Author Topic: Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter 45 Colt (Read 4073 times)

jakes10mm · « **on:** January 30, 2005, 05:33:47 AM »

Well, I posted about the SRH vs SBH for my hunting buddy. He went for the SBH Bisley Hunter in 44 mag. Not to be outdone, a local dealer found on of the Lipsey exclusive Super Blackhawk Hunters in 45 Colt. Haven't had the chance to take it to the range, but have about 200 cowboy loads lying around that will be shot very soon. Anyone else out their using this pistol or 45 Colt for hunting? Could use some recommendations for hunting hand loads.

Thinking of changing the fron sight to a Marbles Fiber Optic and adding the "One Ragged Hole" rear sight insert. Again, anyone have any experience with these two sights?

Thanks

BlkHawk73 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 30, 2005, 06:07:18 AM »

Got one of them when they first came out. Still haven't taken it to the range yet. :oops: Had wanted a 45 Hunter since the first Hunter came out years ago. There's a 45 bisley hunter from lipsey's this year.
as for loads, I'm thinking about making up some of my own insead over any heavy factory stuff. I've always had goo luck with Winchester and Federal loads in my other 45 Blackhawks.

jakes10mm · « **Reply #2 on:** January 30, 2005, 12:04:22 PM »

I got the same word on Lipey's offering for 2005....a 45 Colt Hunter with a Bisley grip. After handling both, I have to admit that I favored the blackhawk grip over the Bisley frame. I believe it comes from my use of a 1911 in pistol competition. The angle on the backstrap of both look very close. The straighter grip of the Bisley now feels akward.

Looking forward to getting out to the range!

bigjeepman · « **Reply #3 on:** January 30, 2005, 03:26:52 PM »

jakes10mm ...

I got the Lipsey's exclusive SBH Hubter in .45 colt about two months ago. I have not had the opportunity to go hunting with it but it will be my weapon of choice for my next boar hunt. Using Hornady's 250 gr XTP, Starline brass, CCI 300 primers, I have used H-110 and AA-9 powders getting info off of Steve's pages. I used 24 to 25 gr of H-110 with moderate success but liked th AA-9 and 17 to 18 gr best. Next weekend, I will be getting my AA-9 loads a little warmer until accuracy and/or comfort disappear.

I really like this .45 colt and will not scope it unless I change my mind in the distant future.

Lawful Larry · « **Reply #4 on:** January 31, 2005, 05:18:22 AM »

This is one nice shooter.

I took this beauty out for two days in the woods and didn't see a thing. The very next day I took out the S&W 629 and shot two does. Go figure that one out.

I have two hunting loads for this gun: 230 gr XTP with 23.5 grs of WC820 (H108 pull down powder). And second 300 gr XTP with 18.5 grs of WC820. I personally found that the WC820 powder was about 10% more powerful then the H110. This is only my observation remember.

Now these are loads that work for my gun and I workded my way up to them. Drop down 10% and work your way up for yourself.

jakes10mm · « **Reply #5 on:** March 10, 2005, 06:01:47 AM »

Went out last weekend and fired a few of the first heavier loads in the SBH. My favorite so far is a 250gr LRN over 26gr of H110. Should clock out in the high 1300s range and proved to be very accurate. First shot was a surprise....only fired "Cowboy" loads before that. I was ready for the following rounds and kept the next 8 (only loaded 10 in various powder loads) in a close pattern. I also had some Speer 300gr JFP bullets over H110 and 2400. All did well, but the forementioned load was the most notable the first time out.

By the way....I love this pistol! So much, I had a local dealer place a used Blackhawk 45 on hold for me. It's a short barreled model that will eventually become a customizing project for me.

DakotaElkSlayer · « **Reply #6 on:** March 10, 2005, 03:36:26 PM »

Using Jimbo's definiton of accuracy, what is the maximum range you can shoot with your 45Colt and KNOW every bullet will hit a paper plate? This months American Handgunner has an article called, "The .45 Colt Sucks!" I thumbed through the rag and the author states that the .45 Colt isn't a very accurate round...

Thanks,

Jim

sawfish · « **Reply #7 on:** March 11, 2005, 06:59:07 AM »

The Marbles Fiber Optic sight is great. Fits perfectly, and the fluorescent green color looks nice on the gun and the target. If you are using both scope and iron sights, the One Ragged Hole peep is too tall, as it hits the bottom of the scope objective housing when you try to mount the scope. I have ordered a wide shallow V blade for the rear. Should work well with the fiber optic front. Good luck.

Lawful Larry · « **Reply #8 on:** March 11, 2005, 07:38:46 AM »

That article was only talking about cowboy loads using reduced loads, not hunting loads for Rugers and TC's. I would take the shot out to 100 yards, but find I only need, on average, 50 yds.

This is what I did with a five (5) shot group at 50 yds using my SBH with a 2x Leupold scope mounted:

My best out to 100 yds has been inside two inches. that was using a rest of course. :wink:

DakotaElkSlayer · « **Reply #9 on:** March 11, 2005, 07:52:47 AM »

Thanks Larry! Wow, you can really shoot that thing! Wow, that's probably better than I could do offhand with a rifle w/open sights. :shock: Good, now I know that I will be the limiting factor when it comes to accuracy. :grin:

Jim

WD45 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 11, 2005, 08:01:47 AM »

The 45 colt sucks..... :eek:
Then why is it still around after more than 100 years and maybe gaining in popularity over some of the other rounds
Heck... I have had guns in lots of calibers that sucked other than 45 colt and I am sure some of you other guys have too..
A few of them you would have been better off throwing the gun at something than trying to shoot it :-D
Most of the 45's I have had were probably more accurate than I could hold under 100 yrds once I found the loads they liked. Then I have had some real stinkers too.

Lone Star · « **Reply #11 on:** March 11, 2005, 09:53:16 AM »

Don't get worked up by what you read in the slicks boys, especially AmHNDGNR. :blaster: The articles are written to sell magazines; the editor knows that the "Sucks" title will piss off a bunch of .45LC fans so they'll buy the rag, and that a bunch of .44 and .41 fans will buy the rag to read about how bad the competition is. Contorversy sells magazines guys, and they are getting their free advertising right here on these forums.
Keep the faith, nothin' beats a .45LC...... :twisted:

DakotaElkSlayer · « **Reply #12 on:** March 11, 2005, 01:16:00 PM »

Thanks guys! Definately going .45, but can't decide if I should wait and then jump through hoops to get a Bisley, or go down to Sportman's Warehouse this week and just buy the standard Super BlackHawk Hunter in .45Colt?

:roll:

Jim

redd7 · « **Reply #13 on:** March 11, 2005, 02:51:03 PM »

wait for the bisley, I have one in .44 and love it. didn't know till a few days ago that a .45 was an option. I may have to trade up when they become available. As far as single action revolvers, I liked the look but not the feel. But the bisley is the mot comfortable (recoil wise) handgun to shoot.

DakotaElkSlayer · « **Reply #14 on:** March 11, 2005, 05:45:59 PM »

Too late. Just bought a Super Blackhawk Hunter in 45 colt... The standard grip just felt better in my hands.

Jim

BlkHawk73 · « **Reply #15 on:** March 12, 2005, 12:36:26 AM »

Quote

Just bought a Super Blackhawk Hunter in 45 colt

:toast: :yeah:

bigjeepman · « **Reply #16 on:** March 12, 2005, 02:16:01 AM »

DakotaElkSlayer ...

A wise man you are ... what a great addition to anyone's collection of fine firearms. I absolutely love mine and have had a great time searching for different loads that are accurate and comfortable to shoot. I do not recall you saying you reloaded or not but if you do not, the .45 colt would be a fantastic caliber to start with. I like reloading because I will end up with a load that meets my expectations for accuracy yet is comfortable to shoot. I have the most confidence in these type of loads versus loads that are just too hot for me. You hear so much about shot placement from the hunters. I feel the same even if I am just putting holes in paper at the range. I like loads in my Hunter that are around 1000 to 1100 fps with 250 gr XTP's.

Good luck with your Hunter.

WD45 · « **Reply #17 on:** March 12, 2005, 04:55:05 AM »

As far as hunting loads for deer with the 45 all you need is a 250 GRN or heavier pushing 1000FPS or higher and you will have meat in the freezer.
There are several powders that will do that with no problem and plenty of info in the loading manuals.

DakotaElkSlayer · « **Reply #18 on:** March 12, 2005, 12:06:12 PM »

Thanks guys... I ended up buying the one on Gunbroker that BlkHawk73 told me about.

Ya, I reload....sort of! I am a Lee Loader man. :grin: Got an 1895GS(.45-70) that made me want to load my own. Then I found a Lee Loader for my .280... And, I know they make 'em for .45 Cot! :lol:

Thanks for the hunting load information!!! That was something I was going to ask about...size and speed for deer hunting. I really want to load to fit the game I am hunting... You know, hot enough to get the job done, but not overkill.

Now I have to find an FFL transfer guy who isn't going to try to bend me over... :shock:

Thanks,

Jim

Lawful Larry · « **Reply #19 on:** March 13, 2005, 07:05:06 AM »

Quote from: DakotaElkSlayer

Too late. Just bought a Super Blackhawk Hunter in 45 colt... The standard grip just felt better in my hands.

Jim

Great to hear that you made a wise decision. Welcome to the club.

Now don't go cheap on the optics. I am sure you have a preference on scopes, but there are some scopes that hold up better under the extra power of the hand cannon, Burris & Leupold, etc.

Happy hunting and good luck! :wink:

BlkHawk73 · « **Reply #20 on:** March 13, 2005, 08:26:51 AM »

I agree with what Lawful Larry said. DON'T cheap out on optics. I've got a Baush & Lomb on my .41 that's stood up to some heavy stuff. I think i'd go Burris if I were to scope my Hunter. Just like them better than the - in my opinion - over-rated, Leupold.

jro45 · « **Reply #21 on:** March 13, 2005, 10:15:58 AM »

I have the Ruger New model Blackhawk and with 240 gr bullets going 1450 fps I sighted it in at 100 yds, has leopole scope 2x, I shot a 3/4 group. No handgun hunting in my state but next time I go hunting out of state I'll take it with me.

sawfish · « **Reply #22 on:** March 14, 2005, 06:45:30 AM »

:eek: Before you make a final decision on the scope, check out the Burris 2 x 7 with Ballistic-Plex reticle. It sure opened my eyes. Same field of view as their low powered variable, plus the calibrations on the BP reticle will enable you to make 200 yard shots with an ease you never thought possible. Last December, I witnessed a Burris Rep. take a whitetail doe at 330 yards with a 30-30 Contender ! This is no BS, we confirmed the distance with Burris, Leica and Bushnell range finders. The BP reticle eliminates lots of guesswork, and calibrations for a number of calibers are available on the Burris website. Worth a look.

Camel 23 · « **Reply #23 on:** March 14, 2005, 11:44:04 AM »

Trying to post a couple target pics. If the 45 Colt sucks I would be willing to try any revolver that the author thinks is more accurate.

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/album_pic.php?pic_id=336
http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/album_pic.php?pic_id=337

jro45 · « **Reply #24 on:** March 14, 2005, 11:56:24 AM »

What was the distance those targets were shot Camel23 ? The rounds I shot at 100 yds were copper H.P.

DakotaElkSlayer · « **Reply #25 on:** March 14, 2005, 01:23:50 PM »

Well, I guess the BSA pistol scope is out then. :-D Thanks for all the optics advice. I think the optics won't be coming until summer... I was lucky the wife let me get the pistol since it seems like all our money is going to diapers(two month old son! :?

Jim

Camel 23 · « **Reply #26 on:** March 14, 2005, 01:46:02 PM »

jro45, those were both at 50 yards if I remember correctly. With those loads the point of impact was nearly the same at 25 and 65 yards. 65 yards is the farthest shot I could possibly take from my deer blind. The only work that has been done to my Hunter was having the cylinder throats opened up slightly. Other than that it shot that well straight out of the box.

Camel 23 · « **Reply #27 on:** March 14, 2005, 01:52:57 PM »

Finally figured out the picture posting. Here is another one at 50 yards.

SingleFan · « **Reply #28 on:** March 14, 2005, 02:05:03 PM »

A big key with the 45 is to find out what diameter she likes. I have a SW performance center light hunter that just loves beartooth 280 gr WFN (.451 dia) and 13 grains AA5 (pushing about 1100 fps). It shoots 1" groups or better open sights at 25 yards from a rest with boring repitition. Took two dear with it last year; one at about 50 paces and another at 65. Had the 2X Leupold on top. I agee with the feller that described how the gun rags approach writing an article. It's ludicrous to state that the .45 sucks. Makes them look unprofessional to say so because experienced handgunners that have worked with the round know it is a great round.

I like this caliber better than 44 any day. Have had quite a few 44's, got nothing against them. That 45 makes a big hole and drops 'em in their tracks - with less bite to the hand than my .44

Beartooth makes a great bullet and if you slug your gun, Marshall will cast some to fit, but he stocks the 280 WFN GC in .452

sawfish · « **Reply #29 on:** March 14, 2005, 02:22:28 PM »

Camel23,

Please do not post any more pictures of your fine looking SBH Hunter, or its fantastic groups. I promised myself that I was not going to buy another SBH, as I thought three was enough. You are causing serious damage to that promise ! Good shooting.

Sawfish