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Posted: 7/4/2013 5:13:03 AM EDT
| Does anyone know whether I should use .451 or .454 cast lead bullets for reloading .45 Colt for use in a Ruger New Vaquero? I know that originally .454 was used, but I think I read somewhere that modern guns chambered in .45 Colt are bored to use .451 so as be able to use the same bullets as .45 ACP. Any insight on this would be appreciated. |
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The bullets really need to fit the cylinder throats. Try taking one of your .454 bullets and see if it can be pushed through the cylinder without a lot of force. If so, your pistol may shoot better with the .454 bullets rather than the .452. If the bullets are really tight in the cylinders (i.e., won't pass through without resorting to pounding), then you can size, or get .452 bullets.
Ideally, both the groove diameter of the revolver and the cylinder throats need to be the same size. However, it is generally more critical that bullet enters the forcing cone as straight as possible, hence fitting the throat usually gives better accuracy. Accuracy usually suffers the most when the cylinder throats are smaller than the bore. As with any rules of this sort, there are individual guns and component combinations that defy the norms. |
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