Best Ruger Blackhawk caliber?

[aka108]

I have the 45 convertible and the 357 convertible. The only ammo these will see is 45ACP and 9mm Luger. Reason is that those are the ones I am set up to reload and if I should need brass, our local range generally has a adequate supply of once fired lying on the concrete.

 

[Henryfan1]

I am partial to the 30 cal model

 

[22-rimfire]

As a backup while hunting, I think the 357 BH works well. I personally prefer the 41 mag version myself.

 

[mdauben]

I am looking at getting a Ruger Blackhawk stainless in either the .357/38 spc or the convertible in .45 Colt/.45 ACP. Barrel length of 4 5/8 since I will be carrying it as a backup pistol when hunting

A tough choice! Personally, I'd like to pick up examples of both (although my preferred barrel length is 5.5 inches). If pressed, I'd probably opt for the .38/.357 as a plinker and fun gun but you can hardly go wrong with either one.

 

[Hanshi]

I like the .45 Colt. I have two old 3-screw Rugers, a 4.5" (my favorite carry gun for the woods) and a 7.5".

 

[Jim Watson]

I would go with the .45 because the gun weighs less and balances better.
A .357 on what is really the .44 frame has a lot of iron in it.

Or find one of the reissue Flattop .357s, a bit smaller gun.

 

[35 Whelen]

Did someone already ask or did I miss the question: Back up for what? Dispatching a crippled deer? Surely ANY caliber would do. Protection against large beasts? I'd go with the .45 caliber option and buy some good Buffalo Bore ammo.

This thread begs the question that I've asked many-a shooter: Exactly why are you not reloading?

35W

 

[slickracer]

.44 Special

 

[Ohen Cepel]

My vote is .357/.38.

 

[Crunchy Frog]

I'm with slickracer; another vote for the .44 Special. On the medium frame of course.

 

[dagger dog]

The old 1900's cowboy type was asked "Shorty why do you carry a 45 ? "
Shorty's answer " cause they don't make .50's !

 

[greenmtnguy]

They are all good, but I do have a fondness for the 45Colts myself. I have a few DA revolvers in 357/38, so maybe I should get a Blackhawk in the same platform.

If you reload, you will love and enjoy the 45Colt/45ACP platform!

 

[35 Whelen]

.44 Special

Ditto. I have a NM Blackhawk in .44 Special and wouldn't trade it for ANYTHING. Super accurate and can be handloaded to the equivalent of .44 Mag Big Three factory loads.

 

[TennJed]

a tie between the 357, 9mm, 45 colt, and 45 acp

 

[1911Tuner]

Hey, if it's a Blackhawk, it's all good.

Except that .30 Carbine.

Ye GODS that thing is loud!

Muffs on top of foam plugs makes it bearable...barely...but the concussion will still give ya a headache.