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AR15.COM
12/11/2009 4:07:02 PM EDT
Hey guys,
 I've been loading .45LC's for a buddy for his cowboy shooting along with the other calibers I've been doing.  I figured I may as well be making some for myself as well so ordered a set of Ruger Vaquero 7.5" revolvers today.  I like SAA's and already have a pair of Uberti's in .357 but went with Rugers for the .45LC as from everything I have read they can take the heavier loads much better as they aren't actually built to old school tech, they just look like it.  Hopefully that's right.  Anyway, I plan on using them for plinking and stuff with light cowboy loads but self justified the purchase figuring I could load some hot and heavy ones up to use as a camping/mountain gun for those just in case scenario's.  Anyone have any data on just how far you can go towards a .44mag level with a modern .45LC.  Also, is there any specific brass out there that would be better suited for heavier loads?

Thanks
12/11/2009 4:24:57 PM EDT
[#1]
Do you have old Vaquero's or new Vaquero's?

You do not need to load to .44 Magnum pressure to get performance out of a .45 Colt (no such thing as a Long Colt).
12/11/2009 4:35:26 PM EDT
[#2]
Quoted:
Do you have old Vaquero's or new Vaquero's?



This, you can not load heavy for the new Vaquero. I just loaded some 310 grn. home cast slugs with gas checks that do about 1,200 fps from a 51/2" barrel. Really can't do that with a new model Vaquero.
12/11/2009 4:43:42 PM EDT
[#3]
Quoted:
This, you can not load heavy for the new Vaquero. I just loaded some 310 grn. home cast slugs with gas checks that do about 1,200 fps from a 51/2" barrel. Really can't do that with a new model Vaquero.


Oooh, that's a load!
12/11/2009 11:22:27 PM EDT
[#4]
I got the idea from  reading about them in a gun rag and researching the info on the inter net.  http://www.customsixguns.com/writings/dissolving_the_myth.htm There is a lot of good and bad info on the net about heavy loads for the .45 Colt, it can arguably out perform the 44 mag. The loads I load are about as stout of a pistol load as I would personal want to shoot, I would feel comfortable using them on any large or dangerous game in the US including the large Alaskan brown bears.
12/14/2009 6:15:18 PM EDT
[#5]
That is a good link.. Thanks.  By the way guys, forgive my ignorance, but where do you get the data that you can't load hot in the new Vaquero's?  Not arguing the point I would just like to find some data on the subject.  Thanks.
12/14/2009 6:26:35 PM EDT
[#6]
The Old Vaquero (1993 - 2005) is built on the same size frame as the SBH.

The New Vaquero (2005 - Pres.) is built on the same size frame as the BH.