New Ruger Vaquero and pressure levels 45 colt

[Kmrere42]

HI,


With the new ruger a little slimmer than the old one. It seems that the max pressure level to which the 45 could be loaded to is around 24,000 - 25,000 CUP.  If this level is not exceeded what should one expect for velocity in the 5.5" barrel length. 

I am still looking for the right model for my next piece.




Thank you,



Paul

[Dan Chamberlain]

Heck, even with black powder loads using ffg, you should be able to launch a 255 grain bullet in the 900fps ballpark!  That's what they were throwing them in 1873! 

In a Colt sized handgun, that is a good velocity and a decent amount of recoil.  With the New Vaquero, I have no doubt you could go faster, but I'd simply stop at 900 to 1000 fps and be satisfied.

That will kill a buffalo!

Dan

[Lloyd Smale]

stick to colt level loads in the loading manuals. Thats what ruger recomends and it just doesnt pay to push it. If you want to shoot big loads find a big framed ruger. 900 fps is obtainable and with a 250 grain bullet at those speeds your little ruger will take care of most hunting chrores just fine. Ive shot deer bear and pigs with loads like that in the 45 colt and 44 specials and mags and never found them lacking in power.

[BlkHawk73]

  What Lloyd said.  Stay within standard SAAMI spec and you'll be all set.  If one needs more oopmh, get a bigger cartridge rather than overloading the gun at hand.  (ie:  if you want 44 mag or 454  performance, buy that cartridge)

[44 Man]

The Ruger will safely handle what is considered .45 acp +p loads, about 21000.  That said, this is still top level SAA .45 colt levels.  Acording to Dave Scoville in his book 'Loading the single action army' he lists a load of 20 gr 4227 with a cast bullet.  I load that under a 265 gr cast SWC and get almost 1000 fps in my New Vaquero.  That load will do anything you would ask of that gun and is even a little uncomfortable with the small grip frame.  If you want to go higher, you should buy the Blackhawk.  Not only for the beefier cylinder but also for the longer grip frame. (more space between the trigger guard and your fingers for recoil)  44 Man

[Kmrere42]

Hi,


Thank you for the replies,


I have decided to get a old model vaquero. I have looked over a number of different models and because I also reload for a NEF handi in the same caliber I do not want a mixup later with a hot loaded round that would be safe in the rifle to be introduced into the revolver.


I will let you know what I find.


Paul

[Lloyd Smale]

those old model bisley vaqueros and even vaqueros are still my favorite rugers.

[stormspotter]

Handloader magazine 2007 has some good loads listed for the New Vaquero and 270gr SAA bullets.

[fowler]

I can point you to a 4 5/8" Bisley Vaquero in 45 colt, new condition for I think $450.00 I think. I also know of the same gun in a 44 mag for $400.00 at a different shop. Let me know they are at shops (or were) that I frequent...

[jd45]

Where'd you get the idea that the new Vaquero is capable of withstanding pressures topping out at 25K? Just curious..........maybe it is but I still ask the question. Thanx, jd45

[Kmrere42]

Hi,


Well I found one.  7 1/2" blue/case color Vaquero.

Made in 1994 and by the looks of the finish it was kept in the box in a safe for most of its life.  Bore is excellent and looks like only a few rounds were fired.  Cylinder gap is an exceptionally tight .0025-.003.  Cylinder holes .451 , Bore .4525 .  This will be fixed soon when I get a proper reamer. 

$365.


jd45,   In the April 2005 edition of Handloader magazine there is a detailed analysis of the cylinders from the different models and the relative strengths of each. I have a rifle in 45colt and I have some ammo that I had loaded for a standard blackhawk that I had years ago and did not want an accidental mis-load into a weaker revolver, This is why I decided to get an old model vaquero.  Plus I do like to experiment with warmer loads.

I would think that the new model vaquero could handle higher pressures but I would not want to test that assumption without actual test data.  The grip is also narrower  in my hand and I do prefer the old model grip frame.


Paul