The crazy, crazy BFR .500 JRH.

[Whiterabbit]

um, is it possible to shorted a collet once it's done?

[pal82]

um, is it possible to shorted a collet once it's done?

um.....yep. Shorten the collet sleeve and the die body. I asked Andy at Lee to confirm. His reply was, "What's a 500JRH? Yea, that'll work."

[Whiterabbit]

well doesn't get any better than that. in my head as I imagine the FCD function, shortening the collet sleeve would radically change the way it crimps. Guess not.

[44man]

44man, what shoulder holster works?
I use Uncle Mikes no. 13. I bought it for the BFR 45-70, 10" barrel. It is long but my 10" SBH and the 7-1/2" guns fit too.
Here is my JRH with the Ultra Dot in it. Attachment 98103

[Whiterabbit]

I have that exact holster. How do you carry it under the shoulder? it's more of a bandolier carry

Oh. I see. They have many size 13's, and they hve a vertical shoulder AND a bandolier, and they look almost, but not quite, the same. got it.

This is the one I have.

http://www.opticsplanet.com/uncle-mi...FTBk7AodhxkA7Q

Not quite the same.

[44man]

I like the flap on yours. I want a higher holster, climb too many ladder stands and it is better.

[snowwolfe]

I just got off the phone with Lee. Ordered a 500s&w collet style factory crimp die (SKU # 80338) $25 + 6 shipping. I'll have to shorten it in the lathe, but it should work. Anybody tried this yet? Maybe a good crimp will make up for my short barrle when it comes to slower powders.

I bought a Redding crimp die for the S&W 500 and my smith shortened it by 1/4 inch and it works perfectly for my 500 JRH.

[Seancass]

Hey guys, First post on this board, figured it might as well be here. I'm new to the 500JRH. I'm just starting to reload for it, looking for some more load data, if it exists. I've got some 440gr Leadhead gas checked WFN for most of my shooting, especially warmer loads. I also ordered some 400gr plain base, RFN bullets from Missouri Bullet Co for plinking loads. Interestingly, the 400gr bullets actually go about .015 Deeper into the case than the 440gr bullets! I've got Trail Boss for the lighter loads and H110 for the full power loads. I was wondering if anybody has worked with Unique or 2400 for mid-range loads? Especially for the 400gr bullet that seats deep in the case. I'll probably save the 440gr bullets for H110.

Since everybody loves pics, here's a pic of the gun the day I got it. Group fired at 20 yards off-hand. Shooting Buffalo Bore 440gr at 950fps, light loads. First four rounds down the tube by me shown. Really looking forward to doing a lot more shooting with this lil guy!

Thanks for any advice! Good to see the wealth of knowledge that is on this forum!

[44man]

Hey guys, First post on this board, figured it might as well be here. I'm new to the 500JRH. I'm just starting to reload for it, looking for some more load data, if it exists. I've got some 440gr Leadhead gas checked WFN for most of my shooting, especially warmer loads. I also ordered some 400gr plain base, RFN bullets from Missouri Bullet Co for plinking loads. Interestingly, the 400gr bullets actually go about .015 Deeper into the case than the 440gr bullets! I've got Trail Boss for the lighter loads and H110 for the full power loads. I was wondering if anybody has worked with Unique or 2400 for mid-range loads? Especially for the 400gr bullet that seats deep in the case. I'll probably save the 440gr bullets for H110.

Since everybody loves pics, here's a pic of the gun the day I got it. Group fired at 20 yards off-hand. Shooting Buffalo Bore 440gr at 950fps, light loads. First four rounds down the tube by me shown. Really looking forward to doing a lot more shooting with this lil guy!

Thanks for any advice! Good to see the wealth of knowledge that is on this forum!

Good shooting. The JRH might be the best of the best in the .500's. It rates with the .475 and .44.

[Seancass]

Thanks, 44man. I'm glad it was my first really big bore. I'd probably still be looking for Linebaugh brass! I only have 80 pieces of brass for now, and a bag of Starline S&W brass to work over sometime. I'm certainly not a good shot, but this gun has a lot of potential and I'm REALLY enjoying it so far!

I've enjoyed reading this thread, a couple times. Thanks for all your contributions. Some of us idiots won't get smarter if the experience people don't share the knowledge occasionally!

[Seancass]

Well, looks like I killed this thread, so I might as well give it a little bump. Everybody loves pics, and I can only assume video is even better! Sorry if it's low quality.

This was taken last weekend, out screwing around with a couple buddies. And oh yeah, I missed. But overall I shot pretty well that day!
http://youtu.be/6Q_8Xqz2Svk

[Seancass]

Here's me getting used to the recoil. That alone took a while.

http://youtu.be/OKWeDIXGesE

[Powersgt]

The first dummy for this cartridge was turned in a lathe back in 1998 (if memory serves me correctly -- it often doesn't). The .500 Smith can be used, but to get the dimensions right, you need to turn the rim down a bit, and cut the case to a nominal 1.4-inches. It is a .501 diameter. So yes, it fits in a "normally sized" revolver.

The .50 Alaskan is a different case altogether!

Whitworth,

You mentioned cutting the rim down a bit to get the dimensions right? I assume its the rim diameter?

V/R

Jeff

[44man]

For the BFR, the S&W rim does not need cut. Perfect fit.

[Seancass]

Whitworth,

You mentioned cutting the rim down a bit to get the dimensions right? I assume its the rim diameter?

V/R

Jeff

500JRH rims measure .545in diameter. 500S&W rims are .555in. The sloppy chambers of the BFR allow S&W brass to fit. ( I'm kidding!) Apparently JRH thought that the gun needed the 0.005in more than the brass did, so many custom guns require JRH spec brass.

[jwp475]

500JRH rims measure .545in diameter. 500S&W rims are .555in. The sloppy chambers of the BFR allow S&W brass to fit. ( I'm kidding!) Apparently JRH thought that the gun needed the 0.005in more than the brass did, so many custom guns require JRH spec brass.

The FA-83 requires the smaller JRH rim size the Ruger customs and the BFR can utilize the S&W rim size.

[44man]

The FA-83 requires the smaller JRH rim size the Ruger customs and the BFR can utilize the S&W rim size.

This is true. Rim has nothing to do with the chamber. Most custom makers understand you might not find JRH brass and will need to cut brass.

[Powersgt]

I just got my custom BFR from MR, went to load up five rounds and some of the brass catches when you spin the cylinder. I don't know if the cases are not uniform or if the counter bores are not deep enough. I need to call the custom shop tomorrow and see if I need to send it back in.

[jwp475]

Find the cases that rub and measure the rim thickness, they maybe a bit thick.

[Seancass]

Had the same case rubbing problem with my FA JRH. It was such a light drag, I cured it by twisting the offending case on some fine sandpaper. Probably couldn't measure a difference without some fine tools, but it was just enough. Also helps to keep it clean, but that shouldn't be an issue with your brand new gun.