I just ordered a Ruger Blackhawk 357/9mm convertible. I pick it up tomorrow and would like to see if any one has a particular load that does well in their Blackhawk? I will buy several and give them a try but it would be nice to maybe find a good place to start.

Also, I currently use a Colt 1911, with 180 Silvertips, for my backup when I work the ranch or hunt pigs; they've been known to get a little rough. Any way is there a 357 load that would suit me better for this application or should I stick with the 45?

And... Does anyone know of a cheap cartridge belt holster for the Blackhawk that is not so expensive? I am open to anything so long as it holds the gun.

Here are some loads for my 4" barreled Ruger Security Six.
in .357Mag:
158gr SWC - 7.5gr AA#5 or 7.0gr Hodgdon Universal
158gr XTP - 16.0gr Win 296 or 8.2gr AA#5
158gr Gold Dot - 15.5gr Win 296
145gr Win Slivertip - 6.6gr Win 231

in .38Spcl:
158gr SWC - 3.5gr Win Super-Tar or 4.0gr Universal
158gr XTP - 3.6gr Win Super-Tar or 5.9gr AA#5
158gr Gold Dot - 3.4gr Win 231
145gr Win Silvertip - 3.8gr Red Dot

Personally................if you need a pistol for pigs.......................use the .357Mag and use BIG bullets! At least hard cast 158gr bullets if you load yourself - you can get 180gr Speer Gold Dots that have the hollow point filled with lead and those will probably get the job done. If using factory rounds, I believe Federal may still make their hardcast 180gr hunting loads and Win their 180gr Nosler Partion rounds.......................either are preferred choices for Porky.