|
Post by FlyingScot on Mar 16, 2020 15:54:31 GMT -5
Apologies in advance for the rambling text that will surely follow. I grew up shooting and made my first handloads for my dad's Dan Wesson 44mag. Phenomenal gun and great cartridge to learn the ins and outs of reloading with! Despite that, I've somehow never gotten around to getting a large revolver of my own, unless you count my smith 625 USPSA gun. I'd like to fix that, mostly as a fun gun for load development and for thumping deer/hogs/auodad that venture close enough to the stand, and dip my toes into pistol scopes. Bigger game like elk someday.
I had initially come across a bisley SBH hunter in .45 Colt that piqued my interest, decently strong, good scope mount system, etc. However the more I read, the more it sounds like the Rugers leave a bit to be desired in a finished product, needing a little work for a decent trigger pull and the .45 calibers in particular requiring cylinder throat reaming. The BSBH in .480 Ruger seems to miss out on the throat issues, but lacks a great way to mount optics from the factory, and I've seen more than a couple complaints about the light weight and poor grip fitting causing quite a bit of discomfort with the recoil. Since we're already talking about ~$750 guns, I started looking at the BFRs, which seem to be very well regarded here regarding tolerances and overall bang-for-the-buck for not a whole lot higher price. Decent scope mounts, too. While I'd rather it could be had with a .45C cylinder outside of their custom shop, I don't see why I couldn't produce similar level handloads in Casull brass, other than missing out on making use of H110/296. I've seen lots of compelling evidence in favor of heavy-for-caliber bullets at reasonable pressures/velocities, and right now I have no business taking a >100 yd shot on anything with a pistol, so I doubt I have much need for the pressure and trajectory potential of the true .454 loads. Well then at this point, if I'm already looking at weighty revolvers and heavy bullets, why not make it a .475 BFR and roll my own 420 gr WFNs just shy of supersonic and work my way up?
I'm sure I could keep up this up until I'd talked myself into a .500 JRH (man, wouldn't a .50 cal be fun), but at the end of the day I'm not likely to wind up on the pointy end of a cape buffalo anytime soon, so I suppose I should draw the line somewhere. Is the Ruger at all in the same class with a modest gunsmithing budget? Is it going to be a frustrating practice getting a .454/.475 and trying to work up accurate handloads with the heavy bullets at 1000-1100 fps? While I realize everything beyond a hot .45 colt is arguably overkill for my intended uses, can the big bores still be made to handle thinner-skinned game without causing a ton of meat loss?
I've certainly subjected myself to a fair bit of analysis paralysis while reading up. Hate to make such a meandering post for my first one on this forum, but this group seems to have quite a bit of wisdom to it, so if you have any advice for someone looking at moving beyond the typical 300gr .44 mag I'd be happy to hear it!
|
|
|
Post by bigbrowndog on Mar 16, 2020 17:52:39 GMT -5
I’d recommend 480 as the easiest shooting big bore, and 454 as another sufficient step up over 44mag. Of the two I’d go with 480, after that you start getting into what I’ll call specialist calibers. Those requiring experience, mental and physical strength to handle the affects that they bring with them. A BFR in 475/480 would be a very good choice, where you could start with 480 and stay there or move up to 475 if you feel the need. It also comes with a good optic mounting platform.
My favorites are the 50’s, both .50 and .51, but they are not for everyone.
Trapr
|
|
|
Post by jdpress on Mar 16, 2020 18:34:42 GMT -5
Flying Scot: Welcome to the forum and no apologies are necessary. Your description was excellent and not rambling in the least - We have all done trade-offs on big bore revolvers and sometimes the analysis is as much fun as the final acquisition. I have a Ruger Bisley Super Blackhawk, BFR and Freedom Arms single-action revolvers all in .454 Casull. I find them all equally fun to shoot and each has its own advantages. If I had to keep just one and it was the Ruger, I would be a happy shooter. The .454 Casull provides a wide range of bullet weights and loads for both target and game shooting starting with a heavy .45 Colt equivalent load and going up to maximum loads. I would also strongly recommend the 480 Ruger as an excellent cartridge with a lot of flexibility in range of loads and bullet weights. It is a very pleasant cartridge to shoot. Enjoy your final decision! J.D. Press
|
|
bamagreg
.327 Meteor
Woodstock, GA
Posts: 844
|
Post by bamagreg on Mar 16, 2020 18:55:07 GMT -5
I have a Bisley 41 Mag, a Bisley SBH Hunter 44, a Blackhawk 45 Colt, a Super Redhawk 454 and a BFR 500 JRH. I like them all and they can all be loaded mild to wild. For out of the box accuracy you can’t beat a BFR for the money. 440 grain bullets at 900 FPS are very manageable and will kill anything in North America. It’s quite the conversation piece at the range too🙂
|
|
|
Post by flyingzebra on Mar 16, 2020 19:37:04 GMT -5
480 is pretty wonderful. 475 and 500JRH are brilliant - with a bit of recoil as the cost. 475 Special is super cool too.
Something to note is that a custom revolver built for you is really the "next step" regardless of the caliber.
The bench work of the high grade handgun builders is what makes the difference, and with any of the big bore cartridges you can load from light target loads up to bloody nostril stomper loads.
As far as I can tell you, the custom big bore wheel guns are where it's at.
As far as meat damage goes, use wide flat nose hard cast bullets and you'll be able to eat right up to the bullet hole.
|
|
|
Post by Quick Draw McGraw on Mar 16, 2020 19:39:27 GMT -5
I'd recommend .480 Ruger as well. A big step up over the .44 Mag but without the snap of the .454 Casull or the jarring punch of a .475 Linebaugh. Plus, you can load them pretty hot and get closer the .475 if that's what you want.
|
|
|
Post by paul105 on Mar 16, 2020 20:10:02 GMT -5
I have 45, 454, 480, 475LB, 500JRH. The bigger bores can be loaded from mild to wild as mentioned above. The downside is that ammo and reloading components are quite a bit more expensive vs the 45/454. If you plan on shooting a lot, the cost difference will add up quickly. With that in mind, I'd go with the .454 which will be more economical and has plenty of oomph for your sated use.
FWIW,
Paul
|
|
|
Post by whitworth on Mar 16, 2020 20:29:35 GMT -5
I have 45, 454, 480, 475LB, 500JRH. The bigger bores can be loaded from mild to wild as mentioned above. The downside is that ammo and reloading components are quite a bit more expensive vs the 45/454. If you plan on shooting a lot, the cost difference will add up quickly. With that in mind, I'd go with the .454 which will be more economical and has plenty of oomph for your sated use. FWIW, Paul Great thinking. I’ve been mulling this over and I really have an affinity for the big-bores, the .500s in particular. Also a big fan of the mid-big-bores, the .475s and have killed a boatload of game with .480s and .475s. They just work when loaded properly. That said, the .454 is one of the most versatile calibers to ever make a shooter’s hand sore. The cliche about mild to wild absolutely applies here with mouse fart cowboy action level loads to 65,000 PSI fire breathers. So, I concur with the .454 as a really good choice with lots of good factory options.
|
|
|
Post by contender on Mar 16, 2020 21:07:15 GMT -5
I, like so many here own several calibers mentioned,, and in different brands.
Like others,, the 480 is often mis-understood by many,, and serious shooters have found it to be a heck of a great caliber & game getter. Accuracy is really good too. But you mentioned the "issues" about fit & finish" yet,, a lot of us haven't found any problems with them. Recoil usually surprises most folks,, who expect a harder kick,, only to find the .480 isn't as bad as they expected. Reloading components are more limited in this caliber over several others though. And to mount a scope or whatever,, the rear sight would have to come off. And that caliber is a real step up from 44 mag.
But,, your first gun mentioned,, the Ruger Bisley SBK Hunter may well fit your desires. The ease of scope mounting,, the ability to work all over the reloading range & enjoy that journey is what makes that one stand out. Lots & lots of bullets, powders etc to play with there. And you can go from mild to wild too. Trigger pull; Yes,, almost any production type gun can benefit from a good trigger job. Buy a Freedom Arms,, and you will get it already done. But you do pay much more for the FA. As for cylinder reaming,, a lot has been done at Ruger to help correct this issue,, and many do not need it. It's mostly when folks shoot cast bullets that this becomes more critical. And if that is necessary,, it's EASY to get done. Our own member here,, 2dogs, (Fermin Garza) does it, and is inexpensive, & doesn't require shipping the whole gun, just the cylinder. Fit & finish on the 3 Ruger Hunters I own,, is very, very good.
To fit the criteria you mentioned,, I'd look hard at a 45 cal or a 454 cal.
But,, if you get a 454,, the ONLY big difference I've notices seems to be a snappier felt recoil over the 45 Colt or the 480.
Maybe instead of just reading about such calibers & guns,, you could find someone to let you shoot a few different ones to see what YOU prefer?
If you happen to live anywhere near me,, (I'm in WNC) I'd be glad to let you try several.
|
|
|
Post by jfs on Mar 16, 2020 21:27:48 GMT -5
flyingscot, If you hunt with 44 handgun, the 454 Casull is a step in the right direction. I went from 44 to 454 and never looked back. From bull Shiras moose to Alaskan black and brown bear and at least 10 whitetail in between to name a few that have fallen to the 454. It does it all in style.. Today`s bullet selection leaves nothing to be desired...Good luck with whatever caliber you decide....
|
|
|
Post by zeus on Mar 16, 2020 23:43:22 GMT -5
Buy a 454 or 475 FA and call it a day! I have all of them and those two always get the nod. I’ve killed a good bit with both. They both work extremely well. My 454 will be the last I ever part with!!!
|
|
|
Post by callmaker on Mar 17, 2020 6:23:31 GMT -5
Maybe consider a BFR in 454. You could shoot 45 Colt in it, or spring for an extra 45 Colt cylinder. Typically they get their dimensions closer than I have seen many Blackhawks.
|
|
|
Post by jeffer on Mar 17, 2020 7:23:14 GMT -5
454 and never look back!
|
|
|
Post by magnumwheelman on Mar 17, 2020 7:57:23 GMT -5
I'm a big fan of the 45 Colt it's probably the cartridge I shoot most... next is 480 Ruger... & it's my 2nd favorite cartridge to shoot... I'm not as much a fan of the high pressure mags, but I'm keeping quite a few, even though I'm cutting my collection in more than half... my "high pressure mags" range from from 357 Maximum, ( in a stainless Dan Wesson double action ) to my 500 JRH loaded hot ( in a BFR )... I'm just not as much of a fan of the concussion of shooting some of the super mags... with 45 Colt ( I have a hot load I use in a 10" Contender for big game hunting, that'll make my knuckle bleed every time I take the gun out ) I can go from CASS type light loads to the knuckle beaters... & I think the 480 Ruger can kill nearly anything I point it at ( I have a custom Super Blackhawk, & an Alaskan in 480 ) without going to paint peeling loads ... I know there is a certain forum member who won't want to hear this, but I'm deciding to keep my custom 5 shot 50 A.E. Super Blackhawk, & will use it as a lighter load 50 & will keep my 50 JRH as a hotter 50... again at sain pressures, the 50 A.E. is a comfortable shooter for non dangerous game, & actually quite pleasant to shoot an older picture, but these are my "bigger than 45" single actions... custom Ruger 475 WTH upper left, Custom 480 Ruger Super Blackhawk upper right, custom 5 shot 50 A.E. Super Blackhawk lower left, & 500 JRH Bisley BFR lower right
|
|
|
Post by jdpress on Mar 17, 2020 11:12:17 GMT -5
Flying Scott:
Once you make your handgun choice don't forget a good leather chest holster for field use.
Our own Doc Barranti crafts two gorgeous "Northwest Hunter" and "Northeast Hunter" chest rigs that will enhance any custom big bore single action.
Simply Rugged Holsters has several dedicated leather chest rigs and a "Chesty Puller" suspension system for chest mounting their standard pancake holsters.
Diamond D Leather also makes an excellent "Guides Choice" leather chest holster for wearing over heavy-duty cold climate coats.
This is another fun trade-off, figuring out the best carrying system for your new big-bore single-action revolver. In my opinion lined leather is the only way to carry a high-cost custom or production revolver with Kydex material not an option.
J.D. Press
|
|