New Blackhawk 45 Colt

This was my first year of hunting exclusively with a handgun. I tried my SW 629 44 mag first. I didn't get a deer so, figuring I had to change something, I bought a CVA Scout .243. Still no deer.

Obviously, something had to change so I bought and used a TC Contender in 45 Colt. Still no luck. So, I tried a Contender 30-30. Still nada.

Well, the season is over now and I have been thinking about my failure and trying to learn lessons from it. After much contemplation I have suddenly realized my mistake.

I just ordered a new Blackhawk 4 4/5 45 Colt from Buds. I just know next year will be better. (I mean it couldn't just be that I am a lousy hunter could it?) I think this is called turning lemons into lemonade.

Any recommended loads?

I have H110, 2400, Bullseye and HP 38 on hand at the moment.

Those guns can all be great for whitetail hunting. Did you shoot at deer and didn't succeed, or did you not get a shot all season?

Never saw one. I am just joking about how little excuse I need to buy a handgun.

I was once told that "need has nothing to do with the purchase of a new gun" and I've mad it my credo.

I found a load for 2400 under a 250 grain bullet that is not only potent but accurate. Don't have the load a t my fingertips but it was referred to as Taffin's load for the .45.

I've also loaded a lot of 296/110 with 300 grain XTPs that shot well.

Must read for new 45 Colt revolver owners:

The 45 Colt - Dissolving the Myth, Discovering the Potential

I like H110 for heavy loads and HS-6 for more pleasant shooting that still packs a punch.

I think you have the right idea. Keep buying new guns till your luck changes. If your luck does change, keep buying them to guarantee your luck.

I like the way y'all think.

250 XTP, 19 gr. 2400, CCI 350's. Check accuracy vs CCI 300's. For the LARGE FRAME Blackhawks only, not the mid frame Flat Tops.

These loads work in my guns and were worked up too. They have proven safe in my gun, use at your own risk.

13.5gr of HS-6 has been good for 260/315gr cast projectiles.

A thumper is 350 cast over 22grs of H110
For 250xtp I like 26.5grs of H110.

At least your collection is growing, it"s been slow here too.

20.5 gr 2400 over LPM primer and a 250 XTP shoots 2" groups in my Bisley at 100 yds if you can hold it still.

16 gr 2400 over a LPM primer and a 250 Berry hard cast 250 gr bullet

Yup, I will not let the deer win. If I have to I will just keep getting handguns until I find a lucky one.

Thanks for all the load data. Please give more if you have it. I have data from several manuals but I could die of old age before I tested it all.

H2OBUG, I always use Berry's plated for practice loads. Have you been happy with their hard cast on game?

If you plan to shoot a critter use the 250 XTP.

I am not a cast bullet fan on game.

Cast bullets are like making pancakes from corn bread mix -- is not bad if that's all you've got.

Ahahaha, well said. I like the XTP as well ;-)

I have always found a new gun always makes the next season better!

My 4 5/8th likes 20 gr 2400 and a 250 gr XTP. 9 to 10 gr of Unique works well also with a 250. Slip it into a good cross draw holster and it will never stay home again as it will quickly become a favorite. When it comes to a new gun don't be confused,

NEEDS GOT NOTHING TO DO WITH IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AMEN, Brother!

Open up the throats of the New Ruger Blackhawk and Bisley .45 Colt revolvers. They have tight chambers to prevent the brass from stretching now. But the throats are cut to .451 and too tight for optimal Linebaugh loads. Open them up to .453 and you are good to go. Yes I know. This is a little thing, but if you wish to get all you wish from the .45 Colt in a New Model Blackhwak or Bisley model, the Linebaugh suggestion rings true. Follow the link to the article and read Linebaugh's observations yourself.

I think my Bisley 5 1/2" .45 is on the slow side. I'm getting around 1250 fps with the 250 gr. XTP, 26 gr. 296 and CCI350. The barrel has had the Taylor throating treatment and I think that is costing me some fps. Can anyone compare a similar load/gun combo to mine for fps?

I have a 6" barrel on my Bisley 45 and with a similar load, 26.1 grains of H110 and a 250 XTP and WLP primer, I am getting similar velocity as you. I honed my throats to .452 so that bullet will just pass through without resistance. The groove diameter on my gun slugged at .4505

My 45 colt matches yours and was caressed by JRH. I am getting 1270 fps with 26.5gr/296 with a Fed mag primer. [chronographed]

BEFORE THE REDHAWK WAS AVAILABLE IN 45 COLT I HAD LINEBAUGH RECHAMBER A SS 5 1/2 INCH REDHAWK 44 MAG TO 45 COLT. FOR IT I LOADED THE 250 XTP OVER 28.3 grs OF WW296, CCI 350 PRIMERS, IN STARLINE CASES. AS I RECALL IT WAS DOING 1,500 fps +. IT WAS AN AWESOME LOAD ON EXOTIC DOES AT THE YO HANDGUN HUNT, AS IT WOULD "SUCK THE LIFE" OUT OF THEM AND NONE WENT FAR, IF THEY WENT AT ALL.

Holy hot loads, Batman ;-)

I don't doubt one iota that put a hurtin' on critters.