Help me pick out a hand cannon

[Lefty Red]

Disclaimer: I doubt this hand cannon will do anything more than hit the range and take a whitetail under 100yards. And I know perfectly well my 44mag could go that. This is a want not a need. So won’t be a backup or holster handgun.

Info: I will be reloading for it, and I don’t care if it’s something I can’t run down to the LGS and pick up off the shelf. And I doubt I load it up to T Rex DRT power levels.

Lefty wants a SW X frame! So got to ask around what is the recommended (noticed I didn’t say BEST) barrel length, comp or no comp, 460 or 500.

Thanks guys!

[contender1]

Actually,, I have shot several large caliber handguns. The .450 Marlin, .454 Casull, the 460 S&W, the .475 Linbaugh, the Ruger .480, the S&W .500, and a Huntington .500 all in well built handguns.
I own a few large caliber guns now as a result.
If I were to pick one of these calibers for the things you described,, I'd opt for the Ruger .480.
Why?
All the ones I've shot were quite accurate out to 100 yds AND beyond. Plus,, the felt recoil wasn't as brutal as many of the others.
And the brass is a bit easier to find.

Oh,,, my current crop of big bore handguns includes a FA in the .454 and (3),, yes three Ruger .480's. Two of my .480's are the DA,, and one is the 5 shot Super, in the SA.
JMO!

[smkummer]

I have killed deer with both 44 mag. in a handgun and rifle. Never found the jacketed bullet. At 60, I don’t want more recoil than a full 44 mag out of my Ruger super Blackhawk. Is it my understanding that 45 colt can be fired from a Smith 460? Nothing wrong with that. Since your a reloader, you can load ammo that can be enjoyable (reduced)for range time. Just my .02.

[seaboltm]

500S&W because they don't make a 600 S&W

[rintinglen]

I would opt for the 460 over the 500, with an 8 3/8". It is surprisingly comfortable to shoot and in these days of ammo shortages, the ability to use 45 Colt, 454 Casull, or 460 S&W is a very useful thimg to have.

[Gunslinger1911]

The monsters of power are a hoot !
45/70 Contender, 454 Taurus, 500 Smith
Disclaimer : 90% of my 500 S&W loads are toned down.
The 454 ? FULL power all the way ! Less power in this dia is what 45 Colt is for. haha

I would second rintinglen's idea that with a 460 you could get 454 and 45 Colt for availability and less power.

You planning to reload, I'd go with the 500 - load it any way you want ! Mouse farts to T-Rex smashers.

Barrel ? I had the 4"w/ comp - i liked it better with a solid "comp".
With the bullet mass v/s gas output I don't think that comp is doing much but make more noise.
This is why you see comps on 38 Supers - not so much on 45ACP.

Buddy has 8 something inch bbl - sweet shooter ! Kinda front heavy, but that also tames the recoil a bit.

I now have a John Ross 5" no comp - just an all around great gun !

I have moulds from 325g to 575g. Lots to choose from to abuse that wrist !

[pietro]

.

I liked the .45-70 T/C Contender 14" Hunter I had, once I put a set of rubber bumpers on it.

.

[Gunslinger1911]

.

I liked the .45-70 T/C Contender 14" Hunter I had, once I put a set of rubber bumpers on it.

.

That's what I had also - the rubber grips are mandatory !

[Chad5005]

ive got taurus 454 2inchits a hand full,taurus 480 ruger 8 3/8 which i like a lot and a matched pair of 500 s&w 8 3/8s with comp and my fav.are the s&w,my son has a 480 ruger redhawk 7 1/2 and its a nice shooter also

[Drm50]

I have owned some of the cannons. Not .500 S&W or .460. I have shot most of the cannon calibers.
If I was to buy one the .460 S&W would be the pick on basis of hunting piece. What else would they be good for? Personally if I can’t get it done with 44mag I’ll stay home.

[Winger Ed.]

Go big, or go home.

[Budzilla 19]

Went straight to .44 Magnum, and................... just stayed there!!! I don’t dislike the rest of those big bore revolvers, just don’t need them. But that’s just me.YMMV. Be safe and Merry Christmas to all here at Cast Boolits!

[DougGuy]

I'm not impressed with recoil and enough barrel cylinder flame to read a newspaper, been there done that.... Nothing I am going to eat will require more than a 250gr or 300gr WFN to put it in the freezer, in fact I have scaled my hunting pistol back to a medium framed Vaquero in 45 Schofield which manages to push a 250gr WFN-GC to 1200fps and stays under the 23,000psi pressure ceiling, and is actually very pleasing to shoot.

So.. If I had to go find a new cannon, I think I'd go for something a little more personal and unique, something that no one else has, I think I would be very tempted to order a Bowen .50 Special 5 shot on a Blackhawk frame, maybe even an old model 3 screw flattop if possible, with some bells and whistles like deep glossy high polish bluing, Turnbull case hardening, fossil Mastodon or Mammoth ivory grips, 5" barrel too just to be different. With such large diameter chambers and a .500" bore, the barrel would be thin and the whole gun would be fairly light and easily packable as compared to smaller calibers, but it could still easily take 30,000psi loads *IF* you wanted to. Yep, one of these would pretty much fix me for the duration as far as revolvers go!

[leadeye]

Style and power, all in one package.

[fixit]

I had a tour of the factory where those centurys were made in Greenfield, IN. Neat stuff! They had a"stretch" version available in 45/90 or 50/110...... yikes!⁸

[Petander]

These versatile guns never get boring.

https://i.postimg.cc/FKzhJcMn/IMG-20201217-225246-528.jpg

I got a 10" when these 500's came out in 2003,wish I still had it, now I prefer this 4" (actual barrel is 3") but I'm kind of wanting a 8 3/8" for full power...too, not selling this "snubby" ever.

[leadeye]

I had a tour of the factory where those centurys were made in Greenfield, IN. Neat stuff! They had a"stretch" version available in 45/90 or 50/110...... yikes!⁸

I'm envious, that would have been a great tour.

[reddog81]

I went with the 460 XVR because I already reload and cast for 45 Colt and the same bullets can be used in both. If I didn't already have the 45 I'm not sure what I would have chosen. Probably the 500.

[downzero]

I went with the 460 XVR because I already reload and cast for 45 Colt and the same bullets can be used in both. If I didn't already have the 45 I'm not sure what I would have chosen. Probably the 500.

Yep, .45.......because they don't make a .46. They make a .48 and a .50, and those are fine, too.

My choice would be .454 Casull or .460 S&W, but there's nothing wrong with .480 and .500. I'm already set up for .45 Colt so the .45 diameter makes sense for me.

[Gunslinger1911]

As the OP stated, this will be a "just because" gun. I happen to have a few of these.

If you don't mind getting setup to cast and load, I'll stand by the 500 Smith. 6" would be my pref if I was to get another. Load up, load down - what ever floats your boat. A 325-425g .50 slug going 900 f/s still blows a half inch hole !

DougGuy, I hear you on the "special" gun; decades ago I had Gary Reeder build me a 5 shot, 50 AE Blackhawk; I think the first he ever did.
This is a pure "pride of ownership" gun - I keep wanting to have Turnbull's color case harden it , other "I want's" keep coming up.

[rockrat]

Phelps and Rodgers (IIIRC correctly) used to do conversions on the super blackhawk, as far as making a 5 shot 50 AE. Magnum Research makes the 50AE also in a 5 shot with a 7.5" barrel. There is the Dan Wesson 445 Super Mag. also, and you can shoot 44mag or 44spcl in it too.

[Lefty Red]

Actually,, I have shot several large caliber handguns. The .450 Marlin, .454 Casull, the 460 S&W, the .475 Linbaugh, the Ruger .480, the S&W .500, and a Huntington .500 all in well built handguns.
I own a few large caliber guns now as a result.
If I were to pick one of these calibers for the things you described,, I'd opt for the Ruger .480.
Why?
All the ones I've shot were quite accurate out to 100 yds AND beyond. Plus,, the felt recoil wasn't as brutal as many of the others.
And the brass is a bit easier to find.

Oh,,, my current crop of big bore handguns includes a FA in the .454 and (3),, yes three Ruger .480's. Two of my .480's are the DA,, and one is the 5 shot Super, in the SA.
JMO!

Let’s not cloudy the water with good advice! I actually want one, but can’t find them. I’m with you, the 480 is great to shoot. Might see if I can find one around here.

Thank you for reminding me of this great option.

[Lefty Red]

I'm not impressed with recoil and enough barrel cylinder flame to read a newspaper, been there done that.... Nothing I am going to eat will require more than a 250gr or 300gr WFN to put it in the freezer, in fact I have scaled my hunting pistol back to a medium framed Vaquero in 45 Schofield which manages to push a 250gr WFN-GC to 1200fps and stays under the 23,000psi pressure ceiling, and is actually very pleasing to shoot.

So.. If I had to go find a new cannon, I think I'd go for something a little more personal and unique, something that no one else has, I think I would be very tempted to order a Bowen .50 Special 5 shot on a Blackhawk frame, maybe even an old model 3 screw flattop if possible, with some bells and whistles like deep glossy high polish bluing, Turnbull case hardening, fossil Mastodon or Mammoth ivory grips, 5" barrel too just to be different. With such large diameter chambers and a .500" bore, the barrel would be thin and the whole gun would be fairly light and easily packable as compared to smaller calibers, but it could still easily take 30,000psi loads *IF* you wanted to. Yep, one of these would pretty much fix me for the duration as far as revolvers go!

Please don’t get me thinking in this! LOL
That would be a sweet pistol. Might replace the rest of them, if I got it.

[memtb]

From pure shooting comfort (except muzzle blast), and having a flat shooting, earth pounding revolver....it’s hard to beat the Smith 460 XVR. With the capabilities of shooting 45 LC’s, 454’s, though I personally don’t recommend it, combined with the 460 S&W running 200 grain jacketed bullets @2300 fps or 400 grain cast at 1500 or so fps, to “mouse toot” loads.....that’s versatility. But, we ain’t done yet!:-). If you’re a hand loader that likes a little challenge.... you can use full-length .444 Marlin Mag brass for a load duplicating 2 1/2” 410 shot shells. They won’t pattern as well as a full-fledged shotgun.....but, pretty darn effective for a handgun. Suffice to say......I’m pretty happy with mine! I’m looking forward to the day when my 8 3/8” XVR gets a little brother of around a 3” barrel! memtb

[Minerat]

Mine above the 44 is a SRH toklat (5")in .454 Casull and a Desert Eagle in 50 AE. They provide all the abuse I need.

[photomicftn]

Here's a 5-shot .50, packable in a belt holster, that can be loaded to any power level you need - the .500 Linebaugh:

273450


I'm not impressed with recoil and enough barrel cylinder flame to read a newspaper, been there done that.... Nothing I am going to eat will require more than a 250gr or 300gr WFN to put it in the freezer, in fact I have scaled my hunting pistol back to a medium framed Vaquero in 45 Schofield which manages to push a 250gr WFN-GC to 1200fps and stays under the 23,000psi pressure ceiling, and is actually very pleasing to shoot.

So.. If I had to go find a new cannon, I think I'd go for something a little more personal and unique, something that no one else has, I think I would be very tempted to order a Bowen .50 Special 5 shot on a Blackhawk frame, maybe even an old model 3 screw flattop if possible, with some bells and whistles like deep glossy high polish bluing, Turnbull case hardening, fossil Mastodon or Mammoth ivory grips, 5" barrel too just to be different. With such large diameter chambers and a .500" bore, the barrel would be thin and the whole gun would be fairly light and easily packable as compared to smaller calibers, but it could still easily take 30,000psi loads *IF* you wanted to. Yep, one of these would pretty much fix me for the duration as far as revolvers go!

[Three44s]

Lefty Red,

And here I thought you had a 480?

I can tell you it is one fine cartridge but it’s about one third more horsepower than a 44 Mag but with the metplat increase probably more than a third more in actual killing effectiveness.

So is it a true hand Cannon?

I would say not!

The .460 and 500 S&Ws and the 475 and 500 Linebaughs are most definitely.

From a cast boolit shooting perspective, my nod would go to the 500 Linebaugh. If you compare the operating pressure of the 500L it more closely matches the yield strength of typical cast boolits.

Further, the larger bore wins everything else being equal.

While the .460 S&W is a very good choice for a number of reasons, the way that cartridge shines is with very specially constructed j-words because it’s operating pressure exceeds that of cast boolits.

The Smith 500 loaded down can certainly fit with cast but you are packin’ way more iron than with a 500L revolver.

So the intersection of my nexus is that you pack a gun that is still within reason as to weight and balance that runs very pretty with cast boolits because of economy and availability and kills like a sledgehammer.

So the 500 Linebaugh sums up my idea of the best hand cannon.

Best regards

Three44s

[1006]

My lusting leans towards the BFR 30-30 large frame revolver.

[Texas by God]

Enjoy whatever “Bigun” you get! As for me, if I need something bigger than my .41 Blackhawk, I carry a rifle. My 38-55 Winchester 94 seems lighter than the Desert Eagle .50 that stays in the safe....

[Minerat]

Enjoy whatever “Bigun” you get! As for me, if I need something bigger than my .41 Blackhawk, I carry a rifle. My 38-55 Winchester 94 seems lighter than the Desert Eagle .50 that stays in the safe....

I agree with that, the DE without a scope and loaded weighs more then my Henry 41 mag.

[Lefty Red]

Lefty Red,

And here I thought you had a 480?

I can tell you it is one fine cartridge but it’s about one third more horsepower than a 44 Mag but with the metplat increase probably more than a third more in actual killing effectiveness.

So is it a true hand Cannon?

I would say not!

The .460 and 500 S&Ws and the 475 and 500 Linebaughs are most definitely.

From a cast boolit shooting perspective, my nod would go to the 500 Linebaugh. If you compare the operating pressure of the 500L it more closely matches the yield strength of typical cast boolits.

Further, the larger bore wins everything else being equal.

While the .460 S&W is a very good choice for a number of reasons, the way that cartridge shines is with very specially constructed j-words because it’s operating pressure exceeds that of cast boolits.

The Smith 500 loaded down can certainly fit with cast but you are packin’ way more iron than with a 500L revolver.

So the intersection of my nexus is that you pack a gun that is still within reason as to weight and balance that runs very pretty with cast boolits because of economy and availability and kills like a sledgehammer.

So the 500 Linebaugh sums up my idea of the best hand cannon.

Best regards

Three44s

I did, then got divorced. It was a Ruger SRH. And a might get another. I did enjoy it.

[Lefty Red]

Short of the Bowen Custom 50 Special that has been on my mind (thanks again Doug!), I just want an X Frame. And like a stated it’s probably never going to be loaded up to full potentially unless some T Rex start walking around again.

I won’t shoot shorter calibers in the 460, which is what I’m leaning towards. Have a 45LC/ACP convertible Blackhawk to run those thru.

But seems like there is a slew of 500s out there used. Waiting for the prices to drop a bit.

I haven’t heard a lot about barrel lengths and chomp or no comps. I really don’t like comps, think they are useless or their cons out weight the pros.

[500aquasteve]

273456


I haven’t heard a lot about barrel lengths and chomp or no comps. I really don’t like comps, think they are useless or their cons out weight the pros.You are correct sir. Furthermore the compensator does only one thing, makes the blast significantly louder. With honest loads the gun was intended for, it still feels like you’re riding a bull. Compensators depend upon powder to bullet weight and barrel length ratios, and the X frame revolver is probably the worst candidate. For the general consumer however it looks cool, which is why it’s there. My short barrel does not have one.

[PJEagle]

My experience with hand cannons is limited to S&W 500's with 4" and 8 3/8" barrels and a S&W 460 with a 8 3/8" barrel.

My first purchase was the long barrel 500. It was so much fun shooting TrailBoss loads that I bought the 4" to go with it. Whenever I took a friend to the range I would pull out one of them and challenge the friend to shoot it. Due to the size they were usually a little reluctant at first, but would end up shooting 5 rounds of TrailBoss loads. By that time their arms were tired from holding all that weight out in front of them and they declined to shoot any higher powered loads.

Later I obtained the 460. While developing loads for both, I found that the 460 was a joy to shoot with any powder I tried. At the age of 75, the 500's were a little more than I enjoyed as I started upping the velocity.

I sold both of the 500's last year and decided to continue cast boolit load development with the 460. Now I am in the market for a 5" 460. My guess is that I will enjoy the 5" more, but I don't intend to part with the 8 3/8".

That's my story and I'm stickin to it.

[redneck1]

I don't hunt , but I still like hand cannons . I don't like the way the long cylinder revolvers look so I got a .475 linebaugh bfr a few years ago when buds had them for around $800 . I've wanted a .500 jrh ever since , one day maybe .
I have a tc encore in .460 s&w its not quite as comfortable to shoot as a revolver for me . but it is fun shooting lighter bullets at warp speed .

I'll also admit that the older I get the less fun it is to actually shoot them more then 10 or 15 times a session . still lots of fun though

[44MAG#1]

I have 6 of what may possibly be called handcannons.
They would not be of interest to many.

[anothernewb]

From pure shooting comfort (except muzzle blast), and having a flat shooting, earth pounding revolver....it’s hard to beat the Smith 460 XVR. With the capabilities of shooting 45 LC’s, 454’s, though I personally don’t recommend it, combined with the 460 S&W running 200 grain jacketed bullets @2300 fps or 400 grain cast at 1500 or so fps, to “mouse toot” loads.....that’s versatility. But, we ain’t done yet!:-). If you’re a hand loader that likes a little challenge.... you can use full-length .444 Marlin Mag brass for a load duplicating 2 1/2” 410 shot shells. They won’t pattern as well as a full-fledged shotgun.....but, pretty darn effective for a handgun. Suffice to say......I’m pretty happy with mine! I’m looking forward to the day when my 8 3/8” XVR gets a little brother of around a 3” barrel! memtb

Just picked one up from the LGS the other day. had one (lightly used) with 40 rounds of ammo. 100 new brass and the dies for $1250

[Three44s]

I did, then got divorced. It was a Ruger SRH. And a might get another. I did enjoy it.

OK, it must of been when you were dispersing your 480 stuff that we got acquainted then. A mold or dies or something I might have purchased, perhaps the Mihec mold?

I also recall telling you that the 480 with Trail Boss was boring. You about swallowed your Adam’s apple on that one! LOL!

Best regards

Three44s

[downzero]

I won’t shoot shorter calibers in the 460, which is what I’m leaning towards. Have a 45LC/ACP convertible Blackhawk to run those thru.


Is this a gun you can shoot Ruger Only loads through? Because if so, 45 Colt has some serious horsepower, I'm not even sure I need much more than a 300 grain bullet at 1270+ FPS out of a 4" barrel.

[DougGuy]

Is this a gun you can shoot Ruger Only loads through? Because if so, 45 Colt has some serious horsepower, I'm not even sure I need much more than a 300 grain bullet at 1270+ FPS out of a 4" barrel.

You might want to read up a bit on the 460 before posting such a question. The 460 S&W is a 45 Colt sized case stretched another 1/2"+ with a 65,000psi pressure ceiling. More than double the Ruger Only pressures. The 460 S&W easily out powers the 454 Casull.

[Petander]

I'm not even sure I need much more than a 300 grain bullet at 1270+ FPS out of a 4" barrel.

Not need but maybe want? Double the fun?

The 500 pic I posted earlier in this thread has a 620 grainer going 1150 fps from a 3" barrel. :)

[memtb]

Just picked one up from the LGS the other day. had one (lightly used) with 40 rounds of ammo. 100 new brass and the dies for $1250


Considering the price of firearms now, plus dies and brass.....ya done good! 👍 Did you get the long barrel or the short barrel. If it’s the short.....I’m very envious! Congrats! memtb

[marek313]

I have been looking to get big bore revolver for a while now. First it was going to be 44mag for my 44th bday but didnt happen. Then it was 45LC for my 45th bday and that didnt happen neither. Seems like next logical move would be to get 460 for my 46th bday. With a 6-8" barrel it would be pretty sweet.

[Baltimoreed]

Fired a friends ,357 max blackhawk a few times and another friends 357 mag 2 inch smith and that was aplenty. Worked with guys going through carpel tunnel wrist issues, very painful condition. Did enough hard work with my hands so I’ve go no interest in banging them up some more. .45 caliber 1911s, N frame smiths and Ruger vaqueros are sufficient. But more power to you. Protect your ears and wear a glove.

[VariableRecall]

500S&W because they don't make a 600 S&W

Just you wait and see until they make a 600 S&W. I suppose DD registration would be a real pain...


I'm not planning on getting a wrist-shattering handgun any time soon. While a Big Boom is cool, I'd rather purchase something that I can use all day in a range session rather than fire 12 rounds or so and want to go home.

[anothernewb]

Considering the price of firearms now, plus dies and brass.....ya done good! �� Did you get the long barrel or the short barrel. If it’s the short.....I’m very envious! Congrats! memtb

8" barrel.

[Lefty Red]

OK, it must of been when you were dispersing your 480 stuff that we got acquainted then. A mold or dies or something I might have purchased, perhaps the Mihec mold?

I also recall telling you that the 480 with Trail Boss was boring. You about swallowed your Adam’s apple on that one! LOL!

Best regards

Three44s

Yeah! LOL

Just picked up a set of dies in 480 today, so it might be fate. Although the guy at the shop said he hasn’t seen a 480 come through in a long time. But the feelers or out there.

[downzero]

Not need but maybe want? Double the fun?

The 500 pic I posted earlier in this thread has a 620 grainer going 1150 fps from a 3" barrel. :)

Oh no doubt that if some is good, more is better. I just figured if you haven't cranked up your 45 Colt loads to magnum-level status, you might have a project to do that before you get your cannon.

I really want the 6.5" Ruger SBH .454, more for barrel length than the cartridge, because I'm pretty sure my 45 Colt loads that I currently use in my Redhawk would work great in it and if I need even more horsepower, the longer brass/higher pressure will turn it up quite a bit.

[PHyrbird]

I like big bore. Kinda evolved into a 45 kinda guy. Got started with the convertable Ruger, then to 45-70, then 45 WM. (a deer Hammer) From there the Governor found a home.
I really like the S&W 460 mostly for the versatility. Being able to drop 4 different length rounds in a revolver is handy & cool. Plus the light Colt loads are great for practice.
Eventually I want to develop 357 sabot loads for the longer cases. I do recommend the 8" barrels or longer with a compensator for this stomper. Unless of course you are one that needs Bear protection out your back door. The shorter barrels help when you are in a hurry. The fact the 460 has the potential for a 200yd range is also a factor.
If you have a more singular purpose for a revolver, perhaps the 500 is a good answer.
I have a couple friends of Alaskan history, the S&W XVR is a favorite of those out in the bush.

[Three44s]

Yeah! LOL

Just picked up a set of dies in 480 today, so it might be fate. Although the guy at the shop said he hasn’t seen a 480 come through in a long time. But the feelers or out there.

You might have to find one in another locale and have it shipped in then?

I was sort of bent on getting a Rossi carbine to go along with the SRH in the 480 but those are scarcer than hens teeth!

I have always wondered how the 480 runs so efficiently on powder usage compared to a cross comparison with the 44 Mag and the 454.

Best regards

Three44s

[Petander]

I like to point out again, big doesn't have to be painful.

I sometimes shoot 45 LC level loads in 44 mag and 325 grainers @ 1000 fps in 500. Nice and easy. Heavy guns, soft recoil.

I may need to get a real Colt in 45 LC one day. No need but you know.... never had one, they are rare around here.





Just picked up a set of dies in 480 today, so it might be fate.

Very good,I like that.

I have a set too plus 100 brass and a Hornady taper crimp. All unopened. Just in case that Linebaugh jumps on me one day...

[BKS]

Had a 460 and got rid of it, excellent gun just too big to carry. I bought a BFR in 500 JRH and leave it. I am saving my pennies for the next one, probably gonna be a 454 casull to replace the longer range of the 460, but who knows.
Good luck on your quest

[Lefty Red]

Even though I will not be carrying this, I understand everyone’s point in the size of the X Frame.

I do think I will get the 460, but will hold out for a 5”-6” barrel that is not comped.

I’m really looking into the Bowen 50 Special st the moment. Just got to find a BH to sacrifice to the project. All of mine or Flattops or Convertibles, and although I’m not emotionally attached to them I do not want to lose them. Thinking of a plain Jane 45LC to send in. So will be on the look for one of those.

And then I got the itch for a BFR too, thanks BKS! LOL

Lefty

[RJM52]

Have owned and shot several hand cannons. At this point I only own a 4" 500 S&W that I have had since shortly after they first came out...it s just a hoot to shoot and with 350 grain bullets in the 1100 fps range anyone can shoot it...

If you want a .50 you may want to look at the Magnum Research BFR .500 JRH...basically a .500 S&W Special. I've come close twice to buying one just because I have tons of bullets so all I need is some brass.

Bob

[Lefty Red]

You might have to find one in another locale and have it shipped in then?

I was sort of bent on getting a Rossi carbine to go along with the SRH in the 480 but those are scarcer than hens teeth!

I have always wondered how the 480 runs so efficiently on powder usage compared to a cross comparison with the 44 Mag and the 454.

Best regards

Three44s

I didn’t get enough time in with the 480 to really compare it to the 454. But I think the 454 is about the best when it comes to powder/power ratio. Me thinks you would have to go to a 445mag to get closer to it. But I’m talking about off the shelf calibers.

That another caliber I don’t see much of anymore, the 454. Guess the younger generation wants the latest and greatest.

Lefty

[dverna]

I have never lusted for one.

Too recoil shy.

I have a NIB Ruger .44 Mag that I should never have bought. Thought it would pair nicely with my .44 Mag lever action. Sold the rifle and need to get rid of the pistol.

[Texas by God]

I have never lusted for one.

Too recoil shy.

I have a NIB Ruger .44 Mag that I should never have bought. Thought it would pair nicely with my .44 Mag lever action. Sold the rifle and need to get rid of the pistol.Thread drift deluxe; far be it from me to tell someone what to do, but if you get a nice 44-40 WCF rifle life is grand. I have also sold every .44 magnum rifle I've owned. A Winchester/ Rossi crossbreed, a Marlin, and two Ruger .44 Carbines. Now we can return to the crew served handgun thread ....[emoji16]

Sent from my SM-A716U using Tapatalk

[Petander]

I sold my 10" SBH after getting the 10" 500.

Generally speaking ,to me SBH was just painful while the 500 was soft, full power loads both.

But this thread makes ME want a new cannon,too... ouch.

[Gunslinger1911]

Lefty,
DANG ! a Bowen ?!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY (or something)
Total lust for a Bowen 50 spl

[Three44s]

Recoil vs the larger magnums in my book all comes down to loading.

Early in my adventure with the 44 Magnum, I discovered the usefulness of HS-6 powder.

Be it .357, 41, 44, 45 in a strong frame or the 480 Ruger, you take a mid range cast slug properly designed and sized, run it in the mid 20k pressure range and you have a great upper medium field load that is easy on the paws!

Three44s

[fixit]

I'm envious, that would have been a great tour.
It was a cool tour. I had put in a job application, so they were showing the operation. Would've taken it, but I decided it was more travel than I could justify for a 2nd job. Got to "inspect" a revolver that they told me had been ordered by Clint Eastwood. Too many years ago, now.

[memtb]

I have never lusted for one.

Too recoil shy.

I have a NIB Ruger .44 Mag that I should never have bought. Thought it would pair nicely with my .44 Mag lever action. Sold the rifle and need to get rid of the pistol.


dverna, provided that you use good ear protection, you’ll find that the 460 X Frame will be more comfortable to shoot that your 44 mag with hot load, heavyish, bullets! Tey and shoot someone else’s.....you may be pleasantly surprised! memtb

[500aquasteve]

A 44 magnum can easily feel just as rude and any 500

[Petander]

A 44 magnum can easily feel just as rude and any 500

Oh yes.

I remember selling my SBH 44 mag soon after getting my first 500 in 2003. The 500 gave much more ftlbs with a more pleasant (subjective) shooting experience. Both were breaking claybirds on the 75 meter berm.

Having said that,I just got a a Redhawk in 44 mag. I like them all.

[Lefty Red]

After looking at the Magnum Research site, I’m really liking the short cylinder in 500JRH.......since it’s my initials! LOL
And it’s an affordable route to get my feet wet in the hand cannon world.

Lefty

[lar45]

I have a BFR in 500 JRH and really like it. I bought mine as a 50 AE and had it worked on at the custom shop to get the new cylinder and octagon barrel.
It is much lighter than the X frame.
I also have the 4" S&W 500 and out of the two, I'd rather pack the BFR. The only thing the 500 JRH won't do is shoot 500gn cast bullets. Around 480 is the max because of the seating depth and thickness of the brass towards the base.
273816
273817
273818

[Lefty Red]

lar45, that’s is a sweet setup.

[onelight]

lar45, that’s is a sweet setup.
Yup what he said /\

[boatswainsmate]

If you can find one I enjoy shooting my John Ross 500 Magnum. I will warn you recoil can be vicious with upper end loads. I bruised my hand when shooting 500 grain bullets fueled with CFE Black. I've found that near compressed charges of BLC2 works well for middle of the road loads. Good Luck on finding what works for you. Boats
https://i.ibb.co/C6VrkrK/DSCN3718.jpg (https://ibb.co/sCsB0B9)

[onelight]

Even these great pictures make my hands hurt :)