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Do you have a Ruger 45 Colt revolver that has a severe barrel or
cylinder leading problem, shoots open groups, or has a “flier” or two in your shot groups?
If you answered yes to this question you are not alone!
I to suffered from this very problem. I have a Ruger Vaquero, Stainless 4 5/8” barrel in .45 colt. My intention was to
set this pistol up to shoot Cowboy Action Style events and be a general Pack around the woods type of reliable,
accurate six gun. After the first round of modifications which included a light action job, Wolff spring kit,
and Belt Mtn. Base pin I was still plagued by unacceptable accuracy. The shot groups were all over the paper,
the barrel and cylinder were covered in lead and basically I was baffled.
But I have found the answer to this problem!
The problem lies in the manufacture of the cylinder for this classic caliber revolver.
Lets look at the at the cylinder and how it works.
1. The Cylinder has multiple chambers, the back part of the cylinder where the cartridges are loaded and set
freely, and the area just ahead of the projectile which “ necks down”. This area is called the “throat”.
2. As the round is fired the projectile moves forward in the cylinder chamber and is caught by the “throat”
which slows the bullet until sufficient pressure is built up to push it out of the cylinder. ( This all happens
in a fraction of a second.)
3. The bullet then enters what’s called the “forcing cone” of the barrel which is the tapered area at the rear
of the barrel just in front of the cylinder. This is designed to aid in directing the bullet into the barrel
and engaging the “rifling” of the barrel as centered as possible.
Now that we know how it works here is the problem.
For some reason Ruger notoriously manufactures there cylinders with an undersized throat. The proper throat diameter
for the .45 colt would be .4525 to .4530. This dimension would match closely the rifled bore diameter used in
today’s manufacturing process. (which would be that same dimension.) Here is what happens with undersized
“throats”.
1. Cartridge is fired in chamber, undersized “throat” grabs the bullet (in some cases creating excessive
pressure).
2. The undersized throat Shaves lead or squeezes the bullet down to a smaller diameter than the barrel rifling.
(The lead has to go somewhere usually the cylinder, forcing cone, or barrel or all three!)
3. The now undersized bullet enters the forcing cone of the barrel at an angle, and barely engages the rifling
causing erratic shot groups and severe leading.
In my case the smallest “throat” diameter was .4505 with an average of .451. that doesn't seem like a lot, but
with the average cast lead bullet diameter running up to .454 that’s a lot of lead to shave!
What I can do for you?
Using precision bore measuring equipment , I will check the diameter of all 6
of your cylinder's throats, select the correct guide bushing for each throat, and with a precision reamer, ream all 6 throats
to the proper diameter of .4525-.453. I will then provide you with a printed report showing before and after dimensions of
your cylinder throats.
The cost of this service is $45.00 (US) plus $7.00 Shipping, handling, and insurance.
($52.00 total per each cylinder) Multiple Cylinder orders and Gun Shop inquires welcome!
Now servicing 44 cylinders also!
I am located in Northwest Oregon
For more information, or shipping info contact me at
Email cylinder doctor
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