New Ruger Blackhawk in 30 carbine inbound.

John4st

John4st

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Sep 14, 2025
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Been wanting a 30 cal. revolver for a while. Never considered 30 carbine until I just couldn't find a nice used 32 H and R or 327 with target sights. Happened to see a new 30 Carbine Black hawk and got to thinking I could load it down to any thing I wanted and then be able to go up to full power 30 Carbine if I needed too. Used guns were kind of pricy as well until I happened to check on new ones on sale.

Wondering if anyone around eastern Iowa is loading 30 C for a Blackhawk? I could use a few pointers and maybe get an idea on future mods to the cylinder to shoot other cartridges.

Maybe just a shooting buddy, I have a range.
 
For loading, I'd suggest going with Trail Boss, especially for those subsonic or reduced loads. It's really user-friendly and you don’t have to worry too much about accidentally doublecharging. When you're ready to step it up with full-power loads, H110 and Lil'Gun are super popular picks, but just keep in mind they can be a bit temp sensitive. And for a fun time at the range, cast bullets in the 100-115gr range are good for plinking and you can tweak them in just how you like.
 
Messing around with cylinder mods for those bottleneck rifle cartridges can be a bit of a headache. But I’ve heard some really skilled gunsmiths have actually converted Blackhawks to fire .32-20 or even some wild .30-20 cartridges. If you’re thinking about diving into that, it’s definitely a smart move to consult a gunsmith who really knows their way around Ruger platforms first.
 
John4st said:
Been wanting a 30 cal. revolver for a while. Never considered 30 carbine until I just couldn't find a nice used 32 H and R or 327 with target sights. Happened to see a new 30 Carbine Black hawk and got to thinking I could load it down to any thing I wanted and then be able to go up to full power 30 Carbine if I needed too. Used guns were kind of pricy as well until I happened to check on new ones on sale.

Wondering if anyone around eastern Iowa is loading 30 C for a Blackhawk? I could use a few pointers and maybe get an idea on future mods to the cylinder to shoot other cartridges.

Maybe just a shooting buddy, I have a range.
Click to expand...
If I were in your position, I’d kick things off with some lighter handloads. It’s a great way to really get a feel for how it shoots and see where it takes you. That platform has so much potential waiting to be unlocked.
 
So my first loads were with Unique but I don't have a ton of it left. Kind of mid range load, but recoil was pretty mild and that's why I got it. Reading a bunch of stuff about reaming the cylinders to get them all consistent and up to size best for cast bullets. I need to measure them before I order a reamer.
 
This is a reply a reply I got from E Harris on cast bullet association...

"For a mild and pleasant short range load I use the same data as for .32-20, 3.5 grains of any fast burning pistol or shotgun powder you have lying around. Bullseye, TiteGroup, 700x, Red Dot, GreenDot, WST, 452AA all work. In this strong revolver these are start loads and it is OK to increase up to 5 grains as accuracy indicates. Similarly start with 4 grains of Unique, WSF, Universal, 231, HP38 I etc.

If you have any 4227 10 grains is a good start load which shoots well to 100 yards. OK to increase as accuracy indicates up to what the case will hold.

The fast burning flake and uncoated, rolled Ball powders which act like a flake powder are very forgiving. And 4227 is a proven choice in .32-20. Using tested .32-20 loads in the .30 Carbine Ruger is a no brainer. The later Rugers can use .32-20 ammo straight up too."
 

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