Another Blackhawk thread

C

cmdc

New member
I've been reading the thread about the difference between the Lipsey .45C/.45ACP and the large frame convertible.

I have the Lipsey version with 5.5" bbl, which I put a a Bisley grip on, and I want to know if I can shoot loads stout enough for pig/deer hunting with it?

Thanks
 
Yes you can easily get 1000 fps with a 255gr hardcast SWC and properly placed that'll take care of deer/pigs.
 
It's a Lipsey's exclusive built on the medium/New Vaquero frame. It was under discussion in another thread, where it was made clear that it wasn't quite as strong as the large frame Blackhawk, because the cylinder walls are thinner, hence my question.
 
Forgive my ignorance, what is the "Lipsey version"?
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As cmdc said it's a mid frame blackhawk same as used for the 44 Special guns and it has the distinctive flat top with the micro brand rear sight.
I'll also add that they are some of the sweetest single actions ever, IMHO the balance is just a bit better.
 
ok, TY! I wasn't aware of that gun.

Anything (properly) built on the NEW VAQUERO gun, or for that matter the original Colt SAA or a quality clone can safely get a 250gr bullet up to about 1000fps, with enough barrel. Some might even be able to get a bit more, but that is an individual gun thing.

Look at the old loading manuals. Using Colts as test guns, they top out with 250s at 1000fps +/-.

I would rate the Rugers at least as strong as the Colt. (We can agree in that, I think :D)

People successfully took deer, pigs, horses, and humans and many other things with loads at that level, or less, back in those days, and I strongly suspect could do it today, as well.
 
So would that be a good hunting load as well? 24" of penetration sounds impressive.
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Absolutely. As far as standard pressure .45 Colt loads go that load is about the top of the spectrum. Also being hard cast it is much harder than regular lead, even jacketed lead, so if it hits bone it will not deform and can crack the bone and continue to travel.

You could also check out this load, its a 255gr SWC, not hard cast but slightly heavier and only about 50fps slower

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=45

.
 
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Check out the load tables here :

https://www.riflemagazine.com/magazine/PDF/HL 246partial.pdf

You are safe with Tier 2 loads. With HS-6 (what I like) you can reach 1100fps. Plenty of 'go' for your application I think. I like 13.0g HS-6 under 255g SWC as my woods load. Not a hunter, but I think it should be just fine from all that I've read. I shoot them occasionally out of my New Vaquero and Lipsey's .45 Colt/.45ACP flattops (as well as the large frame BHs).
 
I was looking at Double Tap's website and they say their .45Colt +P ammo, at 27,500 is "safe for all Ruger revolvers". That can't be right can it?
 
I was looking at Double Tap's website and they say their .45Colt +P ammo, at 27,500 is "safe for all Ruger revolvers". That can't be right can it?
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That's a lawsuit waiting to happen. If I remember right the New Vaquero's should not have any loads greater than 21,000 psi.

Edit: Actually just sent them an email to let them know. Would hate for anyone to injure themselves or damage their gun, or even have Double Tap getting sued.
 
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Oh God. The first NewVaq45s came out in 2004, that's 10 years ago. Well...OK, it'll be 10 years in December but still...sheesh...
 
Regardless it's pretty serious. While it may not kill you, putting one of those rounds in the wrong gun could blow the gun and seriously injure you. No one wants to take shrapnel to the face and potentially become blind.
 
it is a bit curious, but for me the curiosity is what the difference is between an overpressure load (more than "rated for") and one that will actually blow the gun.

Personally, and from a practical standpoint, I don't think any of the .45 Colt caliber Rugers will blow up from a 28K load. Of course I have no proof of that its just my feeling, and I could be completely wrong.

Damage in a gun rated for 21K from shooting 28K loads? Possible, even probable. But a catastrophic failure, in a Ruger at that level? I'd say unlikely.

That being said, I'm not volunteering my New Vaquero or myself to test it.:D

I don't know what would be considered a proof load for the .45 Colt, but a proof load should be considerably higher pressure than the max. working pressure of the gun. And guns are expected to survive proof firing without damage.

Considering the business that Double Tap is in, I think the only way they would allow such a statement "safe for all Ruger revolvers" was if they believed it to be true. Or a clerical error left out some words, such as "large frame", and nobody caught it.;)
 
I cant say for sure if it will blow up the gun, but I can provide an email from Tim Sundles the owner of Buffalo Bore regarding the smaller frame flat top Blackhawks with use of +P .45 Colt, this would also include the New Vaqueros since they use the same sized frame.

Ruger made some 357 framed (small framed) 45 colt Flat Tops, which is why we specify all large frame Ruger revolvers. When Ruger did this, without any consultation with those ammo companies that were ALREADY making +P 45 colt ammo for many years prior, they really threw a monkey wrench in the spokes. Many customers have bought +P 45 colt ammo for those small framed Rugers and it has caused serious problems.

Tim
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This is also included on Buffalo Bores site for their +P .45 Colt

These Heavy .45 Colt +P loads are safe in all LARGE FRAME Ruger revolvers.
(includes Blackhawk, Super Blackhawk, all pre-2005 Vaquero, Bisley, Redhawk)

These Heavy .45 Colt +P loads are NOT intended for the New Model Vaquero (small frame).
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I'm no expert in this but I have read that the Rugers built on the smaller New Vaquero/flattop frame can take .45 loads up to 23,000 psi safely. They are reputed to be safe with 45 acp +P using acp cylinders. I keep mine to 21,000 and below. Any comments?

I realize .45 acp cylinder walls might be ever so slightly thicker due to differences in cartridge dimensions.
 
Yes, the .45ACP cylinder is rated for +P. I'm gonna stick with tier two loads for my flattop. I have Rossi 92s in .45 Colt and .454 Casull. I know I can shoot nuclear loads in those if I want some extra thump.
 
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