What Size J/P 45 cal 210 Bullet For 45 Colt

[44caliberkid]

Just a quick question. I'm loading my first Big Lube J/P 45 Colt rounds.  I only 45 Colt pistol I have is a New Model Vaquero. Should I size them .452 or .454? 

[wildman1]

Try the 454 first. If they will chamber you are good to go.
wM1

[greenjoytj]

Measuring the chamber throats is always the best way to determine what your revolver needs.
Because this revolver is available with a 45 ACP cylinder and reading that 45 ACP takes a .451? bullet,  I just sized to .452? and loaded up handloads for my New Vaquero?s.
Both revolver and my handload. worked perfectly.

[Cliff Fendley]

I've used both and can't tell the difference. I think as long as the lead is soft enough they bump up anyway.

[Coffinmaker]

First things first.  It's a Ruger.  Ruger are built hell for stout.  Take a licking and keep on ticking.

The CAVEAT:  Ruger be famous or infamous for undersize cylinder throats.  First step is to "slug" the bore.  You want bullets sized to the bore.  If the bore is .451 you want bullets sized to .4515 or .452.  If your shooting .451 bullets thru .448 cylinder throats, your sort of shooting yourself inna foot.  The throat will resize the bullets to whatever the cylinder throat dimension is.  Lots of stuff about bullets "bumping up" to bore size.  Bullets may well upset in the bore (instant leading)but they don't miraculously expand.  Undersize throats will also create unwanted higher felt recoil.

The "TEST":  Drop a correctly sized bullet down the chamber.  You should be able to tap the bullet past the throat with a light pencil tap.  If the bullet stops "HARD" at the throat and has to be driven through, the throat(s) need reamed to correct size.  Correctly sized throats will give a much happier gun not to mention a much happier shooter.