Ordered a new Gun: Ruger Vaquero

[IMBLITZVT]

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/images/Products/269L.jpg

This was the last gun off my original list of firearms I wanted to get. Note original... Anyway, I placed the order today as my anniversary present. This is the exact model I ordered in .45 Long Colt. Should get it in 16-20 days... thats including the 7 day waiting period.

So now I just got to buy ammo... anyone know where to get some? I figure I will have to load my own but this is a new area to me as far as loading lead bullets (no jacket). I was thinking of a flat nose lead bullet. I was thinking of doing my own but have a lot of questions on how to lube the bullets... anyone know anything about this. Anyone suggest any good molds? Bullet weights? I got the lead...

Man even the brass is expensive...$180 for $1k new pieces of brass!

How about power selection? I saw an ad a while back for donut shaped powder that was made specifically for old Black powder rounds.

How about loading a lead round with a Dillion 550B? Any problems there...

Yeah this is not my normal style gun to shoot! Its my first cartridge revolver! Probably to be my last too... unless I get a Colt SAA at some point.

[grifter95]

Is that the new model vaquero? Or is it the old model? Reason being the old model will take the blackhawk pressures okay, but the new model is restricted to standard .45LC loads. If it is the old model DoubleTap ammo has some really hot loads with cast bullets as does BuffaloBore and CorBon. If its the new model any company who advertises .45LC that is standard pressure (ie not +P or for Ruger Blackhawk). If your planning on reloading, I use starline brass and it gives really good results! The doughnot powder you mention is called Trailboss by IMR. It is great for standard pressure loads using lead bullets.

[cmidkiff]

Nice looking single-action :) I don't have one yet, but I'll end up with one at some point.

There's a new company that's local to me offering cast bullets at a very reasonable price. I ordered a few, but I've not loaded any of them yet. He's got a 250gr LRNFP in different hardnesses for $28.50/500. Seems like a great deal, and I do so love to support local businesses.

http://www.missouribullet.com/purchase.html

I've been using Bushwhacker bullets for a while, good quality and consistency. There's a few places that sell them online, but I normally just pick them up when a gun show is in town. Save the shipping.

Casting your own lead is a hobby in it's own right. Not my thing, but lots of people enjoy it.

[amd65]

I've shot all three Doubletap loads in my Blackhawk, and they are HOT! Like shooting a 44mag.
I have found some nice 45colt reloads at the local gun show for $13/box. These are a 255gn wadcutter at about 950fps.
In my gun, they go "boom" with little recoil. The Doubletaps go "BOOM" with a nearly vertical barrel in full recoil!

[nevada]

Oregon Trail bullets guarantee no leading problems. Come pre-lubed and I've shot them that way with smokeless and BP substitutes with no problems. Lead bullets ahvent' been a problen in my 550B, but I haven't used soft lubes. That donut powder is meant to fill the the cases better, but is not a BP of a substitute for it. I don't know how it would meter from a Dillon. I buy my lead bullets, so they are all pre-lubed. I have what is now an Old Model Vaquero in 44-40. That one you ordered is a beaut. Check reloading sites for more info on the 45LC, there is a lot of info out there.

[IMBLITZVT]

Its a new model Vaquero.

Thats for the other help guys!