Ruger Redhawk Cylinder question?

Varminterror

Varminterror

New member
Wondering if anyone can confirm whether or not the .357mag Redhawk and .44mag or .45colt Redhawks have the same cylinder diameter? In other words, do they ALL have the same diameter?

I'm working on a potential new pet project converting a 7.5" or 5.5" Redhawk to .357 B&D, so I want to be sure that the frame and cylinder are the same size (I'm assuming so)for all of the Redhawks. I'm not particularly a fan of the RH over the SRH, but I'd like something a bit smaller for this project. If I have to use a Super Redhawk, then I may go back to a Blackhawk instead (probably a convertible even), since it'll cost a lot more to get a blank cylinder chambered and a custom barrel cut than it would cost to simply ream the chambers on the existing cylinder (using factory barrel).
 
Yes they are the same so is the SuperRedhawk my 44mag Redhawk 1.781 my 45Colt Redhawk 1.782 my 357mag Redhawk was the same also

Are you planning on using a 357mag Redhawk for this?
 
Yeah Rich, I'm HOPING to do the conversion to a Ruger Redhawk .357mag. Most commonly, it seems guys are doing it with Blackhawk Convertibles, using the 9mm cylinder. I'd prefer to have it in a DA, and it'd make it be something unique. Either that, I may go for a Vaquero (probably an old Vaquero).

If I did a 44mag or .45colt base revolver, I'd have to change the barrel as well as start with a fresh cylinder. Redhawk take off barrels seem to be akin to hen's teeth, and there wouldn't be any Super Redhawk .357 barrels out there. Ends up being a lot more work (read: more money) than a simple ream job on the cylinder.

Any reason NOT to use a .357 Redhawk? Other than the fact that there aren't any more of them being made?
 
Yes most are done using a Blackhawk 357mag convertible using the 9mm cylinder then you can have a spare 357mag cylinder also plus the 357 RH is a little hard to find and getting pricey, so no no real good reason to not use one except you can find a 357 BH for about half the price
 
Ok good, I was worried that there was gonna be a technical issue that would prohibit the use of a RH. I figure "everybody does it" with Blackhawk Convertibles, and I have another Vaquero project (birdshead sherrif's model .44mag if I can find one, otherwise New Vaq .45colt) that I'm working on for a Ruger SA, so I'm hoping this one could be a DA.

I'm actually quite sad I just learned about the .357B&D, I would have built one 10yrs ago if I had known. I've always wished I could find ~160-180grn bullets that flew well for the .44mag, since I just don't need that much bullet for deer, and figure the lighter pills could get upwards of 1800fps from the Mag case. Lo' and behold, the .357B&D does just that, but even faster! I'm finding data for 2100fps+ loads with 158grners, and 2000fps loads with 180's.

The .357mag just never thrills me for hunting, the .45colt I prefer in an SA, have plenty of .44mags, and I'm not really a huge follower of the Redhawk in general, but this gives me a good excuse to get a Redhawk! And she might just be a one of a kind when all is said and done, I've heard of Smith 27's and 29's being converted, but never a Redhawk.

Now I'm stuck debating whether I want to try my hand at doing the cylinder myself, or whether I should just play it safe and send off the cylinder (and I suppose a set of .357mag dies?) to get it done.
 
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