Author Topic: Taurus 450 UL bitter/sweet (Read 1163 times)

dakotashooter2 · « **on:** March 25, 2004, 04:26:36 AM »

Just picked up a new 450 UL fro the local dealer yesterday. Loaded some 230 grain LRNs last night so I could fire a few rounds before work this morning. When making loads the first thing I noticed is how short the cylinder is. Anyway the first few rounds fired flawlesly and were not nearly what I expected. I had expected a handfull and got a pleasant suprise. Very manageable. Of course these were slightly above starting loads but I still expected a little more "bite" out of them. I then pulled the trigger again and CLICK. WHAT THE!!!!!!! pulled again BOOM, Again CLICK, Again BOOM. This was not looking good. Reload. CLICK, CLICK, CLICK, BOOM, CLICK. @#$#@.
My next step is to try some factory loads to make sure it isnt a problem with my handloads. I used winchester primers and have never had a problem with them in my 41 but the indents look a little light on these. I hope it's not a problem with the gun. Not a great first impression on my first taurus handgun.

dakotashooter2 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 25, 2004, 05:23:25 PM »

The plot thickens. It will fire flawlessly single action but wants to misfire every other round in double action. I'm begining to think it might be a timing issue with the transfer bar or possibly the hammer is hanging up in double action.

dakotashooter2 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 07, 2004, 11:42:39 AM »

Guess I'm just talking to myself but I found the problem. Hammer spring is too weak. In single action the hammer locks all the way back. In double action the hammer drops when it gets about 4/5 the way back. Doesn't have enough energy to consistently set off the primers. A small washer under the spring increased tension (and trigger pull) enough to get positve firing pin contact. Most likely in part due to the fact that it is the ultra light version and the hammer probably doesn't have adequate weight without more spring tension. Not right but probably easier than sending it to taurus. will probably just try to get them to send another spring.

philb · « **Reply #3 on:** April 07, 2004, 02:32:23 PM »

Dakotashooter2,

You are not talking to yourself. We are out there listening and interested. I've been curious as to what your problem was. Thanks or posting the conclusion. I am about ready to order a 4 inch Tracker in 45 Colt, Model 460, leaning toward stainless steel but still thinking about titanium. I was waiting to see what your conclusion was. I think I might have a similar problem with a Taurus 32 H&R Magnim UL. The guy I bought it from said it only fires in single action with certain kinds of ammo. He suspected hard primers. It has worked flawlessly with everything I put through it so I haven't worried about it. Back to the 45 colt. My concern with the Ti is the possibility of heavier bullets jumping the crimp in short cylinders and brass sticking with "warm" loads, since Ti is more flexible than steel, and of course comfort. I would love to hear how you are doing in these areas. I plan to load carfully working up to 45 ACP pressures as I and others have discussed on this forum and on handloads.com. Looking for 1100-1150 fps in a 255-265 grain bullet. I would love to know what bullet weights and velocities you are shooting , whether factory or handloads, and how you are doing in these areas. Is your gun steel or Ti and what does it weigh?

Thanks,

PhilB

Dan Walker · « **Reply #4 on:** April 07, 2004, 05:43:23 PM »

I have a 4" 45 on layaway right now. I'm interested in your load development as well. I'm thinking of using 255gr rnfp's or 250gr xtp jhp's for my loads.

dakotashooter2 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 08, 2004, 03:48:24 AM »

Haven't played around with any load development yet. Just been loading 6.5 gr unique under a 255 grain cast bullet trying to get this thing to work. The chambers seem to be a bit sloppy (large) and with the load above (mild) they fall out without touching the extractor. Had some mild leading but contibute that to the fact that the lube on the commercial cast bullets I bought and the bullets themself are just to hard. I recovered one bullet and outside of the rifling it didn't look as if it had even been fired. I haven't done any formal accuracy testing but it appears to be reasonably accurate.

Of note: the exploded view of this gun shows what is labeled as an "adjustable" mainspring bushing (where I added the washer) but on my gun it doesn'nt appear to be adjustable. I assume that if it is actually installed in other guns it is probably to compensate for this problem.