How hot will a P90 go?

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In searching the archives, I understand the Ruger P97 is a more accurate but polymer frame version of the P90. I've also read that the P90 will supposedly handle any of the +p+ loads out there.

So, given the recurrent .45 versus bear or heavily clothed or barricaded human "bear", just how far can one push a Ruger P90 without changing springs, etc. Then how far can one push a P90 by beefing it up? What parts and gunsmithing may be needed? What are the hottest factory loads? How hot can one handload without damaging the gun or oneself?

Let's also confine this thread to .45acp rather than getting off on the "what you really need is a .44 magnum" argument {I've got a couple of those}. For this scenario I'd rather consider different loads for the .45 rather than multiple guns.
 
It is my understanding that the P90 will handle the .45 Super with only a heavier recoil spring required. For an idea of what the .45 Super can do, go to www.triton-ammo.com. Triton made some 185 gr. flat point FMJ loads for the Navy Surface Warfare folks. If I were looking for a bear load for the P90 that would be it. On a critter like that penetration is more important than expansion. That said, carry a carbine in bear country if you anticipate a problem.
 
The Ruger P90 or P97 will handle ANY SAAMI or NATO Specified factory - loaded ammo. There are two other cerifications also listed in the owner's manual but I cannot recall them now. The owner's manual clearly states this without equivocation going over- board to make the point that P Series pistols are designed to shoot the full range of ammo which is most appealing to your's truly although I feel well protected with any .45ACP for self-defense.

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"When guns are outlawed;I will be an outlaw."
 
Anyone remember the cover story Shooting Times did when Ruger re-introduced the P-85 as the P-89? They did some unreal torture testing to include cutting a 1 1/2" by 3/4" section of the slide away forward of the ejection port and firing (I think) 10K rounds without significant failure. But they internally threaded the barrel and screwed a steel rod leaving (Again I think) .010" clearence from the tip of the round and fired it off. Blew out the extractor and magazine, killed the barrel, and (I think) bent the guide rod. Ruger replaced all damaged parts and againg fired inexcess of 5K through the pistol.
I wish I remembered what issue it was in, but alas my memory ain't what it used to be.

Given the above, I think you'd be HARD pressed to damage a Ruger .45 using standard ammo. However do not take this as a license to go to extremes when handloading for it.

Gator
 
Bill Ruger had his engineers build that pistol with the 10mm cartridge in mind, although Ruger has never offered it as such. Crank it up. You're not gonna hurt it.
 
I don't own a P90. There was a guy over at http://www.rugerforum.com that goes by "P90" who was shooting some .45 super through his. He talked to Ruger and they said not to do it. I believe he's using hot handloads in Super brass now. You might go do a search over there.
 
Thanks Phil!
The Ruger forum opens up a whole 'nuther country. I've got a Mini-14, a 44 mag Super Blackhawk and a .357 Blackhawk in addition to the P90DC. Thanks for the url!
 
How hot???

WARNING HOT LOADS AHEAD, DON'T TRY THESE IN YOUR GLOCK 21, SIG220, OLD 1911, ANY UNSUPPORTED CHAMBER, OR WITHOUT USING THE STARLINE .45 SUPER BRASS. AUTHOR IS NOT RESPONSIBLE IF YOU BLOW UP YOUR GUN OR HAND. :eek:

7.5 gr. W231, behind 230 ball, 45 Super brass.

10.5 Grs. AA#5, behind 200 Hornady XTP, 45 Super brass.

12.0 gr. AA#7, behind 200 Hornady XTP, 45 Super brass.

These are the current hot loads my P90DC with Wolff 16lb. recoil spring and heavy duty firing pin spring is currently eating with no problem.

Not your grandfather's .45 loads... :D

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.45 Super... Fat and FAST...

"No provision in our Constitution ought to be dearer to man than that which protects the rights of conscience against the enterprises of the civil authority" - Thomas Jefferson

[This message has been edited by Desert Dog (edited May 06, 2000).]
 
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