I'm just getting started in reloading and was thinking about buying a Lipsey's flat-top in .45/.45acp and was wondering if it will handle the same Ruger .45 loads that are in the manuals? I know there a smaller frame than the standard blackhawks which are all built on the .44 magnum. I have a standard Bisley in .45 that I plan on loading for and I wouldn't want to take a chance in getting the ammo mixed up! I was afraid of this when Ruger started making all the different single actions like the Flat-tops and the ''new'' vaquero's. Any info is good! thanks

My advice is that if you are just getting started in reloading, you should keep your loads warm at most and avoid the "ruger only" loads. You will work up to the ruger loads if you think you need them and get more experience. Just buy the guns that you like and if you need more power, call ruger and see what they say about the "ruger only" loads.

The New Model Vaquero's and New Model Flattops, with the exception of the .44 Magnum, have a smaller cylinder and therefore will not handle the Ruger only loads, although they should handle loads somewhat stronger than standard .45 loads, I have read in the area of 20,000 psi instead of 30,000 psi of Ruger only loads. I believe that standard .45 Colt is 12,000 psi.

ok,that's what I kinda thought about the smaller frames

Handloader magazine December 2011 has an article by Brian Pearce on this very topic and revolver. "23,000 psi is the pressure level that I consider to be 100 % safe in this .45 colt cylinder." He goes on to say, at this level it is capable of pushing a 250 gr jacketed bullet at 1,100 fps in a 51/2" barrel. He emphasizes that handloads for the larger framed Rugers are not suitable for the medium framed guns.
Hope this helps.

14 grains of HS-6 will put you right in there.

after I asked this question I found that magazine article!