475 or 500 for new big bore revolver?

[yorketransport]

I have the bug get a new big bore revolver and I can't decide on the caliber. I've played with pretty much every revolver round from 357 mag up to the big 45s (454, 460, 45-70). I even had a 500 S&W for a while, but the revolver was so big and heavy that I never carried it. I think I have it narrowed down to either a 475 Linebaugh or one of the mid sized 50s (500 JRH, 500 Linebaugh, 510 Reeder, 50 WE). The 50s are all in the same league, and the 475 is right there with them with arguably better penetration. Not that any of them wouldn't give a complete pass through on pretty much anything.

The revolver itself with be either a BFR from the Magnum Research precision center, Freedom Arms, or a Gary Reeder conversion. The Freedom Arms and Reeder revolvers both take about 10-12 months to get and a BFR can be had in about 6 weeks. All of them are high quality guns. I've owned and shot a number of BFRs, and I've shot both Freedom Arms and Reeder revolvers. The BFR is the least expensive (about $1500) and the others are right about the same price ($2000). The whole idea is to have a 5.5-6" gun of reasonable weight to pack around.

So if any of you have any experience with with any of these calibers or guns, speak up!

Andrew

[Sportfury]

Wow. I wish I could do the same as you. I have been in Gary Reeder's shop in Flagstaff. I like do like the .475's, but have never got to shoot one.

I would like to get in to big bores and have been looking at the Ruger Super Blackhawk Bisley Hunter in .44 mag. I really want to take a deer with a revolver.

[CAMPMEAT]

Ever thought about a 450 Marlin in an Encore ? I have one and it's quite a handful, even with a brake on the 15 inch barrel.

[HawkCreek]

.475 Linebaugh.

Because it's available as a factory load from several companies (although I would prefer to reload for a round of this type when possible) and it is able to use milder .480 Ruger ammo if you had a reason to.

[coachcw]

SW .460 Done !

[buck man]

SW .460 Done !

 

[PNW_Hunter]

If your looking for something other than a .460 S&W, i'd go with the .475 Linebaugh over the .500 personally.

[yorketransport]

Thanks for the comments so far.

The 460 is out because I've already had one (in an Encore) and I pretty much maxed out the 45 caliber when I had the 45-70 BFR. The 460 couldn't keep up with the 45-70 (or 450 Marlin) when running heavy (400 + grain) bullets. And the 45-70/ 450 Marlin operate at lower pressures to do it.  The X frame Smith & Wesson revolvers are just too big to be practical packing guns. That was my complaint with the 500 S&W that I had, and it was the 4" version. If I'm going to pack something that size, I may as well carry one of bolt action pistols! My 300 RUM Striker with a 19" barrel only weighs 6.5# scoped. A scoped 8 3/8" X frame isn't that far behind.

I'm starting to lean towards the 475 just because I've never had one and components are easier to find. The .50 components are in short supply most places. Go figure!

I'd love to get a Freedom Arms, but I'm reluctant because of the short cylinder that they use. It limits some of the heavy cast bullet styles which can be used. The goal is to run 400 + grain loads from a packable revolver. No barrels over 6". Longer than that and it doesn't carry well in a cross draw hip holster.

I may end up with the BFR just because I'm impatient. This would be a lot easier though if somebody just made a 6" barreled revolver in either 480 Ruger or 475 Linebaugh.

Andrew

[HawkCreek]

Have you looked at Linebaughs offerings (or any of the high end custom offerings)? I've never handled any of them but I've never heard a bad thing about them either (except recoil duh). I like my Freedom Arms but the wait does kind of suck.