loads for revolvers and Contenders

[barber]

Do you load bullets differently for revolvers and T/C'S? For example, 280 gr WLNGC, .44, 21.5 GR of H110 for a SRH, or SBH. Would the same load be used in a Contender .44?  Thanks

[jhalcott]

  Since each gun IS different I load for THAT gun! IF (big IF) the load shoots as good in another gun so much the better. I have 10",14" and 21 inch 7TC/U barrels as an example. The BEST loads from each are a bit different for each barrel. Maybe a grain or 2 of powder (or a different powder) and the bullet wont be the same. Maybe a change in primers to get the BEST load. Could I kill a deer with any of these loads from any of these barrels? YES, but the distance for an accurate shot will not be the same. I have a 12" 308 and a 22" 308 ,factory loads can be used in either gun with no ill effects. Accuracy will be improved by handloading though.
   As I under stand it the T/C action is a bit stronger than most revolvers. Also the lack of a cylinder to barrel gap gives the T/c a bit more velocity. Your load of 21.5 gr/H110 seems to be near a MAX load. There fore <I would drop back a few grains and rework up the load for the T/C

[Ladobe]

Good reply jhalcott.

With not much effort on your part at all you could easily find lots of published load data on-line for the 44MAG in a Contender.   Still start well below max and work up, but that data would get you started safely.



   

[EdK]

Interesting question. Here's another angle on it: you set up a HOT 45 Colt round for your 'tender (max load H110/WW296 under your favorite heavy slug.

Later on you're having a bad day and fire it out of your Colt SAA 

[Keith L]

That is why I got a Vaquero.  I use load charts that are built for both.

[Lone Star]

Which Vaquero - the new weak one or the old strong one?   


.

[Keith L]

This I haven't heard of.  What is the difference and when was the cutoff?

[EdK]

I'm not going to tell anyone else what they should do. I found that I liked my original Colt SAA style revolvers so much - especially those from USFA, that I actually got rid of my 45 Colt Ruger revolvers and T/C barrels along with all of the ammo that could be dangerous in an original Colt. I got a Freedom Arms model 83 454 for the wild and kept the originals for the mild. No hot loaded 45 Colts for me anymore. Anyone can have an accident in this manner. You don't have to be an idiot - we are all human.

If I didn't keep any standard 45 Colts around then I probably would not have taken such a measure.

I like Lone star's point: How do you segregate the "Ruger-Only" handloads to the older Rugers and keep them away from the newer Rugers (in the same household!) 

[Graybeard]

I do it by using Starline cases for the hot and RP, WW and Hornady for the mild. I also NEVER EVER load jacketed bullets for mild loads and use only a very limited selection of bullets in mild that NEVER EVER are used in the hotter loads.

[Keith L]

I guess in a sense I am doing the same thing.  I have only used cowboy type loads in the Vaquero and only jacketed bullets in the loads for the Contender.  All my reloading information lists loads together that are Contender and Ruger.  They don't differentiate between old/strong and new/weak.

[Lone Star]

You NEED new reloading information!  Ruger recently re-designed the Vaquero - it is now a smaller-framed revolver and only SAA-level loads are recommended.  Speer's newest manual states very emphatically that:

"Ruger has advised the industry that the New Vaquero must not be fired with loads exceeding industry pressure standards (14,000 psi)."

You can find similar warnings on-line.   Caveat emptor.


.

[Keith L]

About when did this take place?  My Vaquero when placed next to a Blackhawk is identical except for the lack of adjustable sights.  I have had it about 5 years.  And my loading manuals are newer than the pistol.

[Graybeard]

I'm CLEARLY NOT the source for Ruger info but I think they made the change in either 2005 or 2006.

[Keith L]

You are right Bill.  Sorry.  I was just about to remove the post.  I found dimensions for the new Vaquero on the net and I have the old, strong one.  For once I seem to be on the right side.

[EdK]

Linebaugh/Bowen Ruger 5-shot loads out of a newer Ruger Vaquero would probably be exciting...

[blhof]

I have a DW 357 max and a Contender barrel in 357max.  I use a permanent marker and separate marked boxes for the loads for the Contender as the loads for the Contender are usually too long to use in the revolver.  I use the marker on the bottom of the loaded ammo; usually an x across the back and only reload these for the Contender.

[Hawk-in-Wi]

IF it says NEW VAQUERO  on the frame then its the newer weaker or smaller frame version ,

IF it justs says VAQUERO  on the frame then its the older  Vaquero that can handle the hotter loads

[Keith L]

Yes, thanks.  I found that out.  I suppose I should read the mags once in a while to keep up on this stuff.  Mine is just plain Vaquero.