Was wondering if someone could shed some light on this matter. I am interested in either a .44 Mag or .45 Colt Ruger Redhawk. However i have read with interest an article in Guns and Ammo about "super" heavy loads in these calibres and the fact that the average revolver doesnt have the required cylinder length to chamber rounds with these long, heavy bullets.

Has anyone loaded 300+gr .44 or 340+gr .45 cast bullets in a Ruger Redhawk (with decent velocities)? What about the Super Redhawk, does it have a longer cylinder in these calibres?

I'm pretty sure both of the redhawks allow a cartridge overall length (COL) of 1.75", possibly 1.80"

Depends what you mean by super heavy loads, from a 7 1/2" barrel, in 44 mag or 45 colt 300-320 gr @ 1300 fps is no problem. I know folks that have loaded to 1500 fps apparently with no problems though I can't recomend that.

I'd venture to say the redhawks are amongst the strongest full sized DA revolvers made.

I know a guy that seats the bullet out and ups the powder in his 44 Super Redhawlk .
He CLAIMS that Ruger uses the same steel and heat treat for all the Super Redhawlk cylinders .

He has shot a lot of his rounds out of that gun .

IS he right ? I don't know
Are those loads safe in a Super Redhawlk ? I don't know
Is the gun going to wear out sooner ? probely
How much sooner ? I don't have a clue
Will I shoot his loads thru my Super Redhawlk 44 ? Not a chance

As soon as you go off the load book you chance life , limb and your gun .

Johnch

The Redhawk & Super Redhawk have the same length cylinder. I have a Zerox of the article you are talking about...they call it the 10.9 Ruger Magnum. They use Hornady 300 gr. XTP's & load them in the second crimp groove, and use more powder than usual. A round so loaded will still fit in a S&W though. I was at one time thinking about getting a canaluring tool so that I could get the bullet seated out as long as pssible. Still might someday.

But to answear your question, you can drive these 300's 1,400 fps with the data provided in the article (they claim standard pressure). I have gone a little more and got up to 1,500 fps. This is in both a 5.5" Redhawk, and a 9.5" Super. Suprisingly, very little difference between the two.

Buffalo Bore loads the ammo that maximizes the power of the .44 mag.

http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#44P

I shoot the 335 Cast Performance bullet out of a 45 Colt RH with no trouble. There is still lots of room left too - perhaps 3/16" or so...

Not a problem. I have shot 305gr Corbon Penetrators in a RH w/ no problem. You can shoot the heavies with no concern.