Ruger’s New Model Blackhawk Part 2

02/21/2021 The extra step of cocking a single action barrel is not so different than cycling a bolt action rifle or working the slide on a pump action rifle, or flicking a lever, etc., etc. All things in life are not automatic or even semi automatic. But is there a payday associated with the small sacrifice of setting aside the thumb saving double action revolvers or the automation of an auto loader?

A Ruger single action revolver is comprised of fifty two parts. A double action revolver has approximately sixty eight parts. A simplified assembly often means greater reliability if of equal quality, both manufacture and design.  Fewer parts also means lighter weight. The Blackhawk, top, weighs a featherweight 40 ounces. The Redhawk double action, below, weighs 52 ounces; three quarters of a pound more for the Redhawk shooter to haul around.

Simplified assemblies sometimes mean lower cost. In this case, the subject Blackhawk has a manufacturers suggested retail price of $669. A comparable caliber Ruger Redhawk has an MSRP of $1079. Yes, often found at lower prices through discount retail, but those types of discounts apply to both types of firearms.

The final point… yes, the end is in sight, single action revolvers tend to produce a good seal more power than auto loaders. Yes, even taken to the extreme in auto loaders, there are more extreme revolvers. More power means broader applications for greater utility. A revolver can be a serious hunting firearms, tool of survival and not just close in. I will let the tables below speak to that point.

Blackhawk live fire

The thing is, 45 Colt bullets should have a cannelure, particularly if +P loads are part of the plan. A revolver is a natural bullet puller and taper crimp on cannellurless… yes, I did just make that word up… bullets will eventually exit a casing and end up causing problems of a multifaceted type.

Warning: Bullet selections are specific, and loads are not valid with substitutions of different bullets of the same weight. Variations in bullet length will alter net case capacity,  pressure and velocity. Primer selection is specific and primer types are not interchangeable. These are maximum loads in my firearms and may be excessive in others. All loads should be reduced by 5% as a starting point for development where cartridges have greater than 40 grains in capacity and 10% for cartridges with less than 40 grain capacity following safe handloading practices as represented in established mainstream reloading manuals. Presentation of these loads does not constitute a solicitation for their use, nor a recommendation.

The 300 grain bullet was omitted from standard pressure loads as producing inadequate velocity.

The following are high pressure +P loads and more than double the pressure of the standard cartridge. They are not for use in Colt single action revolvers or medium cylinder/frame Ruger single action revolvers. I run them in large frame Ruger single and double action revolvers and modern Model 1894 Marlins and Model 1892 Winchesters. The latter where cartridge overall length permits. A 225 grain Speer JHP was substituted for the 200 grain bullet as better suited to the velocity and pressure levels.

All of the handloads were assembled on once or twice fired Remington brass, cleaned inspected and in good condition. Magnum primers were used on the +P set, only because charges either being near full or full and the powder used seems to like magnum primers for consistent velocity.  Any of the loads listed will put five shots in a standard size playing card at 25 yards.

This Ruger Blackhawk handloading session was used as an opportunity to expand a bit and upload the Real Guns site handload data section, both 45 Colt standard pressure and +P loads.

Closing

The Ruger Blackhawk in 45 Colt is classic Ruger; well made, good quality and good looks. The 45 Colt cartridge is as flexible as its rifle counterpart, the 45-70 Government. Most of the time, the top table is more than enough. The 255 grain is easy shooting, quite accurate and easy on the gun and the shooter. Hog, deer, black bear and similar can be comfortably downed with anything on the second table with the cast loads favoring penetration. The gun can take it heavy loads in stride, but perhaps a little more wear and tear on the shooter. The Blackhawk remains a very nice handgun and a terrific value.