 45 colt in this forum looking for a consensus of recommendations, but was unable to find any. Didnt want y'all to think I was asking just for the sake of asking without looking around first for this info.

Type of shooting - some target practice and hunting in SC. I normally target practice with what I shoot for a hunting load if that helps.

[Tracy]

255-270, either a Keith bullet or RF. For the budget choice, I really like the Lee 255RF.

[Wheelguns 1961]

There are alot of good choices for the 45 colt. I imagine most of your hunting will be for whitetail deer. Anything from 250-300gns will do. Some of my favorites are the noe 454-280 wfn and the mp 452-278 wfn with the small hollowpoint pin. This bullet in my alloy weighs 262gns.

[johniv]

What are you going to do with it? Hunt? Just play?

[rdwarrior]

What are you going to do with it? Hunt? Just play?

see post #3

[DHDeal]

No consensus on bullet weight or powder for that matter...

I tend to go with a heavier bullet for any of my revolvers and haven't regretted it for accuracy. The lightest I use right now is a 280 grain Accurate Molds bullet. As soon as MP has some more of their 452 Colt Carbine mold, I'll go lighter (250-260).

If you load it warm, recoil is appreciable, but milder loads give a nice slow push. Many opinions you'll get...

[Outpost75]

These Accurate bullets all work in the Ruger .45 Colt with 7.5 grains of Bullseye:

254801254802254803

Larry's test data:

254804254805254806

Note actual bullet weight on shown on the data sheets, because I use softer 1:30 tin-lead alloy from Roto Metals and sent bullets to Larry for test. My bullets run heavier than the nominal drawing designator which is based on COWW. Velocities from Larry's 10-inch Contender solid barrel are 70-100 fps faster than a 7-1/2" revolver having typical cylinder gap of about 0.005-0.006." Realistic revolver velocity you can expect is about 960 fps with the 252-grain 45-240H1, 950 fps with the 269-grain 45-262H, and 850 fps with the 295 grain 45-290H bullet, when cast in soft alloy which actually rivet a bit, and are all real smashers with astounding game penetration!

With the heavier bullets pressures modestly exceed .45 Colt SAAMI MAP, but do not exceed .45 ACP levels, so these loads are entirely useable in the smaller frame New Model Vaqueros.

These loads will do anything you desire in a packing pistol. Heavier loads are unnecessary!

[contender1]

Lots of good info above. However,, I'd consider starting with a bullet in the 250's grn weight class. Practice with it,, and hunt with it. Find a good quality SWC design, and a load YOUR gun likes, & never fear. (I own several 45 Colt caliber handguns. I took my El Dorado to Colorado on an elk hunt this year.)

[txbirdman]

I like the 255 gr Lee RFN with 9 gr of Unique in my old Vaquero. I tried the RCBS 270 gr for awhile but the heavier bullet didn’t shoot to my sights.

[Brassduck]

I recommend lyman 454424 (255grain) over 8gr Unique, plenty of power and easy on your hands. Good Luck !!!!

[35 Whelen]

You say you don't want a real heavy bullet, so I'd recommend something in the 250-255 gr. range. The old standby 454424 is a good one. I don't remember the velocity of this load without checking, but it's probably 825-850 fps-

https://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Single%20Actions/Uberti%20Frisco/Frisco%2075%20yds%20454424%201%20edit_zpsu7qgbxu6. jpg (https://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Single%20Actions/Uberti%20Frisco/Frisco%2075%20yds%20454424%201%20edit_zpsu7qgbxu6. jpg.html)

https://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Single%20Actions/Uberti%20Frisco/Frisco%2075%20yds%20454424%202%20edit_zpsot849fme. jpg (https://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Single%20Actions/Uberti%20Frisco/Frisco%2075%20yds%20454424%202%20edit_zpsot849fme. jpg.html)

The RCBS 45-255-SWC is a real sleeper, casting very accurate bullets. This load is a "Tier II" or 20-23K psi load. It was very accurate and I intended to use it for hunting but didn't.

https://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Single%20Actions/Uberti%20Frisco/Frisco%2050%20yds.%20RCBS_zpsrgt4dwua.jpg (https://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Single%20Actions/Uberti%20Frisco/Frisco%2050%20yds.%20RCBS_zpsrgt4dwua.jpg.html)

My favorite hunting bullet is RCBS 45-270 SAA design. Mine actually drops at a little over 280 grs. This bullet too has proven very accurate for me-

https://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Single%20Actions/Uberti%20Frisco/Frisco%2050%20yds.%20290%20gr%20SWC%20edit_zpstjm3 gwdo.jpg (https://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Single%20Actions/Uberti%20Frisco/Frisco%2050%20yds.%20290%20gr%20SWC%20edit_zpstjm3 gwdo.jpg.html)

https://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Single%20Actions/Uberti%20Frisco/Frisco%2075%20yds%2045-270%209-9-2018_zps00czqpf1.jpg (https://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Single%20Actions/Uberti%20Frisco/Frisco%2075%20yds%2045-270%209-9-2018_zps00czqpf1.jpg.html)

The last load above is the one I used a few weeks ago on a meat buck. (Details here) (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?393706-Another-Uberti-Deer-Kill)

If you want to keep it simple, get either the Lyman 454424 or RCBS 45-255 mold and you're set. I tried lighter bullets but POI is too low compared to the ones I hunt with.

35W

[bigted]

I totally concure. 250 ish boolit in Lyman #2 mix. Running that at 800+ FPS ... easy to do with good ol Unique. This will do a thru n thru on any Deer you will ever encounter within your yardage limitations.

This boolit n load is easy to shoot and cheap to load making tons of practice easy to accomplish. They are very easy on the revolver as well.

Your 7.5 inch new model Blackhawk is a very good revolver for your stated task's. Fun revolver and going to be a hoot to figure out your best accuracy load. The adjustable sights make it easy to dial in the boolit and load you find is the most accurate.

RCBS, Lyman, Lee and Tom at Accurate Molds will have casting molds that are good quality and easy to afford as well as very good boolits one n all for your upcoming new to you addoption.

[Driver33]

I have taken deer with the rcbs 45-255 swc an the 45-270 saa an bothe have performed well for me . I'm shooting a large frame blackhawk in 45colt

[nicholst55]

You may want to check the diameter of the chamber throats, and slug the bore to check for thread constriction before you get started. This has been covered many times on this forum, so I won't repeat the procedures. Member Dougguy is the go-to source for opening up too-small chamber throats.

[jonp]

Since you said you didn't want too heavy I'm assuming target stuff. In mine, I use 200gr and various powders for light target loads usually Promo/Red Dot.

[DHDeal]

You say you don't want a real heavy bullet, so I'd recommend something in the 250-255 gr. range. The old standby 454424 is a good one. I don't remember the velocity of this load without checking, but it's probably 825-850 fps-

https://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Single%20Actions/Uberti%20Frisco/Frisco%2075%20yds%20454424%201%20edit_zpsu7qgbxu6. jpg (https://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Single%20Actions/Uberti%20Frisco/Frisco%2075%20yds%20454424%201%20edit_zpsu7qgbxu6. jpg.html)

https://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Single%20Actions/Uberti%20Frisco/Frisco%2075%20yds%20454424%202%20edit_zpsot849fme. jpg (https://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Single%20Actions/Uberti%20Frisco/Frisco%2075%20yds%20454424%202%20edit_zpsot849fme. jpg.html)

The RCBS 45-255-SWC is a real sleeper, casting very accurate bullets. This load is a "Tier II" or 20-23K psi load. It was very accurate and I intended to use it for hunting but didn't.

https://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Single%20Actions/Uberti%20Frisco/Frisco%2050%20yds.%20RCBS_zpsrgt4dwua.jpg (https://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Single%20Actions/Uberti%20Frisco/Frisco%2050%20yds.%20RCBS_zpsrgt4dwua.jpg.html)

My favorite hunting bullet is RCBS 45-270 SAA design. Mine actually drops at a little over 280 grs. This bullet too has proven very accurate for me-

https://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Single%20Actions/Uberti%20Frisco/Frisco%2050%20yds.%20290%20gr%20SWC%20edit_zpstjm3 gwdo.jpg (https://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Single%20Actions/Uberti%20Frisco/Frisco%2050%20yds.%20290%20gr%20SWC%20edit_zpstjm3 gwdo.jpg.html)

https://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Single%20Actions/Uberti%20Frisco/Frisco%2075%20yds%2045-270%209-9-2018_zps00czqpf1.jpg (https://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Single%20Actions/Uberti%20Frisco/Frisco%2075%20yds%2045-270%209-9-2018_zps00czqpf1.jpg.html)

The last load above is the one I used a few weeks ago on a meat buck. (Details here) (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?393706-Another-Uberti-Deer-Kill)

If you want to keep it simple, get either the Lyman 454424 or RCBS 45-255 mold and you're set. I tried lighter bullets but POI is too low compared to the ones I hunt with.

35W

I am not much into Colt SAA or the clones, but that Uberti looks NICE! The few gunshops I stop in almost never have anything I would look at twice. Sure wish I could look one of the Uberti SA like yours over.

I am a huge fan of single actions with adjustable sights though. It comes down to the front sight, not aesthetics. My eyes aren't what they were....

[hc18flyer]

There are alot of good choices for the 45 colt. I imagine most of your hunting will be for whitetail deer. Anything from 250-300gns will do. Some of my favorites are the noe 454-280 wfn and the mp 452-278 wfn with the small hollowpoint pin. This bullet in my alloy weighs 262gns.
�� I agree. I have a large frame BH and both swc as well as rnfp molds. In the process of thinning the herd down. I think I will settle on my NOE 255 rnfp and my Mihec 280 grain rnfp with up options. My keep my RCBS 270 swc, just because!
hc18flyer

[osteodoc08]

45-270-SAA is my go to. Ignited by 13.5gr HS-6. If it can’t be done with this, you need a rifle.

For plinking I like the traditional 250-255gr RNFP with your choice of fast pistol powder. I generally use 231

[hc18flyer]

My whitetail load this year was 17.5 grains of Alliant 2400 under the Mihec group buy 280 grain info, with a small hp. Soft shooting and real 'thumper'! hc18flyer

[DougGuy]

Regardless of choice of boolit, the majority here will size 45 caliber boolits to .452" this is almost universal with Ruger revolvers as their groove diameter has been right at .451" for decades. When you get your revolver, see if boolits sized .452" will fit into the cylinder throats with finger pressure. Typically, throats would be too small to accept a .452" boolit or gage pin and would need to be dimensionally corrected by reaming and/or honing.

Typically, throats can be inconsistent due to Ruger's manufacturing methods, and having throats all honed to the same size will improve groups as well.

In a perfect world, you would size boolits .001" to .002" greater than groove diameter, and size cylinder throats .0005" to .001" greater than boolit diameter. This arrangement works a charm in all calibers with cast boolits.

[Tom W.]

RCBS 270- SAA shot best in the one that I had.....

[hc18flyer]

I drank the DougGuy 'koolaid', he worked on my cylinder throats. My BH shoots better than I can! I size to .452. hc18flyer

[MT Gianni]

For a shoot all weekend long load I really like the Ideal 454424 and 6.5 gr Red Dot. It will shoot through several deer if they are lined up and its accurate. Depending on bbl length it should be about 1000 fps.

[jonp]

I drank the DougGuy 'koolaid', he worked on my cylinder throats. My BH shoots better than I can! I size to .452. hc18flyer

Your not the only one. I took mine down and talked to him as he worked on it as he lives not far from me. Learned a great deal and the gun shoots superb.

[35 Whelen]

I am not much into Colt SAA or the clones, but that Uberti looks NICE! The few gunshops I stop in almost never have anything I would look at twice. Sure wish I could look one of the Uberti SA like yours over.

I am a huge fan of single actions with adjustable sights though. It comes down to the front sight, not aesthetics. My eyes aren't what they were....

Thanks, it's a Frisco model. I got it from a gun shop in Louisiana and got a good deal on it because someone mishandled it and put that ring around the cylinder. Uberti's, but especially those produced in the last few years, are very well fit and the cylinder throats are of proper diameter, making for some wonderful shooting revolvers.

I'm with you on the front sight. At almost 57 years of age, my days of seeing those .100" thick front sights are getting short, but I've taken a 40 lpi checkering file to all of my Uberti front sights and it has made a big difference, reducing glare and sharpening the front sight picture.

35W

[bigted]

35W ... that is a great idea with making sererations on that front sight. Thanks for sharing this hint.

[rdwarrior]

DougGuy
Well I have received the New Model Blackhawk and I have slugged the barrel and checked the cylinder throats. The barrel measures right at .450. Now for the problem. I slug measuring .454 can be pushed into the cylinder throats with finger pressure. A couple of the throats I would guess are a bit looser at .455 based on pressure to push the .454 slug into the throats. Based on what you wrote below, my cylinder must be way out of specs. proper sized slug for barrel would be .452 but that is .001 too small for the cylinders . What is your recommendation. You are about 100 miles out of range to simply drive up and see you in person as I am in upstate SC.


Regardless of choice of boolit, the majority here will size 45 caliber boolits to .452" this is almost universal with Ruger revolvers as their groove diameter has been right at .451" for decades. When you get your revolver, see if boolits sized .452" will fit into the cylinder throats with finger pressure. Typically, throats would be too small to accept a .452" boolit or gage pin and would need to be dimensionally corrected by reaming and/or honing.

Typically, throats can be inconsistent due to Ruger's manufacturing methods, and having throats all honed to the same size will improve groups as well.

In a perfect world, you would size boolits .001" to .002" greater than groove diameter, and size cylinder throats .0005" to .001" greater than boolit diameter. This arrangement works a charm in all calibers with cast boolits.

[Outpost75]

DougGuy
Well I have received the New Model Blackhawk and I have slugged the barrel and checked the cylinder throats. The barrel measures right at .450. Now for the problem. I slug measuring .454 can be pushed into the cylinder throats with finger pressure. A couple of the throats I would guess are a bit looser at .455 based on pressure to push the .454 slug into the throats. Based on what you wrote below, my cylinder must be way out of specs. proper sized slug for barrel would be .452 but that is .001 too small for the cylinders . What is your recommendation. You are about 100 miles out of range to simply drive up and see you in person as I am in upstate SC.

I see no problem with .455"cylinder throats and .450" barrel. Fit bullet to cylinder throats, use soft alloy and go for it.

In .45 Colt use 255038 cast 10 BHN, 1:30 tin-lead or 50-50 COWW and plumber's lead + 1% tin, sized .454-.455" with 7 grains of Bullseye in Colt New Service and Colt SA clones. OK to go 7.5 Bullseye in Ruger New Model Vaquero.

In .45 ACP/AR use 5 grains of Bullseye, in .455 Mk2 in Starline brass use 4 grains of Bullseye in the Colt New Service, cut 1/2 grain for Webley MkVI top breaks.

Size-'em all .454 unless you have a .455 sizer.

255039255040

45-264H has correct nose length for .45 Colt, 464D is for .45 AR and the .455