Hello:
I recently acquired a USFA Rodeo, 4 5/8" barrel, in .45 Colt. I am not a Cowboy Action Shooter; I had just always wanted a Colt SAA, but knowing that I could not afford one, when I saw this Rodeo in a local gun shop, I grabbed it. It appears to be unfired.
Now I need an ammo recommendation. I want to keep costs down, but don't want junk. I am planning on buying 100 rounds for starters. I'll just be using this for some informal fun shooting and plinking.
The two most popular weights seem to be 250 grain and 200 grain. At first I was looking at Ultramax, but I have since found some other brands that are cheaper. (e.g., Northern Hills Precision, etc.) Some are lead nose, some are copper plated.
Here are my criteria, from most to least important.
My #1 criteria is reliability. I don't want junk ammo that will misfire, throw fliers everywhere, or ruin my gun.
My #2 criteria is accuracy. I would like something that shoots POA/POI. I realize that all guns are different, but generally speaking, does the Rodeo like one bullet weight over the other?
My #3 criteria is recoil. The less, the better. But not if I have to sacrifice accuracy.
My #4 criteria is historical accuracy. Not sure what the actual bullet weight was "back in the day." But if I am going to play cowboy, I might as well go all the way.
And of course, I would prefer not to pay through the nose.
So ... now that you know what I am looking for, what are your recommendations on bullet weight, and brand, based on your experience with the USFAs? And if there are brands to avoid, let me know that as well.
Thanks!