Author Topic: 45 ACP?  (Read 4679 times)

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Offline HGunner

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45 ACP?
« on: November 23, 2012, 03:05:21 AM »
While its not very traditional, the 4 5/8" Ruger Flattop 45 (or standard Blackhawk) with the ACP cylinder would make a heck of a field gun for a fella that doesn't reload.  Practice ammo is fairly cheap and it will handle the 230 grain +p loading which would be an acceptable short range deer cartridge for someone who can shoot.  I'm not sure there's anything out there that's better for a guy that also wants to regularly shoot his trail gun with factory ammo.  Any thoughts?

Offline Empty Quiver

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Re: 45 ACP?
« Reply #1 on: November 23, 2012, 05:39:40 AM »
9mm and .357 Blackhawk comes to mind. For some reason that one always appealed to me more than the .45 / .45acp version. 9mm is really cheap and a .357 is not to be trifled with. Cost on both are far less than feeding a .45 long Colt premium fodder, and the added benifit of availability.
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Offline HGunner

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Re: 45 ACP?
« Reply #2 on: November 23, 2012, 07:29:52 AM »
I'm not really talking about using it as a convertible as I agree that 45 colt is ridiculously priced as factory ammo.  I'm suggesting buying the Ruger 45 to use as a 45 ACP all the time.  I would envision the 4 5/8" gun as the optimal trail gun.  I personally find 45 ACP much more pleasant to shoot out of a short barrel than 357 mag.  And one day when you decide to reload you can break that 45 Colt cylinder out and have an even more versatile gun :)

Offline 45-70.gov

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Re: 45 ACP?
« Reply #3 on: November 23, 2012, 07:44:43 AM »
a  1911 clip  might be the closest thing to a speed loader  in a single action gun
thumb them out of the clip right into the chamber
just incase you such a poor shot you need to reload  after 6 big ones



at least make it easy to get them out of you pocket all at once
keep ammo separated...clip  of +P,  clip  of cat sneeze[my favorites],  clip of snake shot
pretty versitile with out the 45colt
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Offline 1sourdough

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Re: 45 ACP?
« Reply #4 on: November 23, 2012, 08:48:55 AM »
 I found a 45 acp cylinder for my 4 5/8" SS Blackhawk. I only shot the acp cylinder enough to test it out, worked great. My gun is stainless & the acp cylinder is blued, easy to tell apart anyway.
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Offline Victor3

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Re: 45 ACP?
« Reply #5 on: November 23, 2012, 11:23:00 PM »
 I recently bought a Vaquero (SS Talo edition with 3.75" bbl) in 45 ACP and finally got to shoot it yesterday. Fired a box of standard 230 grain FMJ and a box of my mild LRN reloads. I was happy to find that both shot close to point of aim @ 25 yds, with the FMJ printing ~1" higher than the lead.


 Very comfortable shooting gun. Low muzzle flip; recoil was mild and mostly straight back. Low price of ammo makes it comfortable on the wallet too.  :)


 I'm now planning on buying the Vaquero "Montado" in 357. If I can pick up a 9mm cylinder for it, that'll be the icing on the cake...


http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_49_118/products_id/411549082/Ruger+VAQ+MONTADO+357+3.75SS
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Offline Lloyd Smale

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Re: 45 ACP?
« Reply #6 on: November 24, 2012, 01:01:02 AM »
I guess my thoughts are that if i was in your postion id pass on the gun and buy the loading gear first.
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Offline HGunner

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Re: 45 ACP?
« Reply #7 on: November 24, 2012, 02:28:40 AM »
Oh, I'm not in that position!  I reload most of what I shoot.  This is just a thought I had after recently shooting a Ruger 45 Flattop with the 45 ACP cylinder -- good power, good accuracy and pleasant to shoot.
I still see plenty of people at the range burning factory ammo and 45 ACP is more reasonably priced than most.  Personally, I prefer to reload the 44 special  :)

Offline gcrank1

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Re: 45 ACP?
« Reply #8 on: November 24, 2012, 03:24:23 PM »
HG, you are right, IMHO. There are times I havent got around to stuffing cases and an opportunity arises to go play. For me its 38Spl. loads to do similar to what you express, in a 38 or even in the 357 NMBH (which is marvelous). Hey, the 22s get more rounds than anything! A well done hit in any caliber feels good. I say go for it if you find one; you wont have any trouble moving it if/when you tire of it  ;) .
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Offline Dusty Wheeler

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Re: 45 ACP?
« Reply #9 on: December 04, 2012, 02:55:59 PM »
My 4 5/8" Ruger Flattop 45C/45ACP is my most shot handgun, usually with the ACP cylinder.  I'm a handloader so cost of factory ammo isn't the issue.  I just really like shooting little groups with H&G 68 clone ammo!  I'm a plinker and this gun is just plain fun to shoot!  To each his own!!

Offline Victor3

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Re: 45 ACP?
« Reply #10 on: December 06, 2012, 12:56:51 AM »
  I just really like shooting little groups with H&G 68 clone ammo!


 Or, if you wanna go totally nuts on the wadcutter wagon... :D


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Offline rice paddy daddy

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Re: 45 ACP?
« Reply #11 on: January 01, 2013, 04:24:06 PM »
Mine's a New Model Blackhawk 5 & 1/2". I like the versatility of cheap ACP plinking ammo + the ability to load or buy factory 45 Colt ammo that is as stout as a 44 magnum. You can't do that with a Flat Top or the New Vaquero.
It's actually my nightstand gun and is at this moment loaded with 45 Colt +P Corbon 200 grain JHP.
Back in the 70's I had a 7 & 1/2" 45 Convertible that was one of the most accurate handguns I have ever fired, but it got away and Ruger no longer catalogs that barrel length in the 45 Convertible. :'(
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Offline tacklebury

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Re: 45 ACP?
« Reply #12 on: January 03, 2013, 03:04:45 PM »
I love mine.  I have a 5.5" New Model Blackhawk convertible and it will be the last gun I ever dispense with if necessary.  Super versatile.  I make birdshot loads, which you can buy for a lot more from CCI, and also Round ball, RNFP lead for target, 240 gr. Sierra HP for deer and if going where bear might be 300 gr. XTP magnums over 23 gr. H110 (serious recoil junkies only).  Everything else is unique powder.  I also load .45 acp and do 200 gr. RNFP, 230 gr. XTP HP's and have tried a couple other wad cutters etc.  Main go to is the RNFP for plinking/target though.  ;)
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Offline wvjoetc

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Re: 45 ACP?
« Reply #13 on: January 05, 2013, 03:52:18 AM »
I just traded one up yesterday afternoon at a local gunshow 45lc/45acp, it looks new in the box.  It is blue 5 1/2 barrel and it just feels and looks good.  I'm thinkin the 45 acp will be a good truck carry gun.
 
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Offline Blackhawk44

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Re: 45 ACP?
« Reply #14 on: January 10, 2013, 09:09:22 PM »
I have been shooting an ACP cylinder in my Colt for many years and for most purposes, prefer it.  ACP's are easier to load, easier on powder and brass is all over the range for the taking.  I use a Dillon 550 for both, but load ACP's by the gallon jug.  I think every .45 Colt single action should be required to have an extra ACP cylinder.   

Offline popplecop

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Re: 45 ACP?
« Reply #15 on: January 13, 2013, 02:04:36 PM »
Just ordered one with a 6.5" barrel to match my .41 mag Blackhawk.  My old eyes seem to do better with the longer barrel.  My old Super in .44 with a 5.5" barrel sight pcture is marginal, but I'll keep it.  I do like the .45acp cylinder as I am addicted to 1911s in 45 so have plenty og ammo.  Can't wait to get it.
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Offline HGunner

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Re: 45 ACP?
« Reply #16 on: January 16, 2013, 12:25:01 PM »
I'm glad to hear that others are making good use of their 45 acp cylinders!  The Ruger dimensions seem to work great with typical factory 45 auto ammo -- glad I bought some before Christmas!  Does anyone have a hunting bullet/powder combo they like for the 45 auto?  I might consider a short range deer hunt in the future.  Factory +P ammo might do the trick.

Offline GarrettJ

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Re: 45 ACP?
« Reply #17 on: January 19, 2013, 02:02:01 PM »
Wow.  Almost 20 posts, and nobody has mentioned the dreaded "long jump to the rifling" causing poor accuracy.   :P

But in actual usage, I find the ACP cylinder shoots more accurately than the .45 Colt does.  I think it may have something to do with the rate of twist being a little too slow for the typical 255 gr. bullets found in the .45 Colt, but being okay for 200 or 230 gr. bullets. 

Come to think of it, the most accurate load I recall shooting in .45 Colt was CCI Blazer shooting a 200 gr. hollowpoint.  So there may be something to that theory.  Of course, I keep thinking I need to load up some heavy and light loads in each and test it out, but never get around to it.

Offline gcrank1

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Re: 45 ACP?
« Reply #18 on: January 19, 2013, 02:05:58 PM »
Isnt the dup. of the old cavalry load in 45C a 230gr. bullet?
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Offline popplecop

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Re: 45 ACP?
« Reply #19 on: January 22, 2013, 11:05:12 AM »
Well my 45c Blackhawk Combo arrived today.  I had ordered a 6.e" one to go with my .41 mag BH, alas they sent me a 4 5/8ths one instead.  After looking at and handling it I'm a happy camper.  Now have my old .44 mag SBH with a  5.5", a .41 BH with a 6.5", a .357 50 th Yr. with a 4 5/8", a SS in 32 H&R with a  4 5/8" and now a BH combo 45c & 45 acp with a 4 5/8".  That should cover the bases for me in SA centerfires.  Really happy the the new one came with the shorter barrel.  Now if it would just get out of the single digits so I can go and shoot it.
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Offline gcrank1

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Re: 45 ACP?
« Reply #20 on: January 22, 2013, 12:04:11 PM »
'Get out of the single digits'; ain't that the truth!
Thats a nice spread o' Rugers, for sure. Ive got that 50th 357 too and its a nice piece of work, how does the fit & finish on the new one compare?
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Offline BigMuddy

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Re: 45 ACP?
« Reply #21 on: January 22, 2013, 05:04:54 PM »
Well my 45c Blackhawk Combo arrived today.  I had ordered a 6.e" one to go with my .41 mag BH, alas they sent me a 4 5/8ths one instead.  After looking at and handling it I'm a happy camper.  Now have my old .44 mag SBH with a  5.5", a .41 BH with a 6.5", a .357 50 th Yr. with a 4 5/8", a SS in 32 H&R with a  4 5/8" and now a BH combo 45c & 45 acp with a 4 5/8".  That should cover the bases for me in SA centerfires.  Really happy the the new one came with the shorter barrel.  Now if it would just get out of the single digits so I can go and shoot it.

I wondered when you said you ordered a 6.5" as Ruger has never made a 45 BH in that barrel length. I am sure you will like that one.

Dan
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Offline popplecop

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Re: 45 ACP?
« Reply #22 on: January 24, 2013, 03:02:40 AM »
See Big Muddy whatI meant about old eyes, also brain.  The 5.5" would have matched by SBH .44 mag.  May be it's the darn cold affecting what old brain cells I have left.  Thanks for correcting me, now send me some warmer weather so I can shoot it some please.  All I ask for is the 20s f.
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Offline SHOOTALL

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Re: 45 ACP?
« Reply #23 on: January 24, 2013, 03:10:55 AM »
a  1911 clip  might be the closest thing to a speed loader  in a single action gun
thumb them out of the clip right into the chamber
just incase you such a poor shot you need to reload  after 6 big ones



at least make it easy to get them out of you pocket all at once
keep ammo separated...clip  of +P,  clip  of cat sneeze[my favorites],  clip of snake shot
pretty versitile with out the 45colt

 
what a good idea , thanks
one thing is both the 45 acp and 45 Colt are quiter than 357 and 9mm  ;)  my ears seem to like 45 something better. and when a good pair of hearing aids cost 5 grand what's a couple extra bucks a box of 50 ?
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Offline dakotashooter2

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Re: 45 ACP?
« Reply #24 on: February 04, 2013, 11:00:45 AM »
Option 3
Cut down your 45colt brass with cracked mouths to Schofield length.........................
 
I throw away very little pistol brass. .357 gets cut down to .38s, .38s get cut down to .38 S&W.......................
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Offline 45-70.gov

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Re: 45 ACP?
« Reply #25 on: February 04, 2013, 12:18:00 PM »
Option 3
Cut down your 45colt brass with cracked mouths to Schofield length.........................
 
I throw away very little pistol brass. .357 gets cut down to .38s, .38s get cut down to .38 S&W.......................


isn't 38 snw larger diameter??


or is it just close enough
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DO WHAT EVER IT TAKES TO STOP A DEMOCRAT
OBAMACARE....the biggest tax hike in the  history of mankind
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AFTER THE LIBYAN COVER-UP... remind any  democrat voters ''they sat and  watched them die''...they  told help to ''stand down''

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Offline gcrank1

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Re: 45 ACP?
« Reply #26 on: February 04, 2013, 01:46:06 PM »
Not close enough for one actually chambered as 38 S&W, OK if you are just making 'equivalent loads' for your 357M or 38Spl. The value to me would be in those just like a 32S&W fits a 32Long chamber (or the 38 in a 357, of course).
But it aint like 38 brass is expensive (yet). Ive lost so few cases to splits with my mild mannered cast bullet loads that I just dont care (yet, again, but who knows what the future holds?).
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Offline Mike in Virginia

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Re: 45 ACP?
« Reply #27 on: February 06, 2013, 10:04:53 AM »
I like the notion of the convertible, especially in the flattop.  I have a flattop in .44Spl, which is about the same ballistics as the acp.  Either makes for a very good trail gun.

Offline onebilly43

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Re: 45 ACP?
« Reply #28 on: March 12, 2013, 12:06:16 PM »
I bought a Vaquero Talo edition in 45 acp about a month ago so far I have only run about a half box of 45s through it and it does shoot to point of aim at 15 yards as soon as the weather turns a bit warmer I will give it a good work out

 

Offline gcrank1

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Re: 45 ACP?
« Reply #29 on: March 12, 2013, 01:46:14 PM »
Too sweet!
Thanx to you guys I just had to have one; and our local Gander Mtn happened to have a blue model (my pref.) just sitting there calling my name.........
These feature the New Model Vaquero frame, S-BH hammer, specially 'gunfighter' birdshead panels, short headed cyl. pin., and the 'warning' on the underside of the barrel.
Now why doesnt Ruger make one of these in the Sgl. Six series, blue or stainless, adj. sighted or plain? Bet they would sell a ton.
"Halt while I adjust my accoutrements!"
      ><   ->
We are only temporary caretakers of the past heading toward an uncertain future
22Mag UV / 22LR  Sportster
357Mag Schuetzen Special
45-70  SS Ultra Hunter with UV cin.lam. wood
12ga. 'Ol' Ugly OverKill', Buck barrel c/w  SpeedStock  and swap 28" x Full bird barrel, 1974