Mould recommendations for Ruger Blackhawk 45 Colt

[Pistolero]

My guess is that they will say - so what? on that throat dimension. It would probably
shoot jacketed bullets fine, and us crazies, shooting bullets of naked lead don't really
count for much.

Bill

 

[Longone]

We'll find out soon. I called and spoke with Ruger customer service today and UPS will pick it up tomorrow. I would like to think that the poor finish in the cylinder would be enough for them to replace it, but time will tell. Ruger also told me that they expect it to be returned in 3-5 business days after it's delivery, that alone was reason enough I was willing to give them a shot first.

 

[Pistolero]

Good luck, and I really hope that they do what you want.

I like and trust Ruger, but I do understand that us cast bullet guys are about 1/4 of 1 percent
of the market and our ultra picky expectations for throat diameters and finish are not the
norm, and jacketed bullets - the overwhelming majority of the market - are far more forgiving
of diameter and surface finish "issues".

Bill

 

[Ian]

I like most things Ruger and most things Lee Precision....but expect a diamond in the rough, or maybe more accurately, a garnet. Ruger has been famous for having very "generous" accuracy and dimensional standards, so if it will group 8" at 15 yards with factory ammunition (or whatever is their accuracy standard) and function properly, it will "meet standards".

When it comes to finishing the job I prefer to so that myself.

 

[Longone]

I understand that their spec may be a broad range but I think that the finish in that cylinder is just unacceptable. Dia. tolerances are one thing but there is night and day differences between the two cylinders (45 Colt & ACP) as far as finish is concerned. I can only see what they say, and at this point with them picking up the shipping both ways, I have nothing to loose. I am not a machinist but feel even if the proper reamer (.4525" ?) were run in those chambers it would not have cleaned them up, the grooves were too deep, poor accuracy and leading would be on the menu. Until it is returned I'll just keep my finger crossed and hope for the best. When it is returned I'll follow up.

Thanks for your help. Longone

 

[Longone]

Just in from NH Ruger. They actually do make a smooth reamed 45 ACP cylinder, even if the bore is undersize which I fully expect, it is certainly better than their other specimen. Now to go and measure it.

 

[gman]

Size to the throats and shoot it.

 

[Longone]

.451"

 

[S Mac]

Pretty tight.

 

[Pistolero]

At .451, I would at least try it, might be just a hair tight but may be fine. Mine was .449,
and that wasn't OK with .4515 groove diameter.

What is the groove diam?

Any frame restriction?



Bill

 

[Paden]

What Bill says. Throat diameter needs to be considered relative to groove diameter. Happily, my groove diameters all come in right at .450... I certainly wouldn't go wrenching on a .451 throat until I had shot it a bunch.

 

[Longone]

I have not slugged the barrel just yet, I will shoot it first and see what I get for feedback. Tomorrow will be a bit frosty but a range trip is overdue.

 

[Pistolero]

Discovering if you have a restriction at the barrel thread is an important part of
this process.

However, if Mr. Target gets happy in your testing,it is time to stop looking for boogie men.

Bill