Ruger Blackhawk .357 magnum vs .45 Colt UPDATE in post 23.

Shorty 45 MK2 · May 17, 2015

I've been looking/wanting a SA revolver for awhile and finally thought that it's time to get one! So I'm looking at a 6.5" one in .357 and a 4 5/8" one in .45 colt both are the same price so it mostly comes down to ammo...

The .45 speaks to me more because well it's a .45 and I like the looks of the shorter barrel, but I'd have to get set up to reload for it, where as I'm already set up for .357/.38 (granted it's been awhile since I've reloaded because of school and work keeping me busy...)

This would be a woods bumming gun and probably see some use for hunting whitetail, granted we do have black bear on the place but I'm not worried about running into them unless they get in the goat pen, but I'll have a long gun for then.

So what are you fine gentleman's thoughts on these two Ruger's?

Thanks!

Alpo · May 17, 2015

I knew this post sounded familiar.

Different feller, but almost the same question.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/firearms-knives-other-brands/429670-ruger-vaquero-357-mag-45-colt.html

I'd go with 45, although not 4 5/8 - I don't like that barrel length. I prefer 5 1/2.

RobzGuns · May 17, 2015

For me, the decision was simple. In revolvers, I already have .38/357 and ALL my pistols are 9mm. I went with the 357/9mm Convertible.
and... I've always liked the shorter 'gunslinger' look.

17976d1430494440-lets-see-your-ruger-single-actions-blackhawk-convertible2.jpg

Shorty 45 MK2 · May 17, 2015

Thanks!

Guess I should have looked around a bit before posting.

Frizzman · May 17, 2015

I think .45 Colt if you reload and .38/.357 if you don't...Both will do the jobs you mentioned...I have both and like both.

kmyers · May 17, 2015

Save up and get both?

I would like the .357 Magnum because it is two calibers in one and a much wider selection of ammunition.

dmar · May 17, 2015

I had the same dilemma several years ago when I was looking to get my first Colt SAA. I chose the .38/.357, and have been happy with the decision. I already load for .38 and .357, and did not want to throw a new caliber into the mix.

This being said, I have thought about getting another Colt SAA, in .45 Colt!

BearBio · May 18, 2015

Personal choice: 45 Colt and buy the dies and shellholder. If you already load for 357, why get another? Branch out! Expand your horizons!

Seriously, either would likely work for you. If you get BIG black bears, the 45 will have the edge. Up until recently, I carried a 45 Colt OM Blackhawk with "Ruger Only" loads here in grizzly country.

Bozz10mm · May 18, 2015

.45 Colt. Love mine. I recommend the .45 Colt/.45ACP convertible for even more versatility and fun.

A10 · May 18, 2015

Shorty45,

I'd recommend you expand your horizons to the Longy45. I'm a big fan of the .45 Colt cartridge, you can load from mild to painful with them depending on your needs. And there's something about shuckin' big ol' shells into a single action that's......well.......just plain right.

Mule Packer · May 18, 2015

I've got a couple of Ruger single-actions in .357 and a few in .45 Colt.

For me, it's no contest. Go with the .45 Colt. I lived in real heavy black bear country for 30 years.

I volunteered to pack gear and supplies into wilderness areas for the Forest Service trail crews during the summer and part of the fall. It was a rare occasion when I didn't see a black bear while leading my pack string into the back country. I kept a Ruger Blackhawk, 4 5/8-inch barrel, in .45 Colt on my belt loaded with 240-grain semi-jacketed hollow cavities that would travel at around 950 fps. I knew that the .45 with that load would take care of anything I needed it to take care of.

gwpercle · May 18, 2015

The one that calls out to you will now and forever more be calling your name.
You know that's the one you really want...get her!
The cost of another set of dies is nothing. Don't listen to that " I'm already set up to reload for..." song. It's false economics to listen to that little voice.
Gary

Alpo · May 18, 2015

A10 said:
Shorty45,

I'd recommend you expand your horizons to the Longy45. I'm a big fan of the .45 Colt cartridge, you can load from mild to painful with them depending on your needs. And there's something about shuckin' big ol' shells into a single action that's......well.......just plain right.

That was very nicely put. I could only LIKE it once, so I thought I'd also give you a

Shorty 45 MK2 · May 18, 2015

Thanks guys.

I think am going to get the .45 but might hold out and order the conversion model...

Engine49guy · May 18, 2015

When it comes to Ruger SA's I prefer the look and feel of the Vaquero over the Blackhawk,
Caliber wise prefer the .38 /.357 over the .45 Colt as ammo costs less, is easier to find and the .357 packs the Magnum wallop when needed,
When target sites and larger calibers are required I prefer .44 Special / .44 Magnum S&W's as no need to swap cylinders.

Ruger Vaquero .357 "Birdsheads"

Goldstar225 · May 18, 2015

If you reload or are willing to begin I would say go .45. For me the .45 Colt was the best choice. I already cast bullets for and loaded .38/357, adding the ability to cast and load .45 was not a big step. The .45 Colt will give you some serious capability without the earsplitting blast of the .357 (for those shots fired while hunting or woods bumming).

k22fan · May 18, 2015

As the first dissenter in another thread wrote, I’ll be the odd man out here. I like my 7 ½” Super Black Hawks (SBH). They load down just fine to match Mule Packer’s 245 grains at 950 fps. I bought my first one in 1973 while waiting for a 29-2 to become available. We know you like S&W double actions so there is a good chance you’ll own a big bore S&W before long. Sticking with .44 Magnum you avoid having to keep your Ruger reloads separate from your S&Ws. Also I don’t like the standard XR3RED Black Hawk grip frame. It is a two finger grip for most users. You wind up curling your little finger under the grip. Longer barreled SBHs are blessed with the larger Dragoon grip. I even went to the expense of swapping my .357 Black Hawk’s grip frame for the larger size.

Speaking of .357 Black Hawks, firing .38 specials through them is considered the most competitive set up for Cowboy Action matches. When .45 Colt cartridges are fired in them they are loaded down to spit wad velocities. At those matches, other than helping you feel macho or patriotic, they just waste lead.

All my Rugers are shooters so I prefer buying them used. Most years I’ve spotted a few great deals on used 7 ½” SBHs. Cabela’s wanted a whole $310 & tax for the last one. Most students are not rolling in money so an older SBH might make the most sense. One worked out well for me when I was in your situation.

Stainless44 · May 18, 2015

If the .45 speaks to you...get the .45, end of story.

manyguns · May 18, 2015

I own a 4 5/8 convertible in .45. I love the .45 ACP cylinder. It has shown so far to be more accurate than my Colt cyl. (no extensive testing just running what I have). I shoot a lot of .45ACP so I can save the big banger (hunting) Colt loads for my 5" Bisley. I wish you all the best with your new Ruger.

GypsmJim · May 18, 2015

I have all of the ones mentioned here. The .357 is too small for white tail. A 4" bbl in a .45 BH is too short. Mine has poor accuracy, compared to the others.

Hold out for a 7 1/2" BH in .45 Colt. Lots of trophys on my wall with that one.

Ruger Blackhawk .357 magnum vs .45 Colt ***UPDATE in post 23.***

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Ruger Blackhawk .357 magnum vs .45 Colt UPDATE in post 23.