Author Topic: Another 45/410 Q - do I have a normal configuration?  (Read 407 times)

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Offline DanL

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Another 45/410 Q - do I have a normal configuration?
« on: August 30, 2003, 05:19:44 AM »
Its an older barrel, 10" octagon (type III?), you remove the choke and its 7+ inches and appears to be ported.  Did these things usually come with a port on them?  Just curious, mostly, bought it with several other barrels 3rd or 4th hand many years ago and spent most of my time with the 222 and 25-35 barrels back then.

Haven't fired it in over a decade, but I'm now handloading some pretty hot rounds for a 45 Colt Redhawk.  Can I use those rounds in this barrel or do I need to stick with cowboy loads?
Dan

Offline Paladin

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Another 45/410 Q - do I have a normal confi
« Reply #1 on: August 30, 2003, 01:37:43 PM »
that is an old barrel, I think you'll find that a 410 will not go in the chamber. they were made for shot capsuals. I have shot heavy loaded 300 grainers out of mine. try one if the gun does't come open or the case stick or tear your hand off they'll work fine. as long as the loads are out of a loading manual I think your safe. I don't know what your load is so that is a loaded question(ha ha ha)

Offline RonF

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Another 45/410 Q - do I have a normal confi
« Reply #2 on: August 31, 2003, 02:02:20 AM »
Dan, if it is factory marked .45/410 then what you describe is the standard configuration for an early barrel.  It can take a .410 shotshell.  I believe the Hotshot capsules were only for use in .357 and .44 Mag and that they never made them in .45 since there was already a suitable shotshell made (the .410).  The strength of the Contender is in the lock-up, and you should be able to fire anything you fire in the Ruger.  Reloading manuals lump the Ruger and T/C together as far as maximum loads go.  Still, you should work up to those loads since this is a different firearm.  I think the problem you are going to have is that the light and short octagon barrel is going to kick pretty badly, especially if you are using a frame with grips of the same vintage as that barrel!  Also, I have not personally achieved great accuracy in one of these barrels; the chamber is so long to accommodate the .410 that the bullet may enter the rifling crooked, and accuracy just hasn't been there for me.  It would be ok for deer at woods ranges, but that's about it.

Good luck!

RonF