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Post by schmitty on Sept 17, 2022 9:20:00 GMT -5
Good morning Gentlemen and Ladies! I know this has probably been discussed on here a million times, but everyone’s scenario is a little different. I’ve really taken a liking to big bore revolvers over the last year and a half or so. The rush of touching off something with that much power is pretty addictive. My current collection includes a Ruger Blackhawk in .41 Mag, a S&W 657 in .41 Mag, a Charter Arms Bulldog in .45 LC, a Taurus Raging Hunter 5” in .454 Casull, and a Raging Hunter 7” in .460 S&W, and a Desert Eagle in .50AE for good measure. So recoil is not an issue. My next purchase is going to be a big bore single action, most likely a BFR to start. The dilemma I have is the caliber. I’m stuck between the .475 and .500 Linebaugh and the .500 JRH. I have no desire to go to the long cylinder model. And whichever one I do choose will likely have a 5.5” barrel. This will be a hand loading proposition no matter which I choose. The .500 Linebaugh really appeals to me, but I know components can’t be difficult. The JRH alleviates that a bit as you can use 500 S&W brass. As far as the .475, it’s clearly a powerhouse as well. I haven’t been able to shoot any of the above as of yet. If any of y’all out there are near the Green Bay, WI, Holdrege, NE, or Las Vegas area and would be so kind as to let me touch off a couple rounds it would be greatly appreciated. Any help, insight, or opinion is appreciated! Thanks
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Post by squigz on Sept 17, 2022 9:36:59 GMT -5
Personally I would be aiming more towards a 500JRH due to component availability, especially if you're not a caster for the .510" bullets the Linebaugh requires. Plus, being able to chop down brass from an already popular and existing calibers makes it easier to find components of all types.
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Post by bigbrowndog on Sept 17, 2022 9:39:49 GMT -5
I love the 500 Linebaugh but bullet selection is very limited, it’s ballistic twin is the 500jrh, and bullet selection with it is much better. I just tried several loads for a new to me 350gr. bullet for an upcoming hunt. Accuracy was 2” at 50 yards for each load, so no issues there. The 475 Linebaugh has good bullet selection as well, and is a universal hunting gun just like the 500jrh. The Linebaugh 500, is my sentimental favorite but if I want jacketed bullets for it I have to have them custom made. If you cast then you don’t have those issues as you can concoct a suitable alloy for medium, or large game.
Trapr
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Post by Encore64 on Sept 17, 2022 9:46:43 GMT -5
For a BFR, I'd pick the 500 JRH without a second thought.
I bought the early 5.5" BFR in 500 JRH and liked it so much I bought the 7.5" too.
Bullet selection for the JRH exceeds both Linebaugh Cartridges combined.
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Post by Randominator on Sept 17, 2022 10:57:02 GMT -5
I have a BFR in 475 Linebaugh and absolutely love it.  I also have a custom 500 Linebaugh. It you cast your own bullets, I would go with either of those two. If not, go with the 500 JRH. |
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aciera
.375 Atomic
Posts: 2,211
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Post by aciera on Sept 17, 2022 11:28:26 GMT -5
I’m a sentimental Ol Phart……
475L or 500l and shoot cast. Why jacketed anyway.
And no problem with brass. Not like 25 years ago.
Back the John and I were cutting off the 348 headstamp and etching 500L so it could go to Africa
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Post by iwsbull on Sept 17, 2022 11:46:34 GMT -5
None of those are a bad decision and honestly there is not enough difference between them to really matter so it comes down to your big bore addiction. You said you cast your own so that kinda evens them out since you are not looking for jacketed bullets. Dies are in for the listed calibers now so even again. Brass might be harder to find for the 500L.
Mine came down to my age and the awe and allure of reading about the 500L way back in 1986. That is what sealed the deal for me as I knew I would always have had it in the back of my mind that I I should have bought the 500L if I had bought a different caliber. The upside was I probably would have another revolver in my herd but I now usually only carry the Ruger flattop 44 special 4 3/4” and the BFR Bisley 500L 5” to the range.
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Post by kevshell on Sept 17, 2022 15:57:48 GMT -5
I’m a sentimental Ol Phart…… 475L or 500l and shoot cast. Why jacketed anyway. And no problem with brass. Not like 25 years ago. Back the John and I were cutting off the 348 headstamp and etching 500L so it could go to Africa For me, there are a few thoughts on this. -I try to walk a balance of jumping a gap and not splitting hairs. An debate on merits of field efficacy between many of these cartridges is, well, splitting hairs. I went from 45 colt to 500L (I also have one 500 Wyoming Express). -Component availability is another. I picked up lots of 500 Linebaugh brass so that's not a concern. Some of the other 500 cartridges use the same.500 diameter bullets as the .500 S&W and the components available is greater than the .510 components. |
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Post by Encore64 on Sept 17, 2022 16:24:58 GMT -5
Well, clearly there is only one correct answer. So, we're all not going in circles.
One of each...
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aciera
.375 Atomic
Posts: 2,211
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Post by aciera on Sept 17, 2022 16:45:36 GMT -5
I’m a sentimental Ol Phart…… 475L or 500l and shoot cast. Why jacketed anyway. And no problem with brass. Not like 25 years ago. Back the John and I were cutting off the 348 headstamp and etching 500L so it could go to Africa For me, there are a few thoughts on this. -I try to walk a balance of jumping a gap and not splitting hairs. An debate on merits of field efficacy between many of these cartridges is, well, splitting hairs. I went from 45 colt to 500L (I also have one 500 Wyoming Express). -Component availability is another. I picked up lots of 500 Linebaugh brass so that's not a concern. Some of the other 500 cartridges use the same.500 diameter bullets as the .500 S&W and the components available is greater than the .510 components. Agreed. Tons of brass and wheel weight and a mold. You are set. |
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Post by gunsbam45 on Sept 17, 2022 17:49:13 GMT -5
What do you plan to USE it for? The answer to your question will be simple once that answer is established.
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Post by Encore64 on Sept 17, 2022 18:05:24 GMT -5
All three cartridges will cover the same game.
The 475 Linebaugh has the advantage of shooting 480 Ruger.
The 500 JRH has a huge selection of jacketed, cast, plated and cast bullets. Can be had with an auxiliary cylinder in 50 AE and 50 GI.
The 500 Linebaugh shoots the biggest bullet (by .010") and is a legend.
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gregs
.327 Meteor
Posts: 530 
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Post by gregs on Sept 17, 2022 19:21:29 GMT -5
If you have the skills to cast in your tool box, they are all about the same. Eventually, your gonna be casting your own when your normal source gets busy ever four years.
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Post by bearskinner on Sept 17, 2022 19:47:33 GMT -5
All great calibers, nothing wrong with having a good variety, including each. Here’s another rabbit hole to go down, start playing with Freedom Arms guns! A whole new way to get addicted!
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Post by paul105 on Sept 17, 2022 21:28:20 GMT -5
Huntington 5" 500 JRH conversion on a Freedom Arms M83. .  . Checking some loads - 52 yds w/4x Leupold rested on my truck's tonneau cover. No where near top end loads but the most I can handle any more. .  . The 26.6 load used 4227 and chronoed right at 1,200 fps. The HS6 loads were all 15.0gr and run 1,050 fps to 1,100 fps depending upon bullet. . Fits in this Hill People kit bag .  . Sitting here watching Washington beat Mich St and thought I'd post some pics. . Paul |
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