This is my first handgun. I just bought a Ruger Blackhawk in 45 colt with a 7 1/2 barrel ( blued). Going to reload for it , so I thought I would ask yall for suggestions, if you would!
tommy

Sweet set-up!! You're gonna love it. For mild, target loads, I suggest using Unique or similar powders will a cheap cast bullet. For hunting loads, go with Hodgdon's data using H110 or Lil Gun, and whatever bullet floats your boat. I would suggest however, that you match the bullet to the game. Alot of people will suggest a hardcast heavy bullet for all hunting. While that may work well, a jacketed hollow point or soft point works wonders on thin skinned game such as deer and black bears. Once you move up to large game, the heavy hardcast bullet is the way to go. Enjoy your new revolver, and if you have any further questions, feel free to post.

ManCannon has given you good advice.
With @ a250 gr bullet try 8 grains of Unique as a general purpose/plinking load.

For deer I agree with ManCannon use a 250/260 Hollow point bullet with either 2400 or H-110.

for the really big stuff a 300 gr hard cast is the way to go.
H-110 is a good powder for the 300 grainers.

PS be sure to get some Speer shotshells, they work great on small game for the pot and snakes. They will not hurt your bbl.
I have used a lot of them in 9mm, 45ACP and 44 Mag.

If you're going to end up with full loads the way to learn to handle recoil is to start out low [as low as 700 fps] then gradually work up to max .Remember that for hunting accuracy is the name of the game not max velocity. Actually for deer a 250 at 1200 is all you need.

Thanks for the info. I was going to ask which is better flake or spherical powders, but you answered that question. Looks like a phone call from me to midway to order the dies tomorrow! Thanks again!

The 4pc carbide die set from Lee has loaded many many many rounds for me, and they're still going strong. I highly recommend them.

When I first started shooting the 45 colt, 96', I bought a small pile of Win cases and they are still shooting fine. I put some insane loads through some of them. The Ruger is a strong gun, but not indestructable. Winchester had a problem with their brass a few years ago with it cracking and splitting with factory ammo and empty brass. I haven't heard of any problems latley. It was time for some new brass so I bought 1000 pieces from Top Hat. It seems to be real good so far. Starline is a good choice also.
I would recommend that you load and shoot piles of cast bullets. They are lots cheaper than jacketed stuff and there is nothing like trigger time to get you comfortable and familiar with you new gun.
You should probably check the throats on your cylinder to see what size they are. Ruger has made them too small. There are a few places that will ream the throats out to .4525" for a small fee.