[Bountyhunter]

I'm thinking about getting a Montado and I'm wondering if the loads I've been making will be ok to shoot in it. I've been loading 200 - 250 grain RNFP hardcast bullets on top of 9 grains of Unique. I don't know what pressures this is producing. I know it's fine in my OM Vaqueros and my RH. Any thoughts?

 

[41 Magnum]

It is after all, still a New Vaquero, so I see no reason why Your loads would not be satisfactory in it as well. Same frame, same cylinder, except for the bevels, & they are purely cosmetic. Otherwise, the same gun. That's really not a hot load anyway. Reduce the powder charge slightly, & work Your way back up, just to be sure.

 

[Bountyhunter]

I only have older Vaqueros, Jim. No New Vaqueros. I'm just wondering if the 9 grains of Unique is ok in a smaller frame Vaquero. I think so, but I'm not 100% sure.

 

[XLCH]

I just looked in the Lee book and they are saying to start at 8.0 of Unique with 250 grain lead bullet and work up. This is a non Ruger load.

 

[Bountyhunter]

Yeah I found loads for 8.0 grains, but also found loads for Rugers up to 10.5 grains. I wouldn't want to try 10.5 grains in the smaller framed Vaquero. At 9 grains with a 200 grain RNFP there was no sign of pressure build up. The cases fell out on their own.

 

[Deadeye]

Lee manual lists 8.0gr. as 11800CUP. Thats all the data I've found so far.

 

[Bountyhunter]

I think I should just stick with the heavy frames and then I won't have to worry about it.

 

[Terry_P]

The load should be just fine. The Speer manual lists a 250 gr L-SWC with a range of 8.6-9.5 gr of Unique. That is the standard loading for the smaller frame colts, etc so should be fine in the smaller frame Ruger. The max heavy load for large frame Rugers and Contenders is over a full grain more. The Speer manual is usually conservative and only rarely (actually once) have I shown pressure with their loads. Shoot one check it, shoot 2 check it, you know the drill and you'll be fine.

 

[jimbo1096]

The Montado should handle the 9gr Unique just fine. That load does not go into the "Ruger Only" catagory.
There should be a noticable difference in recoil and POI when using the same load for both 200gr and 250gr lead bullets. With the 250 grainers, the 9gr Unique is shown as max for Colts and smaller framed guns in some listings. With the Montado or any NM Vaquero, there should still be some safety zone. I'd shoot them if it were mine. It the POI is different, drop the 250 LRNFP down to 8.6 and shoot a comparison.

 

[Bountyhunter]

Well I got the Montado, and I'll shoot the loads. I think it'll be fine. The cylinders are also shorter so I have to make sure I don't make them any longer. :shock:

 

[Deadeye]

Well I got the Montado, and I'll shoot the loads. I think it'll be fine. The cylinders are also shorter so I have to make sure I don't make them any longer. :shock:

What length barrel did you get?

 

[Bountyhunter]

The Montado is the Davidson's special with the 3.75" barrel. I have pics in the Single Action Revolver forum.