wow, look at this!
http://www.magnumresearch.com/MRI-BFR45-70-3000fps.asp
Makes a guy think about what 44man suggests about large capacity cases and short barrels. Look how much gas exits the barrel after the bullet is long, long gone!
Makes a guy want to dump his long cylinder BFR for a short one....
I just had this mold cut by Mountain Molds - I specified it specifically for the 500JRH. I have just loaded a few but it so far its working well; my intention is adding it to my line up in my bullet business.
First two are a 510gr 500S&W and the Last is a 500JRH using 14.5gr HS6, my 440gr WFN bullet set at 1.800" (Actual weight is 430gr with HB.)
Middle bullet is the .430gr WFN
Last edited by Powersgt; 12-29-2014 at 08:26 PM.
USN 86-92
USAR 96-2013 Retired.
CW3 USAR - 919A "Maintenance is our Passion"
Well fellas, this thread was a fun read. Sure makes me want a 500jrh.
What is the consensus on the best barrel length from BFR? Looks like they stock the shorter length still, but can you order a longer one from the custom shop? And is the shorter length ok or are you really better off with the longer lengths?
What boolits would you recommend? Is there a commonly found mold that is really showing promise?
Looking forward to what you all that have them think?!
Dan
doubt you'll get concensus, but based on the 44man's opinion and the video I linked to above, the best barrel length is likely 10" if you have a long cylinder BFR. There's just too much powder capacity to take advantage of any other barrel length.
Short cylinder (like the 475, 500jrh, 454) I don't know.
It's been a few months since I called MR, but I believe (I think) they will spin on any barrel length you want for $150. Add tax, return shipping, and if I recall the OTD price ended up being something along the lines of $210, or just over 200 to rebarrel your BFR on your terms.
For the record, I was asking about standard sizes. I don;t know if they charge extra for a custom size.
The JRH seems to work very well at 6". I still bought a 7-1/2".
I hate muffs when deer hunting and still feel the longer barrel gets the blast out farther. I do not hear the gun when shooting deer, unlike just one shot on the range that will make me fall on the ground! I dare not shoot my 10-1/2" SBH on the range at all but can shoot deer.
One thing I noticed in the video was there was no hammer rebound at all. Good hammer spring! The big 45-70 case has less pressure of course. For the .500 S&W and the 45-70/.450, I would want 10".
Yes you can knock your socks off with the 45-70 BFR but there is no need, my 317 gr with 4759 is still the most accurate ever at 1630 fps. 1" targets at 100 and steel at 500 meters.
I don't know what powder was used or what bullet in the video. 4198 gave me excursions from 1600 to 1800 and stuck a few cases so that is out, never go in my gun again although it worked with jacketed better. The 300 gr Hornady is a great bullet in it.
My JRH came out of the custom shop because I bought it before it was offered as production. I did not have to do the trigger or anything, it is perfection.
What powder could be used to get 3000 fps???? I know you will not have much left to a deer! Need a sponge to butcher.
Thanks you guys for the replies. I was thinking specifically with the 500 jrh what are the best boolits and barrel length. I would want to lean toward the 7 inch range since this won't be a carry gun, only target practice and hunting. But if the standard length is ok I might just do that. I will only be shooting boolits and would prefer a heavy one at around 1300-1400.
44man I believe the 3000fps reference in the video is "frames per second" of the high speed camera. I have seen that before with other high speed footage and I could be wrong, but pretty sure it is not the bullet speed.
Thanks for the input, and if anyone knows of a new or used 500 jrh let me know!
Dan
Remember BFR barrels were measured from the frame, I liked it. They are a tad longer then listed compared to other guns but I don't know if they changed. Many got out of shape about it. Silly to complain over 1/2" to 5/8"!
Since MR was bought out, choices have gone down. The demand for short barrels is the driving force for profit and I don't agree at all. I would like better choices. Every gun should have a choice like Rugers.
Remember BFR barrels were measured from the frame, I liked it. They are a tad longer then listed compared to other guns but I don't know if they changed. Many got out of shape about it. Silly to complain over 1/2" to 5/8"!
Since MR was bought out, choices have gone down. The demand for short barrels is the driving force for profit and I don't agree at all. I would like better choices. Every gun should have a choice like Rugers.
Trouble with the net going off so I get a double post, tried to delete with no luck.
Should, 5.5" was actually a tad over 6" and it shot my 440 gr perfectly.
Since all my hunting revolvers have Ultra Dots, I use a shoulder holster so barrel length means nothing to carry.
I wish they had more selections for production guns though.
Since MR is under new owners, profit has reared it's head so they figure the custom shop will make them more. The customs are still a good deal, fit and triggers are better.
BP | Bronze Point | IMR | Improved Military Rifle | PTD | Pointed |
BR | Bench Rest | M | Magnum | RN | Round Nose |
BT | Boat Tail | PL | Power-Lokt | SP | Soft Point |
C | Compressed Charge | PR | Primer | SPCL | Soft Point "Core-Lokt" |
HP | Hollow Point | PSPCL | Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" | C.O.L. | Cartridge Overall Length |
PSP | Pointed Soft Point | Spz | Spitzer Point | SBT | Spitzer Boat Tail |
LRN | Lead Round Nose | LWC | Lead Wad Cutter | LSWC | Lead Semi Wad Cutter |
GC | Gas Check |