Picked up a Ruger Vaquero (used) recently in 45 Colt. As has become my habbit, I miked the chamber mouths to see what size cast lead bullets would perform best.
To my considerable surprise a couple of the chambers measured less than .450". There is no way this gun would shoot .452"-.454" bullets accurately. This may be why it was sold cheep (under $300) dispite having some added features like a Belt Mountain cylinder pin, a wide Super Blackhawk hammer, and a trigger job.
In talking to a friend of mine I learned he had the same problem with his 45 Colt Ruger. He referred me to a gunsmith who had a 45 Colt chamber reamer which opened the chamber mouths to .4545", which is just right for the .454" bullets I prefer.
If your late model Ruger in 45 doesn't shoot very well, you might check the diameter of the chamber mouths. This may be the cause.
To my considerable surprise a couple of the chambers measured less than .450". There is no way this gun would shoot .452"-.454" bullets accurately. This may be why it was sold cheep (under $300) dispite having some added features like a Belt Mountain cylinder pin, a wide Super Blackhawk hammer, and a trigger job.
In talking to a friend of mine I learned he had the same problem with his 45 Colt Ruger. He referred me to a gunsmith who had a 45 Colt chamber reamer which opened the chamber mouths to .4545", which is just right for the .454" bullets I prefer.
If your late model Ruger in 45 doesn't shoot very well, you might check the diameter of the chamber mouths. This may be the cause.