Ruger Vaquero.45LC SS

[Big Al]

I have a Vaquero.45LC stainless steel that I've been able to determine was mfg in January 2000. Trying to figure the ammo this weapon can handle. The owners manual is no help. Going on a hog hunt in March and I want to use this pistol.
Any input from the GS is appreciated

[billfromtx]

Any 45long colt you can buy will shoot fine in a vaquero. It’s a stout pistol.

[Wayspr]

Yep, should be able to handle any 45LC ammo you can find

[xman59]

it will handle any 45 colt ammo with ease as was already stated,,, very good accurate and strong pistol,,, you can use buffalo bore with confidence, or any other stout loads

[cblackall]

With that manufacture date, that should be the original large frame vaquero. They can handle the “Ruger Only” loads, same as the Blackhawk. If this is the case, anything you get off the shelf should be good to go. If it’s a new model Vaquero, built on the smaller frame, it’s recommended to keep the ammo in the lower pressure Colt range. New model Vaquero would be stamped on the frame.

[Phillip Fields]

Prior to 2005/2006 the Vaquero .45LC was made on the .44 Mag frame and is suitable for +P loads. After that time they are made on the .357 Magnum frame and are not suitable for +P loads.

[TacticalCowboy]

With that manufacture date, that should be the original large frame vaquero. They can handle the “Ruger Only” loads, same as the Blackhawk. If this is the case, anything you get off the shelf should be good to go. If it’s a new model Vaquero, built on the smaller frame, it’s recommended to keep the ammo in the lower pressure Colt range. New model Vaquero would be stamped on the frame.

This. If it says “New Vaquero” it will NOT handle the heavy loads.

I had a 45 Redhawk awhile back. Buffalo Bore 255 grain JHP was running 1400 FPS out of that 4” barrel

[Big Al]

Thanks all for the info. I just wasn't sure if this was a smaller frame or the large frame.

[Billy Bad Bass]

The other way to tell it is the original large frame vaquero is a 2 digit serial number prefix.

[Big Al]

Sweet...mine starts with 57-*****