old model upgrade

[jather]

first time posting in this section, have questions on refitting my ombh in 45lc. have read posts here in reference to over/undersize cylinder throats- mine measure ,456, which i consider definitely oversize, especially as i shoot jacketed ammo exclusively-.451/.452. but i also think chamber size too large as well, measuring .486. some data shows nominal case diameter at .477, other at .480. all brass i've measured goes .477. i can't see where being .007-.008 oversize does anything good for accuracy. would sooner see .003 clearance on case and .002 max clearance on bullet/throat. maybe fretting unnecessarily, but trying to get accuracy much better- 10 in. at 25 yds. isn't good to me. am looking at replacing cylinder with new model piece. will require fitting that i believe i'm capable of, probably an unfluted bisley unit. trying to decide chancing a direct replacement in 45lc, or rechamber a 44mag and size it tighter to case/bullet specs. of course all original pieces will be retained/stored to return so it can be restored if needed, don't want to permanently destroy a classic item. any thoughts appreciated on whether doing things unneeded/cost prohibitive, etc.. thanks in advance for any help/advice offered. regards, jather.......PS i reload and run ammo on the hot side, using for deer hunting with 250gr fodder...

[Hit or Miss]

I'd say go for it if you have the time and the money to invest.  I'd be curious how much difference it makes in the accuracy of the gun.  The .44 cylinder would be the best bet for getting the specs exactly how you want them.

[flatgate]

Installing a rechambered .44 mag. cyl. may require some extensive work.  If the cylinder's "body" is a bit shorter than your original you'll end up with a horrible b/c gap, which can be fixed by refitting the barrel which would then mean the ejector housing would also need to be refitted.

If your barrel is GOOD then either shop for a replacement OM .45 cylinder that is a bit closer to "spec" or, IMHO the better solution, contact one of the "name" 'smiths for a new cylinder.

flatgate

[jather]

thanks for the replies. just bought a used new model bisley 44 cylinder. iirc, i checked dimensions between my ombh and brothers' nmsbh, new model cylinder gave me some material to work with as in slightly longer/bigger. take a while? could well be, but i'm a patient man when it comes to making my toys the way i want them. regards, jather........

[Axehandle]

IMHO an excellent plan... I'm always looking for 44 mag cylinders for my 45 Colt Rugers.  Don't have the skills to fit them but I live pretty close to John Gallagher...  Some of the old heads say that the tight chambered 45 colts are a waste for brass life and accuracy but an early exposure to some bench rest shooters got some ideas stuck in my head that won' come out.  Good luck and keep us posted!

[jather]

well, sorry fellas, ain't gonna do it. researching a bit more on my gun, as in looking at manufacture date, see ruger only chambered old model in .45colt for three years. wondered why the few times i looked on gunbroker etal that i wasn't seeing any like mine. looked last nite and saw a couple asking $800 or a bit more! none had bids and were in much better finish than mine, but still! i can't bring myself to chance wrecking, or at least devaluing a classic piece. and after i already bought cylinder, barrel, reamers. oh well, guess i'll just have to start looking for a new model project piece to get my fitting jones satisfied. in fact if anyone knows where to look for new models in need of serious tlc/ rebuild, would appreciate a note. regards, jather....

[flatgate]

If your OM .45 is in "safe queen" condition.........


.....then I'd say "let it be".  However, if it exhibits a bit of wear and, perhaps a sign of a "cylinder ring" then I'd go forth with your
"new cylinder" project. Just do all fitting ON the replacement cylinder so the original can be reinstalled at a later date.

Shucks, I have a OM .45 that I found in a shop here in Wyoming.  It had been to Ruger for a new barrel and cylinder!  I bought it
and shoot the heck out of it......

flatgate

[jather]

hear what you're saying, flatgate. mine definitely no safe queen, more of a well-usad shooter, you know, plenty of character but definitely has the new knocked off of it a long time ago. really pored over dimensions for fitting just the cylinder with the new model bisley piece i've got, and sure enough, front of cylinder gonna come up right at .010 barrel gap. overall length has plenty, but...  will have to redo barrel fitting to complete the job. i've kinda got my dander up and think i'm probably go ahead and do it anyway, unless a new model project piece jumps up and bites me. but i like the sweet action and trigger on om compared to nm... there we go. thanks for the input, guys. regards, jather........