By Bob Shell
Apache Junction, AZ -(Ammoland.com)- The Ruger Redhawk Revolver has been around for some years.
From Ruger:
“For Big Game Hunting, Think Big Bore Revolvers. The Ruger® Redhawk® revolver was Ruger’s first double-action revolver specifically designed for the powerful 44 Magnum cartridge.”
“It embodies many advanced features such as a “triple-locking” cylinder, a unique “single spring” mechanism for relatively lighter trigger pull, replaceable front sights and adjustable rear sights, with an all-stainless steel construction.”
Ruger Redhawk Revolver
It is a large frame DA revolver and it reminds me of the Colt Model 1917 Revolver that was chambered for the 45 auto rim.
Like some earlier versions, Ruger Redhawk Revolver is chambered for a 45 auto with a moon clip or a 45 Colt.
That gives the gun a lot of utility. Since it is a large gun, full 45 Colt loads can be used for hunting.
The 45 Colt round has been in service since 1873 and continues to be very popular.
There are many handguns chambered for this round including replicas of the original Colt revolver.
The clones are popular with cowboy shooters because they are relatively light and easy to handle. Since they are shot with black powder or light smokeless loads a heavy frame isn’t necessary.
That is where the Redhawk and similar handguns come in. They are suitable to handle heavy hunting loads.
Therefore there is a 45 Colt for every purpose.
My sample Ruger Redhawk Revolver has a 4” barrel and adjustable sights which is a plus since it can be utilized with so many types of ammo. The front sight has an orange insert which will aid in picking up the sight especially with low light.
I don’t know if other colors are available but that might be a good idea as some folks have eyes that may pick up different colors better.
The Ruger Redhawk Revolver is stainless steel and features hardwood grip which is the same color as a few other Rugers I have worked with. The grip fits my hand. The DA trigger pull is very heavy and while the SA is better, it is also is a bit heavy for my liking. The single action pull is 8 LBS. while the DA checks in at 15 LBS. both are way too heavy for accuracy work. When you have to focus on the trigger instead of the target accuracy will definitely suffer. Maybe after it is shot some it will loosen up and get smoother which it did.
The Ruger Redhawk Revolver operates like any other Ruger DA revolver. The cylinder release button works well and is easy to use. Combo guns are popular so if you have a Winchester model 92 Rifle this gun will fit right in. it is compact enough to carry and since it is a Redhawk, it will take modern loads.
After a couple hundred rounds the trigger pull definitely improved somewhat. It is now smooth though still heavy. It is a well-built gun capable of excellent accuracy with both 45 auto and 45 Colt loads.
The 45 Colt is a very versatile round especially if you handload and have a modern handgun. While you might have to look around there is a variety of factory offerings that vary from cowboy stuff to something that can take a bear. An example is the Buffalo Bore Ammo. With the LBT bullets, it is suitable for almost any hunting situation you may encounter.
The downsides is they kick like a mule and are pricey. In all honesty, you won’t be shooting a lot of them.
Ten X offers black powder loads which perform well but you have the standard black powder mess. There is a good verity of cowboy loads and hollow point offerings. It may take some time to find the ammo that you are seeking. Factory ammo is not inexpensive however. You can go to some local gunshows and find some good reloaded ammo. As a rule quality is good and prices are a lot lower then factory ammo. I took some 230 grain FMJ bullets meant for a 45 ACP and installed a cannelure. I have a supply of 45-70 300-grain bullets that I swaged down to .452 and in other 45 and 454 revolvers, they shoot well.
That would be a nice hunting bullet and with their shape cycling through a lever action rife wouldn’t be an issue.
A Lee sizing and lube die is used to make those bullets. Another fine hunting bullet is the 265 grain LBT slug. It is hard cast made for serious large game hunting and at 1200 FPS it would be a good hard hitting hunting load. Such a load will equal a top 44 magnum round.
Liberty Ammunition 45 Colt and 45 Auto Ammunition
A fairly new company, Liberty ammo makes very light weight bullets at high velocities for various rounds. For the 45 Colt they make a 78 grain at an advertised velocity of 1800 FPS. It should be an interesting addition to their line of ammo. I have tried some other calibers they make and they are impressive. That load would be suitable for serious self-defense and one of the upsides is the light recoil. For info on their ammo you can go to www.libertyammunition.com/
Since I have some 45 auto on hand with the 78 grain bullet I tried it with the moon clip. That is an alternative to the Colt for home defense. For such light bullets Liberty produces good accuracy and I have found that to be true in all of the calibers I have tried. Of course if you like shooting 45 auto in this gun then you have a great selection of auto bullets.
If you don’t handload but want the ultimate hunting and hard hitting ammo you are in luck. Double Tap produces some serious hunting ammo with the 335 and 360 grain LBT bullets.
This is the ultimate hunting ammo and it is only for modern strong guns such as this Ruger. I have used this ammo in other guns and calibers and it produces the velocities that are advertised. They also have the gentler loads for both the auto and Colt rounds. For info you can go to www.doubletapammo.net
LOAD BULLET VELOCITY COMMENT
- Liberty 78 gr HP 1908.6 high es
- Liberty 78 gr HP 45 ACP 1748.8 consistent
- Double Tap 185 gr Bonded HP 857.4 mild & consistent
- 18 gr Blue Dot 200 gr Speer HP 1462.8 high es
- Federal 225 grain FTX 851 mild
- Federal 225 grain SWC HP 897 accurate
- HPR 230 gr HP 730.7 consistent
- 8 grains Unique 230 gr HP 45 Colt 946.1 nice load
- 25 grains 2400 230 grain FMJ 1246.25 consistent
- Double Tap 230 grain Controlled 984.38 nice load
- 7.5 grains Unique 250 gr cast 753.33 consistent
- 11 grains HS-6 250 grain cast 940 nice load
- 8 grains Unique 255 gr CMA 843.8 ok
- 8 grains Unique 255 gr CMA 812.67 different gun high es
- 22 grains 2400 265 gr LBT 1225.9 ok
- Buffalo Bore 300 gr LBT 1352 hunting
- Buffalo Bore 325 gr LBT 1325 bear load
Shooting the Ruger Redhawk Revolver
As with all of my test products, I have other shooters try them to get some other opinions other than mine. A youth tried it and for the most part he liked it though he thought that the DA trigger pull was too heavy. He did a lot of target shooting with some 45-auto ammo I had left over from previous tests.
At 15 yards shooting single action, he was able to shoot some nice groups offhand. However, the double action pull was too heavy for him to shoot well. Shooting 45 auto ammo produces almost no recoil so he did an extended session. Other shooters generally liked it but a couple complained about the trigger.
If you want a 4” revolver capable of handling all sane loads and will last for many years, then I suggest that you give the Ruger Redhawk Revolver one a serious look.
Ruger Redhawk Revolver Resources:
- Ruger Redhawk Revolver Instruction Manual
- Ruger Redhawk Revolver Video
- Used Ruger Redhawk Revolvers For Sale
- Books on Ruger Redhawk Revolver
- Ruger Redhawk Revolver Parts
About Bob Shell
A Custom Reloader of Obsolete and Antique Ammo, Bob Shell, writes about the subject of Guns, Ammo, Shooting and Related Subjects. Visit: www.bobshellsblog.blogspot.com
i used the red hawk for targets, and I found out that u can use the 45 gap, 45 acp, 45 mag and 45 colt all 4 if u want but I don’t care for the gap or acp in it , it makes the cylinder dirty and the shoot weak so I swiched to using the mag shells that way I can use the clips that I favere
WHAT SPEED LOADER WILL WORK FOR RUGER REDHAWK 45LC?
Fired the Liberty CD .357 in a Taurus 605. The cases apparently expanded and I was UNable to extact them for about 5 minutes. (Once cool, they ejected OK.) Previously fired 20 or so rounds of .38 FMJ; all fell out when the 605 was tipped up. .38 SPL and .357 seems to have same, next-to-nothing, recoil, but then I didn’t notice a lot of kick from Springfield Armory .40 and .45 sliders (semi-autos).; call me insensitive.
You can look for TK Custom Gunsmithing online (any good search engine will do). They did a custom recess on my Uberti Schofield 45Colt (LC) so that it would not only continue to fire the 45LC but accept .45ACP moonclips as well. It shoots like hot butter and is my most accurate handgun. The cost was very reasonable (if I told you how reasonable, you wouldn’t believe me) and only took 7 days from shipping, to machining, to shipping and receipt. BTW, you only need to send the cylinder, not the whole pistol. No FFL required. I would recommend insurance… Read more »
I have a Super Redhawk Alaskan.The factory trigger pulll was about 7 lbs on double action and 5 lbs on single.action.Simple solution WC Wolff light main and trigger return springs.Very easy to install as this gun is simple to work on.Now my Alaskan has a 4lb double and 2 lb single action trigger pull . What a pleasure to shoot now with greater accuracy.You can Google how or if unsure, a gunsmith is recommended. Always double check that the gun is unloaded before performing any upgrades.Good luck and safe shooting.
Sir
In the Liberty ammunition picture above. I don’t mean to be picky, but why is the 45 auto pictured first and in the words
below it says 45 colt and 45 auto. Do we now read right to left? Sorry I just had to say it.
I am an FFF DEALER (BROWN’S Bookkeeping & Tax Service) since 07/01/2012———-send literature to 955 Old Bell High Road, Pineville, KY 40977-8242
I OWN A S&W GOVERNOR AND AM INTERESTED IN ALL TYPES OF .45 ACP AMMO, AND 3 ROUND HALF MOON CLIPS IF ANY ONE STILL MAKES THEM. I AM ALSO INTERESTED IN FINDING A GUNSMITH WHO CAN FINE TUNE SAID GOVERNOR AND DO SOME CUSTOM WORK ON IT.
Do you have a revolver that can load up to 08 rounds and it is capable for shooting
Even under water / rainy season Which can maintain the standard
One question I didn’t see addressed in the article. I may have missed it:
Is the cylinder of N-frame dimensions? In other words, will the moon clips and speedloaders that fit S&W .45 ACP or .45 LC revolvers, also fit the Ruger? How about the speedloaders for .45 Auto Rims?
Inquiring minds want to know.
S&W MOON CLIPS WILL NOT FIT RUGER REDHAWK 45 LC. RUGER HAS MOON CLIPS AND RANCH PRODUCTS HAS SOME MOON CLIPS THAT WILL FIT. RUGER IS SMALLER IN DIAMETER.