I shoot the same load no matter what I'm using my Ruger vaquero for--plink, hunt, target. I believe I should be as familiar as possible with the load I may need to really be confident with. To be clear, I'm still trying to find that one special load for me and my gun (and my inconsistent performace is the big issue). I see a lot of posts across the internet where shooters have a different load for each use of their guns. I'm not into any serious competition work, just good enough for what needs doing in my neck of the woods. So, am I crazy for using this approach?

I shoot the same load no matter what I'm using my Ruger vaquero for--plink, hunt, target. I believe I should be as familiar as possible with the load I may need to really be confident with. To be clear, I'm still trying to find that one special load for me and my gun (and my inconsistent performace is the big issue). I see a lot of posts across the internet where shooters have a different load for each use of their guns. I'm not into any serious competition work, just good enough for what needs doing in my neck of the woods. So, am I crazy for using this approach?

No! Keep Searching. I use the same 158 gr. .357 load for my S&W. The powder I use runs about 100 FPS under most, but it is accurate. Works for my needs. Good luck, JP

You mentioned inconsistent performance...perhaps you have developed a flinch. I saw it when a friend was out with his kids and let his 11 year old shoot his Uberti in 45 Colt...just factory ammo. I do not think either of us could believe the flinch he had after just 5 rounds. If you are reloading, you may want to try loading up some lighter ones to see if you can become more consistent or consider getting a .22 revolver.

You mentioned inconsistent performance...perhaps you have developed a flinch. I saw it when a friend was out with his kids and let his 11 year old shoot his Uberti in 45 Colt...just factory ammo. I do not think either of us could believe the flinch he had after just 5 rounds. If you are reloading, you may want to try loading up some lighter ones to see if you can become more consistent or consider getting a .22 revolver.
That's exactly why I like having multiple loads for different purposes; light loads let you relax a bit, and not anticipate recoil. Heavy loads can be a lot of fun, but can cause bad habits like flinching or an improper grip.

Not crazy at all. My Dad taught four boys to shoot and wore out a S&W K-38 – Twice, using 3.4 gr. of Hercules Bullseye and a home cast 148-grain wadcutter.
Dad shot this load with confidence at all ranges.

Yep I've pretty much settled on two or three loads I use for most everything- They are accurate and not to hard on me or the guns! :D

Rimrock
I use the same load for my 45 Colts that I've used for the past 25 years. One size fits all.
Jim

Rimrock,

Your approach is practicle, logical, and economical. That is certainly not crazy :) . As you noted, many reloaders/handloaders roll their own for many different purposes. I like your reloading concept just fine, as it is mine as well.

Best wishes,
Rushbeau

I use the "one load" stratagy for all my guns.
I pick the one that is most accurate in a power range that I need, and thats theone I stick to. If I have too guns in the same caliber (example Ruger Blackhawk and TC contender) I figure this out for each and then use the best loads for one as alternative loads for the other.

If you are inconsistant with your grip, the tendency is to hold tighter. Try this, Think of the gun as a bird in your hand, you have to hold on tight enough to keep it from getting away, but you don't want to crush it. allow the revolver to rise(elbows) but not leave your hands.

I was taught this way years ago and itdid wonders for my groups.
Regards,
Gene

Gene,
thanks for the coaching. I need to try this.

I use the "one load" stratagy for all my guns.
I pick the one that is most accurate in a power range that I need, and thats theone I stick to. If I have too guns in the same caliber (example Ruger Blackhawk and TC contender) I figure this out for each and then use the best loads for one as alternative loads for the other.

If you are inconsistant with your grip, the tendency is to hold tighter. Try this, Think of the gun as a bird in your hand, you have to hold on tight enough to keep it from getting away, but you don't want to crush it. allow the revolver to rise(elbows) but not leave your hands.

I was taught this way years ago and itdid wonders for my groups.
Regards,
Gene

Gene,
thanks for the coaching. I need to try this.
I have found one load for all of my guns(pistol and rifle) and use that load for everything.That way the sight picture recoil,and noise is the same all the time Doug

No, you are completely stone cold sane! :)

I use one load for my .45 Colt revolvers, a light plinking charge of Unique and a 250 grain cast bullet. Fun to shoot and that 8 pounds of Unique will go a long way.

With the .44 Magnum its a 240 grain cast bullet and 8 grains of Unique.

Now with the .480 Rugers, I load them up with 5.7 grains of Trail Boss and a 370 grain cast bullet and shoot all day. Couldn't do that with heavy loads without bruising something.

These light loads usually shoot well across several revolvers and allow a lot of practice. So carry on, and have fun, because a man with one gun and one load that shoots a lot is called a pistolero!

Of coarse you ARE CRAZY! You read this site and shoot guns.

I use one load for all my SBH ammo. I have not shot a deer with it yet but it has been out there a couple times with that intent and I expect the 240 gr Hornady swagged SWC to work just fine over a little Green Dot. I have found I shoot a light round better than full house in the 5.5 inch rascal and I expect it to shoot through most anything even at <1000fps.

I find a load that works and that's the one I stick with. As I get older I forget which one to use so I use only one.

I use the same loads in my 1911 and my 45ACP wheelgun...200gn RFNL. Both shoot great and I don't have to overwork my small brain to remember which bullets to use. Also makes my reloading much easier.

I shoot the same load no matter what I'm using my Ruger vaquero for--plink, hunt, target. I believe I should be as familiar as possible with the load I may need to really be confident with. To be clear, I'm still trying to find that one special load for me and my gun (and my inconsistent performace is the big issue). I see a lot of posts across the internet where shooters have a different load for each use of their guns. I'm not into any serious competition work, just good enough for what needs doing in my neck of the woods. So, am I crazy for using this approach?
If you've got a load that just doesn't work for ya,try another. If you've got a good working load, stay with it. I've got pet loads and sometimes I load "just to see" loads.Gosh, guess we're all NUTZ or we wouldn't always be looking for that one all purpose combination.Good luck and keep trying.