What kind of fodder for my Vaquero?

[james]

I just acquired my first sa .45 LC and was wondering what to feed it.   From what I have been reading, the 250 gr lead is pretty standard.  I don't have dies yet as I probably won't shoot it that much.  I have plenty of lead if casting your own is the way to go. I load for .357 and .44 so another set of dies is not that big of a deal for me.  I would appreciate any suggestions.  It is ss and the older large frame model so it should handle the warm loads.  I'll probably be punching paper mostly but maybe carry it when backpacking in bear country.

[kynardsj]

250 gr cast over 9.0 gr of Unique for 875 fps is my every day load. Very fun to shoot. As far as getting hot with them check out the Hodgdon website in the section for Rugers, TC's and Freedom Arms. There are some very hot loads for jacketed bullets over H110 and Lilgun. The ones I load over Lilgun aren't something I want to shoot a lot of in my 4 5/8 Blackhawk as they're just danged uncomfortable, but if I traveled in bear country I wouldn't hesitate to pack a cylinder full of them. Good luck on finding your load and good shooting.

[james]

Thanks Kynard,
I guess I need to put a feeler out for 45 dies in the want ads.  I looked on fleabay and gun broker and they didn't have mucn in the 45 colt category.  I have a RCBS press but  I may consiider the Lyman 310 tool and dies because of its portability and the nostalgia aspect.

[WD45]

Love the 45LC  
Is yours a new model or the old heavier model ? Makes a big difference on what loads it will take

[kynardsj]

I bought my Lee 45LC dies from Ebay then went back and got a factory crimp die. I use them for the 45's and also my 454 Casulls.

[Frank V]

I just acquired my first sa .45 LC and was wondering what to feed it.   From what I have been reading, the 250 gr lead is pretty standard.  I don't have dies yet as I probably won't shoot it that much.  I have plenty of lead if casting your own is the way to go. I load for .357 and .44 so another set of dies is not that big of a deal for me.  I would appreciate any suggestions.  It is ss and the older large frame model so it should handle the warm loads.  I'll probably be punching paper mostly but maybe carry it when backpacking in bear country.

James, that gun will stand pretty heavy loads. Loads that would destroy a Colt or the New Vaquero, if you load it to those levels be sure they don't get into a weaker gun.
Standard Colt loads will shove a 270gr lead SWC to 830fps easily & not be dangerous to either gun. A heavy .44 or .45 cal slug at mid 800s will penetrate almost unbelievably & will be enough for about 90% of our shooting. Enjoy that Ruger, it'll serve you well. I use the RCBS 45-270-SAA mould & really like that bullet. With wheel weights it comes out almost 280 grains. It really works.
Frank

[WD45]

oops, just re-read your post and saw you already stated its the old model. I'll tell ya though that 9.5 grains of unique under a 250 grain keith bullet does about all I need