I just bought a new .45C/acp combo Blackhawk. Right now it's still unfired.

I wanted a 7 1/2" barrel, but, they only make a 5 1/2" w/16" twist.

I have an unk slow twist barrel. What would it do IF I'd make it fit???

What about a faster twist in a longer tube?

Anyone have experience with a barrel say 8-10" long on a .45 Colt?
What twist is it?

Most likely I'll be shooting cast SWC's from Lee's 6 cavity molds. Not sure what weight, but, like that design as they cut round holes and shoot well in everything I've tried so far. My bullets are hard enough they can't be marked with a thumb nail, never tested the BN. Used bullet scrap as salvaged, have tons of it.

Sure would like to learn before wasting time and money on a no win, no gain idea.

Thanks much,

George

The 1-16 is much faster than ideal for cast bullets. For example, a 400 gr. 45 bullet only needs a 1-24 twist. So your barrel will be spinning the bullet a lot faster than it needs to be spinned.

In theory, you might see an accuracy improvement with a slower twist -- all other things equal, and assuming you can shoot well enough to detect the difference.

I have no actual experience with this caliber, and base my comments only on theory.

Most mass produced guns have twists that are faster than ideal for cast bullets. It's a fact of life, in response to the popular belief among the jacketed crowd that it is better for the twist to be too fast than too slow.

Check your throat diameters. Ruger 45LC throats have varied over the years. Getting the diameters correct will influence cast bullet performance more than the twist.

IMHO, 5 1/2" is the ideal barrel weight in blackhawks, perfect balance, and sufficiently long sight base.

I would stay away from a fast twist barrel for any cast bullet shooting, in rifles I prefer no faster than 1-12" though slower is more friendly to cast.

I think you'll find provided your Ruger has properly sized throats, ie 0.001-002" over bore dia, it will be friendly to cast bullets, and a good shooter.

I have the same set up with a 7 1/2" barrel. I've shot cast boolits from 200 to 325 grains with excellent results. You'll do just fine as is.

Shoot before you decide. Throats are much more likely to be an issue than twist rate, so check them and get them opened up if necessary. Once the throats were set up properly, cast bullets shot very well in my stock Ruger 45 barrels.


Okie John

I thank you fellows for the input and suggestions.
I just like a longer barrel, that's all. I've had a .30 carbine blackhawk since 73 and shot thousands thru. It's much like an extention to my arm when shooting it. Only shooting match's I've won have been with it and have drawn crowds behind me while shooting. First time I noticed that, it was a shock. They lined up to watch over my shooting shoulder. Until then and the results. I always felt that I was just a so-so shooter. That was out to 50yds and 26 shooters. Sure never expected to win it. But, did every target. Like they say, shit happens sometimes.

That's the main reason for wanting to put a longer barrel on this. It does handle just great. am still loading shells for the day I'm able to get out and break it in.

George

I agree with the rest. I had my cylinder throats opened-marvelous results. Why sh## happens is because you made it happened-good shootin

georgeld:
If you decide to put a new barrel on your Blackhawk and want to get rid of the 5.5" one, let me know as I would be interested in purchasing one. Thanks.

Thanks guys.

I shot it the other day. Nothing like I expected, but, my loads were too light. The gun does just fine. Keep reminding myself It's a pistol, it won't shoot like that .30 carbine blackhawk as it's a rifle cartridge!"

Used 4.5gr Red Dot is acp's and 6gr in Colts. But, only have 23 Colt cases, so that limits me a lot. Need to get a couple thousand Colt cases then I'll be in good shape.

CongoMike: Don't think I'd part with this barrel even WHEN I change it. But, do intend to put a 7 or 8" tube on it whenever I can. I just like long barrels as that's what the .30 has and I've lived and loved with it over 35 yrs. My three or more holsters are for the long barrel too.

Will check into opening up the chambers and barrel throat. Most bullets I cast are hard enough they can't be marked with a thumb nail.

I do need to increase the powder charge. As I get red dot by the jugs for others things, prefer to stay with one powder. But, thnk I have some H110 on the shelf so will give that a good try before long too.

Thanks again,

George

If you move on up to heavy charges in that 45LC be sure and try some 2400 - works wonders in moving heavy bullets down range!