Blackhawk holster options and some other questions

[Cottage Hill Bill]

I posted this in the Single Action forum, probably should have posted it here.

I deer hunt in south central Alabama. Up until now I have carried either a Bearcat or a 3' S&W J frame because my only need for a handgun was to put down a wounded deer or possibly a snake or coyote. The recent appearance of feral pigs and a newly resident 250 or so pound black bear has changed the equation a bit. I frequently hunt with a single shot rifle so I want to start carrying a but more of a backup. The only choice on hand for this season is a Blackhawk in 45 Colt, Bisley grip and 7 1/2 barrel.

Can anyone recommend a good bandoleer style or shoulder holster for this piece? I'll need something that will fit over a jacket but can easily be adjusted to wear over only a shirt or even a tee shirt. It's often the case here that the day will start off in the low 30's but be into the 50's by lunchtime.

Also any reccomendations for handloads? I both cast and reload.

This Ruger has been sitting in the safe too long with too little use, it's time to change that.

Thanks,
CHB

[flatgate]

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

Find the "Ruger Only" loads for the .45 Colt cartridge. 

flatgate

[mrussel]

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

Find the "Ruger Only" loads for the .45 Colt cartridge. 

flatgate

 I hear some of those "Ruger Only" loads get into 44 magnum territory. I carry my Ruger Super Blackhawk in a Triple K cross draw holster. It fits nice and snug and Ive never felt it was going to fall out or anything.

[greenrivers]

I just recieved my Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake holster and found it to be very comfortable. Mine is for the 4 5/8 barrel but rides high on the waist enough to not interfear with carrying a rifle. Great people to work with too! As I understand it a harness is available to convert it to a shoulder holster as well. This one works for me for both hunting and general carry. Check them out online under Simply Rugged Leather. Good luck!

[jloehm]

I use the Bandito bandolier from Pistol Packaging and love it.  Extremely comfortable. http://www.pistolpackaging.com/Bandito_Shoulder_Belt_p/bsb.htm
 

[Ladobe]

I went with custom cross draw holsters/belts for all my SA's.
 
This one does double duty for both Blackhawk 357MAG and Single Six 22MAG old models.
 

 

[greenrivers]

Ladobe, that is a very nice looking rig. Nice classic lines. Wouldn't mind one of them myself.

[Ladobe]

Here's one of mine in use for maybe a better idea.
 

 

[jloehm]

I just noticed the request for handloads, I personally shoot a 7.5 Bisley in .44 so can't help much on specifics.  That being said I would think just about any load that you can shoot accurately would do the job on most southern deer.  If we were talking about deer that routinely dress out at 200 or more the bullet choice and load might become a little more crucial.

[jimster]

These holsters can be used a few different ways...
http://www.simplyrugged.com/chesty-puller-conversion-system/
I think any big heavy cast bullet with a wide flat front end going fairly fast would be good in 45 colt. 
 
 
 

[Strikenmike]

Let me jump in here.  I just bought a Ruger Blackhawk 357 with a 4 5/8" barrel.  Sent it to Ahlmans in MN to be polished up a bit and tweak the action.

When I get the gun back, I will need to get a holster.  What I think I want is a shoulder-mounted crossdraw holster, probably in leather.

I would appreciate anyone with this set up for this size wheel gun to give me some direction.

[SHOOTALL]

Galco makes a nice holster like OP wanted and Hornady has some great Ruger loads listed for Ruger