I know this is a hunting forum, but it seems there is a vast amount of knowledge here about custom work for handguns. I like my Freedom mod 83, and am used to the 5 shot cylinder. I have recently aquired a Ruger Blackhawk Hunter in 45Colt. Is there anyone out there making custom 5 shot cylinders for Rugers?

Andy

Most of the custom gunsmiths build 5-shot cylinders for Ruger single actions. The Hunter series guns have a bit of different barrel -- the thread pitch is the same as a Redhawk and not like other Blackhawks,

Brownells has five shot cylinder blanks on clearance. These will have to be bored to the desired cartridge. This is where a good bit of the expense of the conversion comes in.

I would not bother. Due to the twist rate of the Ruger you can't use the additional pressure and velocity that can be shot over the six shot.
Since your Freedom has a slower twist, it can support a higher velocity. It is also a four shot for safety and you are gaining two more shots in the Ruger.
From the question I assume you want to load Freedom loads in the Ruger but by just changing the cylinder, it is not going to work right.

quote:

Originally posted by bfrshooter:
I would not bother. Due to the twist rate of the Ruger you can't use the additional pressure and velocity that can be shot over the six shot.
Since your Freedom has a slower twist, it can support a higher velocity. It is also a four shot for safety and you are gaining two more shots in the Ruger.
From the question I assume you want to load Freedom loads in the Ruger but by just changing the cylinder, it is not going to work right.

He may want to convert it to a different caliber, Jim. The Hunter has 1:16 rate.

The loads I want to shoot in the Ruger I got from David "JR" Williams from Hunters Supply, back when he had 4W ammo. It consists of a 328gr hardcast at 1325fps 7-1/2" barrel. I figure a new cylinder is also in order or at least this one reamed to the correct "mouth". The end of the cylinder is less than .451, as I cannot get a .451- gage pin to slip in. In my Freedom, the .452- will go but the .453- will not. Personally I like 325-350 around 1100-1200. Easy to shoot and shoots through almost everything.

Andy

quote:

Originally posted by drewhenrytnt:
The loads I want to shoot in the Ruger I got from David "JR" Williams from Hunters Supply, back when he had 4W ammo. It consists of a 328gr hardcast at 1325fps 7-1/2" barrel. I figure a new cylinder is also in order or at least this one reamed to the correct "mouth". The end of the cylinder is less than .451, as I cannot get a .451- gage pin to slip in. In my Freedom, the .452- will go but the .453- will not. Personally I like 325-350 around 1100-1200. Easy to shoot and shoots through almost everything.

Andy

Sounds like a great load. I just tested some loads from Grizzly Ammo, and the 335 grain loads were stepping out at 1,365, at 30,000 psi. You can get a lot out of them and still stay safe in a 6-shot Ruger.

Should I be concerned about the end of the cylinder being smaller than caliber?

Andy

quote:

Posted 31 January 2012 18:17 Hide Post
Should I be concerned about the end of the cylinder being smaller than caliber?

Andy

Yes. Go to Cylindersmith and he will ream it to the right specs. Your throats are too small.
I also have the reamer and can do it for you for $20 and postage both ways. Just the cylinder, not the gun. You can PM me.

Any clue why Ruger would put out a product that has undersize throats? Isn't the job of the forcing cone to swage stuff coming into the bore?

Andy

happens .. .451 is perfect for the guys that shoot .451 bullets.. and gives your gunsmith something to work with for cyl/bore alignment...

drop it off at lone star armory for a work over ...

and give them MY name and cell for contact to pick up

Alan Harton in Houston can fix you up with the throats or a 5 shot cylinder if desired but, frankly not needed at all and I own one. All he does is revolver work.

quote:

Any clue why Ruger would put out a product that has undersize throats? Isn't the job of the forcing cone to swage stuff coming into the bore?

No idea but it has been common with the .45 Colt. Most groove dimensions are .452" and some throats are .449" to .450".

quote:

Originally posted by drewhenrytnt:
Any clue why Ruger would put out a product that has undersize throats? Isn't the job of the forcing cone to swage stuff coming into the bore?

Andy

Better undersized than oversized! You can't put material back!

Jeffe,

You would wind up holding it for ransom and for payment you'll want the frame too!

I think I am going to send the cylinder with a cheap bottle of booooze to a certain individual who will remain nameless.

Andy

quote:

Originally posted by drewhenrytnt:
Any clue why Ruger would put out a product that has undersize throats? Isn't the job of the forcing cone to swage stuff coming into the bore?

Andy

For whatever reason it seems the 45 caliber Ruger guns are the worst offenders. Plus one on reaming the cylinder throats but slug your bore first. It does no good to have a .452 throat if your groove diameter is larger. You want them to match or have the throat (and the bullets) .001-002 larger.

The other issue is bore constriction at the frame. Ruger sometimes tightens the barrels enought to cause a constriction at the frame threads. The best way to tell is push a really tight patch through and try to feel the constriction. If you can, it needs to be shot out with firelapping. Beartooth has a great kit for that with outstanding instructions. If you want, you can order some 45 cal firelapping bullets from them and use my kit. All I have are 41 bullets.

I forget you have all those niffty helicopter part measuring gizmos. Pushing a patch might be a little primative, lol.

quote:

Originally posted by bfrshooter:
I would not bother. Due to the twist rate of the Ruger you can't use the additional pressure and velocity that can be shot over the six shot.
Since your Freedom has a slower twist, it can support a higher velocity. It is also a four shot for safety and you are gaining two more shots in the Ruger.
From the question I assume you want to load Freedom loads in the Ruger but by just changing the cylinder, it is not going to work right.

I have been told the same thing by a custom builder....not worth doing...

aren't rugers all transfer bar safeties?

quote:

Originally posted by jeffeosso:
aren't rugers all transfer bar safeties?

Yes, all New Model's are. Large frame FA are not, well sort of are but not really. The one downer IMO of the otherwise fine gun. They got it right on the M97.

I think the hunter is .. not that it matters, as i don't think i'll get andy to trade me any time soon

quote:

Originally posted by tiggertate:
I forget you have all those niffty helicopter part measuring gizmos. Pushing a patch might be a little primative, lol.

Only problem is, I don't think I would enjoy spending time in the brig! Much as I would love to be able to utilize some of the tooling over in the tool & die shop. Heck, most of those guys are lost on anything but helo parts!

Andy

This has been a good thread.

I have a BH and for a year I have been wondering if it needs something.

I too have thought about a 5 shot cylinder.

I have figured if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

But

You don’t know what you don’t know… so… I gonna drop by Alan Harton in Houston and let him give it a look over.


Thanks to drewhenrytnt for getting this started



Snake

quote:

Originally posted by temmi:
You don’t know what you don’t know… so… I gonna drop by Alan Harton in Houston and let him give it a look over.


Snake

Harton does great work! You won't be disappointed!