Going nuts!

[Hit or Miss]

Alright!  Here's the story.  I have a 7 1/2" Stainless Blackhawk in .45 Colt that I've been tinkering with for several years now.  It simply refuses to shoot a group that I can live with.  I've been trying every pet load I can come up with from as many sources as possible with the exception of bullets lighter than 250 grains.  I prefer to shoot lead in it but have tried jacketed to no avail also.


The first major thing I had done was to have the cylinder throats reamed to proper specs.  The trigger is good, just a little creep in it.  We slugged the barrel at just smaller than the throats so I know that is good.  I have also Taylor throated it.  My next move is going to be a Belt Mountain base pin and then think about recrowning it.  When we slugged it I couldn't feel any major restriction either.  The barrel doesn't lead any more than I would expect  with the loads I have tried so I don't really see an advantage to fire lapping it.


I refuse to give up on it!  Once in a while, when I need a good dose of frustration, I set up the loader and start trying loads for group.


I'm wondering if the cylinder diameter is too large and causing a problem with accuracy.  I have noticed quite a bit of sooting on the cases at times.


What say ye?  Any other suggestions?

[m-g Willy]

What bullet dia. are you using?
You didn't say what youg bore slugged out to.
.451 might not be big enough to get a good seal in the barrel.
Try .452-454 dia. cast bullets before you give up.
 
 

[Hit or Miss]

Just when I thought I posted all the info!  I'm using .452 bullets already.  They slip through the cylinder throats with a little nudge.  The bore miked out at .4515 if I recall correctly.  Recovered bullets always have a nice imprint of the rifling on them.

[flatgate]

My .45 cal. Blackhawks like 325-335 gr. hard cast gas checked bullets. (Montana Bullet Works)  I use CCI 350 primers and W-296 powder (pretty much what's in my loading manuals).   I use a firm crimp, that is I seat and lightly crimp with my standard .45 Colt dies then I use a Lee Factory Crimp Die to put a FIRM crimp on those heavy bullets.


It works for me.  I've shot a 4-3/4" group, off sand bags, at 100 yards with one of my Blackhawks.


JMHO,


flatgate

[Hit or Miss]

Ahhhh, Flatgate!  If only I could get this gun to shoot a 4" group at 15 yards! 

[44 Man]

First let me congratulate you on a fine gun (once you can get it to shoot!).  I don't think you will find a new cylinder pin to be helpful.  It sounds like the throats and bore are good also.  I once owned one of the early .45 Blackhawks that had thge .454 throats (like Colt) and a .451 barrel.  That one wouldn't stay on a barrel at 50 feet until I fed it .454 sized bullets instead of the .452 I had been trying.  The next place I would consider is the barrel.  Check the rifling, then the forcing cone and see if you have both, and if they look good.  I have seen some guns that got through without a forcing cone at all!  f the forcing cone looks good, the I would guess then next place to check would be the muzzle and make sure it has no nicks or dents.  Take a soft cotton glove and feel if the crown has any burrs also.
If all else fails, you can contact Ruger and send it back.  It is definately outside of their acceptable accuracy standards.  Good luck with it, 44 Man.

[Lloyd Smale]

First thing ill suggest to you is try heavy bullets. Ive struggled lots in the past with bullets under 275 grain in the ruger 45 colts. I think its a combo of to slow twisted barrels and that 250 grain 45 bullets are stubbier then 44 bullets the same weight and need a bit faster twist. About the only way i can get 45s to CONSISTANTLY shoot well with lighter bullets is to run them fast. This whole thing is why i much prefer 44 mag rugers to 45 colt rugers. Ive yet to have a 44 mag ruger that didnt shoot well. 45s are pot luck.

[Brett]

Check the crown.  Even a small burr can really mess up your accuracy.