I just bought a Ruger new vaquero 45 colt revolver and want to handload for it. In the Speer loading manual I have it says these pistols can't be loaded up to the same pressures as a Blackhawk or the original vaquero (under 14,000 psi). Does anyone know a good safe load for this pistol which still is pretty heavy?
Ruger 45 colt new vaquero load
- Thread starter jonnyo1
- Start date
You need to go to the load books, many of which are online. Here's Hodgdon's:
http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp
If you had wanted to load a 45 Colt handgun to more than 14K psi, you bought the wrong gun. For your New Vaquero, look at the <14K psi "45 Colt" loads.
I have a Ruger Blackhawk and I have shot a few of the 30K psi "45 Colt Ruger" loads, and they were unpleasant, so you're not missing much.
http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp
If you had wanted to load a 45 Colt handgun to more than 14K psi, you bought the wrong gun. For your New Vaquero, look at the <14K psi "45 Colt" loads.
I have a Ruger Blackhawk and I have shot a few of the 30K psi "45 Colt Ruger" loads, and they were unpleasant, so you're not missing much.
saskgunowner101
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- middle of Sask
I recall reading somewhere about them loading the New Vaquero higher than the standard loads (around 20,000 psi instead of the normal 14,000), but couldn't tell you if it's safe or not, so read at your own risk. I have a Blackhawk, so this is for information purposes only. If you grenade your hand, not my fault.
http://www.riflemagazine.com/magazine/PDF/HL%20246partial.pdf
Another thing to remember, is low pressure doesn't equal low energy..... I've tried the normal (good for all 45 revolver) 45 Colt loads in my Blackhawk, and you know it when you touch the trigger. Clays, Titegroup, Unique, BlueDot, Herco all work well.
You'll probably be more than happy with standard loads though, because Andy has a point about the high pressure loads....they're obnoxious.
http://www.riflemagazine.com/magazine/PDF/HL%20246partial.pdf
Another thing to remember, is low pressure doesn't equal low energy..... I've tried the normal (good for all 45 revolver) 45 Colt loads in my Blackhawk, and you know it when you touch the trigger. Clays, Titegroup, Unique, BlueDot, Herco all work well.
You'll probably be more than happy with standard loads though, because Andy has a point about the high pressure loads....they're obnoxious.
All good points. After thinking on Andy's point I don't want to remove the fun from shooting this gun. I'll load up te recommended loads and read that article and see how I like it. So far I've only shot it a few times with factory loads. I'm sure I'll be more than satisfied. Thanks for the input boys.
Bian Pearce spells it out in this article. Gunblast did two articles on the NV too. I have a NV in 45 Colt, but stay with max old Colt loads.
http://www.riflemagazine.com/magazine/PDF/HL 246partial.pdf
http://www.riflemagazine.com/magazine/PDF/HL 246partial.pdf
