|
Post by rugerkid on Nov 1, 2022 11:58:26 GMT -5
Which Linebaugh cartridge would be the most effective, .475 or .500? Would be mostly for whitetail deer, bear and elk. Probably really don't need the "power" of either but the interest is getting stronger. I do get into WY and MT occasionally to fly fish and camp/hike. I prefer a single action but have not ruled out a converted Ruger Red Hawk. From what I have read the .475 my have the advantage when it comes to penetration. Thoughts and opinions welcome.
|
|
|
Post by taffin on Nov 1, 2022 12:29:06 GMT -5
None of the critters you mentioned will know the difference. If you ever plan to go to Africa or Alaska I would go with the .475. I killed a huge bull bison with the .475 Freedom Arms 4-3/4", however I used .40 Ruger loads with a 420 at 1120 fps. The bullet went all the way through and he never took another step.
|
|
cubrock
.401 Bobcat
TLA fanatic and all around nice guy....
Posts: 2,871
|
Post by cubrock on Nov 1, 2022 12:29:34 GMT -5
Either will do anything that needs doing. I found the .475 easier to shoot, but that is probably a very personal decision. .475 will shoot .480 Ruger, which gives you another factory option if you have to scrounge ammo. .475 is what I currently own.
|
|
Fowler
.401 Bobcat
Posts: 3,631
|
Post by Fowler on Nov 1, 2022 12:37:07 GMT -5
You are splitting hairs and in North America either will be pretty equal for power. Yes the 475 might penetrate more but unless elephant and/or Cape Buffalo are on the menu the penetration difference will all be in the dirt behind the best most likely.
The 475 will shoot 480 if desired and 475L and 500L brass are at times hard to get, but then once you buy 250-500 cases you are set for life so its not a big barrier.
If you want the biggest possible the 500L is the way to go but only because it is the biggest.
Hopefully you cast your own bullet or feeding either can be challenging in finding bullets, especially when you need them since backstocks for either can be a bit erratic. If you are a factory only guy for ammo then both are bloody expensive and hard to come by for inventory from a very limited number of sources.
|
|
sj6g
.30 Stingray
Posts: 114
|
Post by sj6g on Nov 1, 2022 12:39:59 GMT -5
Good news is there isn’t a wrong choice. I feel like I see more ammo options for 475/480 and the components/dies sure are easier to get.
I have both but I generally prefer my .500 because of the gun itself (Linebaugh #236). I’m well stocked on components though, and was gifted some dies when I got the gun.
|
|
|
Post by bigbrowndog on Nov 1, 2022 12:56:28 GMT -5
Of the two, I much prefer the 500, however from practicality and extensive component availability the 475 is the better choice. The 500 is less comfortable to shoot in a DA platform than a SA platform. I wouldn’t forget about the 500jrh, it has the component availability of the 475 other than brass, and it starts with a 5, if that's important.
Unless you just want a Linebaugh round, in my opinion the 454 Casull is a better well rounded all purpose defense/hunting round capable of handling anything in the World. It also can be easily found in factory available guns of both SA and DA flavors.
Trapr
|
|
|
Post by potatojudge on Nov 1, 2022 13:01:12 GMT -5
Of the two, performance will essentially be equal except that the 475 gives you better bullet choices for typical game animals. I wish we had an XTP or similar in .510
If you're looking at a DA, the Super Redhawk in 480 would be my choice then if you have money burning a hole in your pocket send it to Bowen for tweaking. If you're thinking woods protection, as much as I shoot my SAs better for hunting and prefer them in general, a DA is the better choice.
Regarding penetration, I think the Linebaugh tests favored the 475 for penetration until a 500 load beat it out, IIRC a heavy bullet at less than top velocity. Unless you're stacking bears end to end and trying to kill 3 of them per shot I don't think you'll utilize any difference between the rounds.
|
|
|
Post by iwsbull on Nov 1, 2022 14:12:21 GMT -5
No wrong choice, but when I was able I had to have the 500L that I remember reading about in 1986. I cast and load so getting commercially available components was not part of my consideration. Mine just goes back to the round that captured my imagination many years ago.
|
|
|
Post by pacecars on Nov 1, 2022 15:21:25 GMT -5
Well, I chose the .500 Linebaugh. Never shot an Elk but I don’t think penetration would be lacking. Work up a load with a good LFN cast bullet and go forth and slay beasts
|
|
|
Post by ldmay375 on Dec 19, 2022 2:44:24 GMT -5
Which Linebaugh cartridge would be the most effective, .475 or .500? Would be mostly for whitetail deer, bear and elk. Probably really don't need the "power" of either but the interest is getting stronger. I do get into WY and MT occasionally to fly fish and camp/hike. I prefer a single action but have not ruled out a converted Ruger Red Hawk. From what I have read the .475 my have the advantage when it comes to penetration. Thoughts and opinions welcome. Here is an opinion: I would have to guess, with a bit heavier bullet and a bit larger diameter, the 500 might have a killing edge. Though, I am a .475 fan. I was enamored with the 475 Linebaugh from Ross's writings and the first time that I shot one in '89 or '90. So I know the Linebaugh fixation. I took me many years before I purchased one in a Freedom Arms. Love it, now have another and a BFR. One of my favorite things about the 475 Linebaugh is the 480 Ruger that it spawned. The 475 Linebaugh led my interest to the 480 Ruger. I cannot see a .475 bullet at 480 Ruger velocity lacking much in killing performance, as demonstrated by several on this board. The 475 Linebaugh does offer the advantage / option of the 480 Ruger factory loads. If I wanted the ability of the full force Linebaugh, that is what I would buy. These days, I am satisfied with the upper end 480 loads. If the 480 Ruger had come before the 475 Linebaugh, I would probably only have 480's. Maybe. I really like my Freedom Arms 475 and the custom ones of others. But, for my blue jeans & boot type, I am very happy with the 480 Ruger Bisley, Alaskan, and Super Redhawk with a barrel trim to 5". I do not feel under gunned. But, I am also a 45 Colt fan.
|
|
|
Post by bigbore5 on Dec 19, 2022 4:17:32 GMT -5
The 500 has more frontal area (wider meplat potential) and seems to transfer energy better into the target. Either will sail right through most any American animals. Personally, I shoot my 500's better than the 475's with full power loads.
|
|
|
Post by kevshell on Dec 19, 2022 6:07:49 GMT -5
I have nothing to add other than the 500 operates at lower pressure. There's countless examples of less than maximum velocity rounds going through animals. I got the 500 because it was the biggest diameter and I've wanted one since the first article was written. Other than that you'll likely be happy either way.
And John prefers his 500 and Dustin likes his 475. Only to keep it muddy for you.
|
|
|
Post by pacecars on Dec 19, 2022 6:49:00 GMT -5
I find my Linebaugh .500 not quite as “snappy” in recoil as my FA .454 Casull
|
|
|
Post by zeus on Dec 19, 2022 7:58:34 GMT -5
I’ve owned a lot of custom 475s over the years and I believe the only ones I have left are all from Freedom Arms. FA makes an outstanding 475. They don’t need to be run full tilt for crazy penetrating abilities. And follow up shots are quicker if recoil is less of course.
|
|
sj6g
.30 Stingray
Posts: 114
|
Post by sj6g on Dec 19, 2022 8:09:58 GMT -5
|
|