Quote:
Originally Posted by Henry Schmidt
Jeff
Thanks for the input.
I wonder if a special cartridge can be loaded for just such a proposition?
The cylinder might struggle to except the larger bullet but that seems an easy fix.
Do you think the cartridge can be necked to suit the larger bullet?
The next question would be: "is it worth the effort?"
One last question since you seem to be quite familiar with these weapons: I assume the brass handle is not stock. I have the original steel handle but it is considerably smaller.
Any idea what the brass handle originally came on?
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It's no problem to load the .45 Colt with larger than standard bullets. All you need is an expander plug of a large enough diameter to match the bullet you want to use (about .002" smaller in diameter than the bullet). I bet you know a machinist who could make one.
For a .457" bullet, I think I would skip sizing the cases. A standard sizing die will over work the brass, reducing it much smaller than needed, since they are designed for much smaller bullets.
This all may very well be moot, however, if Ruger is driving that .457" ball through a standard bore diameter. I'll slug mine and see how big it is and let you know. When fired, a round ball can swage a long ways down compared to a conical bullet, since it has such a short bearing surface. Maybe Ruger was looking to swage it down substantially upon firing, both to better seal and to increase that bearing surface.
The brass grip frame is aftermarket. I think Power Custom might make them. Midway catalogs them, along with bird's head grip frames. They are made to fit the Blackhawk and Super Blackhawk, and the Old Army uses the same grip frame. The stocks look like some old Herter's stocks that used to be popular on Blackhawks. I don't think they are made anymore. They'll fit the stock steel grip frame as well, and the stock rosewood grips will fit the brass grip frame. It should all interchange.