Thanks muchly to all!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins
.... cartridge length is not a safe indicator....
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This is what I needed to hear, thank you. And this also means I need to learn more about safe pressures for the New Vaquero. I wonder if there is a definitive, reliable 'safe pressure' spec for this handgun.
After doing some searching, I am forming the impression that this information does not exist. It looks like Ruger rates this gun as simply "meet SAAMI" spec. So, officially, the New Vaquero is limited to SAAMI standard-spec pressures.
Alright. I have no intention of playing with a handheld device that might explode. I may be dumb but I'm not stupid. Buffalo Bore says their 'heavy' load meets standard spec. This is a 255 gr projectile at 566 lb/ft moving at 1000 fps. This is a little greater than cowboy loads, but not that much greater.
Bottom line: I have been advised this load can be trusted in the NV, and I am inclined to conclude this is true. Jeff, if you think I am taking chances here then say.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins
...Remember, the old .44-40 and .38-40 firing their 200 and 180 grain bullets respectively, at about 1,300 fps, have accounted for more than their fair share of game. And the .45 Colt, with its standard 250 grain load, brings slightly more performance to the table. So, yes, absolutely.
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This is comforting, thank you. But here again, I wonder if I am asking a question for which there is no definitive answer. The question might look like this: Will a new Winchester 1892 chambered in .45 Colt handle ANY commercially available .45 Colt Round? Including any of the whiz-bang "Ruger only" loads? If so, then those loads through a 20" barrel would deliver a fair bit of muzzle velocity even with a fairly big heavy bullet.
Again, thanks to all. I don't even expect answers to all my questions. Just reporting my curiosity and appreciating any guidance or suggestions for further research.
And maybe this is just something I could learn more about by buying Dr. Higgins a beer.
