.454 in a SBH.....Hmmmmm

[PJ]

Hey,does anyone know if you have a .45Colt in the SBH can it be converted to the .454?

[msmith]

I may be mistaken, but I think Phillips and Rogers will do it.

[JohnK]

By going with a new 5 shot cylinder, yes. By just reaming out the standard cylinder to accept 454 Casull cartridges, no.

[Varmint Hunter]

I can't believe that the conversion can be safely done. The working pressure for the 45LC is about 60% of the maximum working pressure of the 454 Casull.
According to Ruger, the reason that they charge more for the SRH in 454 or 480 is that a propriatery steel must be used to withstand the higher pressures. Additionally, a special heat treatment must also be completed to these guns.
I have heard that the max pressure for the 454 is 62,000 PSI, which is more like a 300 Wby mag than a 45LC. :eek:
I'm sure that boring out the cylinder is easy but I sure wouldn't be the one to fire 6 factory loads in it.
VH

[bad shooter]

I own a blackhawk that has been converted to 45 LC from 30 carbine. My reloads are 300 grain lead over 23.5gr of H-110 or win 296 (the gunsmith's load). This load clock 1600fps! Along with 1 inch groups at 50 yards. No problems yet.

[JohnK]

Have you actually run that load over a chronograph bad shooter? The reason I ask is in my 7.5" Blackhawk 45 Colt 23.0gr of H110 only does 1140 fps with a 310 gr LFN. Which bullet are you using?

Now considering you had it converted from a smaller caliber you almost certainly have tighter chambers and a tighter barrel/cylinder gap, but  400+ fps difference seems a bit much to attribute to those variables.

Even 25.0 gr of Lil'Gun only does 1,330 fps from my gun.

If you have chronographed it and it actually does that velocity that's great, you must have an amazingly tight gun with a glass smooth barrel, and should hang on to it until the end of your days (and then make sure your kids hang on to it.  :grin:  )

[msmith]

I'm sure that boring out the cylinder is easy but I sure wouldn't be the one to fire 6 factory loads in it.
VH

Read what JohnK said

"By going with a new 5 shot cylinder, yes. By just reaming out the standard cylinder to accept 454 Casull cartridges, no."

This is a completely different, 5 shot cylinder and is oversize compared to the original at that.

[Varmint Hunter]

When switching from a six hole cylinder to a five hole cylinder, I'd assume that there would be some timing issues to be worked out also.

I would also be curious to know how much a conversion like this would cost.

VH

[msmith]

Don't quote me on this. The last time I checked it was $500 plus some odds and ends.

[JohnK]

Here's a few good articles on the 5 shot conversion on a budget.

http://www.singleaction45.com/another5.htm
http://www.singleaction45.com/5shotconversiononabudget.htm
http://www.singleaction45.com/5shot2.htm

[CJ]

This thread got me thinking, a very scarey thing. I took the cylinder out of my Bisley and dropped a Win .454 factory round in the chamber, and it fully chambered. 4 of the 6 chambers will seat, the other 2 could probably be pressed in with a little pressure, and I imagine fire if the cylinder were in the gun. Do not take this to mean I am willing to attempt it, I like my hands, eyes and the gun way too much. The the only explanation I have is that I had the the throats reamed for cast bullets, and this coupled with a heavy crimp on the factory ammo lets them chamber. Something to be wary of if you shoot both cartridges.

[Dr64]

I am about to enter a trade for a Ruger SRH that has been converted by Andy Cannon - Cannon Conversions.  I have been reading the post here about the Rugers in 454, the conversion has a fluted 6 shot cylinder?

What I am wondering is should I look to have a 5 shot cylinder installed?  I was thinking about going to a non-fluted cylinder anyway.

This will be my 1st real wheel gun (I have a Ultimate Python, buts its never been fired), and definately my first Ruger Wheel Gun.

Now I have fired many a Magnum/Hand Cannons,(Automags in 357, 41 & 44, LAR Grizzly in 45WM & 50AE, DE's in 357, 41, 44, 440C & 50AE) so I am not worried about recoil, but I want to load this round to its max's specs.

Here is a pic of the gun:


Thanx in advance for any input
Zero

[Graybeard]

Don't think that's a super red but a Redhawk. Different guns completely.

GB

[Holiday]

I remember an article in a magazine, I believe it was Guns and Ammo, that delt with the conversion of a Blackhawk to .475 Limbaugh. If it will handle that, I think it would handle .454 Casull.

[Camp Cook]

Check out www.sixgunner.com/linebaugh/default.htm for his conversions.
Cam