Ruger New Model Blackhawk .45 Colt Blue/Black Revolver

A: the Blackhawks will handle any 45lc loads including the heaviest Buffalo bore loads in fact reloading manuals have a Ruger Blackhawk only section in 45LC which lists very stout loads I have the above gun in the convertible (45LC/45ACP) with the 5.5 inch barrel and it is a great shooter

A: Yes Jason. According to Buffalo Bore : These Heavy .45 Colt +P loads are safe in all LARGE FRAME Ruger revolvers. (includes Blackhawk, Super Blackhawk, all pre-2005 Vaquero, Bisley, Redhawk)

A: yes the are fine to expand on the Blackhawk strength here is a part of a article "High pressure handloads for the Blackhawk and Contender pistols Some (not all) of the major reloading manuals list two categories of .45 Colt loads. The first category contains loads within the 14,000 psi (or 15,900 cup) SAAMI maximum pressure limit. These loads are safe in all modern .45 Long Colt revolvers in good operating condition. The second .45 Colt section contains loads intended for use only in the Ruger Blackhawk revolver and T/C Contender single shot pistol. The Hornady, Sierra, and Speer reloading manuals have published the latter category of .45 Colt loads longer than most. The reloading manuals that list these restricted loads are pretty coy about the actual pressures involved in such loads. The Hornady Handbook, 3rd Edition, says only that the pressures of their loads for the Ruger and T/C "are slightly higher than the earlier Colt revolvers or their replicas can withstand." These loads t

A: Spencer, you can probably buy an extra cylinder separately but I would be concerned about installing it and getting the cylinder timing perfect. Ruger sells convertible models that come with the other cylinder from the factory though and timing wouldn't be an issue, here's the same configuration with the other cylinder included - only about $59 more: https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/49733/ruger+45c+7+1%2f2%22

A: Spencer, I would not modify this firearm with a 45ACP cylinder. Think you're just asking for problems. Buy a Ruger convertible model from the factory for your shooting happiness that comes set up with multiple caliber cylinders. Like https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/415000182/ruger+blackhawk+bisley+45lc%2f45acp+55%22+stainless or https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/411553042/ruger+5243+blackhawk+convertible+6rd+45lc%2f45acp+463%22+exclusive

A: it can be done by sending the gun back to Ruger to have a new cylinder fitted and timed to this gun. if the cylinder is not correctly aligned it can shave lead from the side of the bullet this lead will come out the cylinder gap and will pose a safety risk But its less expensive to buy one with both cylinders from the start https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/49733/ruger+45c+7+1%2f2%22

A: Spencer, it would be best to get the factory calibrated "Convertible" that comes with the extra "Cylinder" here : https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/49733/ruger+45c+7+1%2f2%22