460 Rowland?

[Josey]

I am seriously considering a stainless steel Ruger Sheriff model in 45 LC and ordering a 45 ACP cylinder. I want to have the 45 ACP cylinder bored for 460 Rowland. Is there anyone who has such a combination? Are there any problems anyone can foresee? Yes a sub 4", birds head grip, single action revolver in 460 Rowland would not be a CAS revolver. I was thinking of a CAS revolver in 45 LC, a 45 ACP CCW or hip carry for dress events and the 460 Rowland for a back up hunting revolver. I believe that also allows for 45 Super use too. 45 Auto Rim might even be possible.

 

[only1asterisk]

If I understand you right, there may a couple flys in your ointment.

Problem 1 is that autopistol rounds headspace on the case mouth.
You will not be able to use 45 ACP rounds in a cylinder reamed for the 460 Rowland. You may already know this, it's possible I misunderstand you on this point. I think you can modify a 45 ACP cylinder to take 45 AR and still work with 45 ACP. I also think you will be fine shooting 45 Super loads from your ruger.

Problem 2 is that the 460 Rowland is a bit more pressure than most people like in a Ruger 6 shot single action. This isn't only my opinion but also that of some well respected gunsmiths that should know. In the end it is your money, your hand and your gun.

Otherwise, your plan is good IF you can get a second cylinder from ruger. Last I checked that wasn't happening. The revolver would be a hit among the CAS crowd (except those guys that demand every thing be 100% authentic, be they are impossible to please anyway). It would be an outstand BBQ gun. I don't see it being ideal as a carry piece or hunting revolver, but if that floats your boat...

David

 

[Josey]

Hmmmm. I may have to go back to the drawing board. The only reason for the 460 Rowland and the compact size was to be a back up to my M-N M44 in hunting. I carry a sidearm due to the fact that I have also been shot at by poachers.

 

[only1asterisk]

Why not just be happy with it in 45 Colt? 45 Colt can do everything a 460 Rowland can AND do it at pressures that are more compatable with your chosen revolver. If you handload, then you can have 45 ACP-460 Rowland in one cartridge. If you don't handload then that 460 Rowland was never for you anyway and you may want to get the same gun in 44 Mag.


David

 

[Josey]

I admit that part of the desire is to have a total custom revolver. I just want one. Need and reason have little to do with it. LOL

 

[Preacherman]

A good heavy .45 Colt round will substantially exceed .460 Rowland energy levels. Don't get me wrong, I like .460 Rowland - I have a S&W 625 rechambered in that cartridge - but it's no stomper like the true big bores. In .460 Rowland, using the Georgia Arms loadings, a 185gr. JHP at 1525 fps gives 955 fpe; a 230gr. JHP at 1325 fps gives 897 fpe. By comparison, the Buffalo Bore heavy .45 loads (see here for details) give between 959 and 1267 fpe, depending on the loading. Your standard .45 Colt cylinder in the Vaquero will handle these loads just fine.

 

[Josey]

OK. I guess I need to start shopping. Suggestions?

 

[only1asterisk]

Shopping for what?

David

 

[Josey]

Which Ruger model to start with. Grip frame, grips, extra cylinder, gunsmith for fitting/tuning, Belt Mountain locking base pins, Wolff springs, Bisley hammer, an engraver and the money.