The Elusive BFR 6-Shot 454 Casull...

[Encore64]

I first confirmed and posted this revolver was coming from Magnum Research in Oct. 22. Little did I know it would take 21 Months for me to get my hands on one.

Today was that day...sorta...

The gun arrived at my LGS, I'll pick it up Saturday. But, I did get a chance to give it a quick inspection today.

Like all BFRs, extremely well built. Barrel gap at .0015", tight lockup, extremely good action and trigger pull.

Fit and finish are exceptional.

I look forward to gathering more specs from this one and proving it on the bench.

I'm sure a few will speculate this to be unsafe in a 6-Shot. But, it's been fully tested and safe with modern steels...

[pacecars]

[Encore64]

Thanks Ronnie...

Better pictures and much more information to come about this gun.

[45MAN]

I HUNTED AFRICA HARD ON 11 HANDGUN SAFARIS, THE LAST 10 WITH 5 SHOT FA MODEL 83's IN 45 COLT AND 454, ONLY LOADING 4 CHAMBERS, AND NEVER FELT, NOR HAD, THE IMMEDIATE NEED FOR MORE ROUNDS IN THE CYLINDER. WHILE A SIX SHOOTER IS TRADITIONAL, AND CONVENIENT, IN HEAVY 45 COLT/454 I AM OK WITH WHAT I HAVE. ALSO, BY ROUNDS 5 & 6 YOU COULD START HAVING NOTICEABLE BULLET JUMP. SUCH THINGS OFTEN BEING PERSONAL, JUST WONDERING THE LURE OF THE SIX SHOT 454 BFR?

[Encore64]

Rey, I'm not sure we can ever explain the lure of anything. As humans, I believe many times it comes down to "because I can."

I've got three FA83s in 454 Casull. Believe it goes without saying I'm a fan.

But, this is really ground breaking. The SRH is a six shot. However, I'm not aware of a previous Single Action 6-Shot 454 Casull.

Long since a huge fan of BFRs, I just feel like trying one of these.

I do appreciate the longer cylinder of the BFR. It'll definitely be a cast bullet only gun. Also, will likely never see a full power load.

As quickly as this batch sold out, I'd assume I'm not the only person interested in these fine guns.

I'll have it in hand tomorrow. More to follow...

[bamagreg]

What’s up with that chamber at the 10:00 position?

[bigbore5]

Jul 26, 2024 21:49:32 GMT -5 bamagreg said:

What’s up with that chamber at the 10:00 position?

Every BFR I have gotten so far had the chamber they test fired at the still dirty. Looks like that's the one they tested.

[bula]

That cylinder sure looks to have plenty of meat. 

[RDW]

Jul 25, 2024 20:37:52 GMT -5 Encore64 said:

I'm sure a few will speculate this to be unsafe in a 6-Shot. But, it's been fully tested and safe with modern steels...

If it is to be deemed unsafe by anyone, then i would like to have a conversation with that person.
The first thing i will point out is infact (THE MATERIAL). 17-4 in that configuration will prove it self not only to be very durable, Much less AERMET 100 OR 465 CARPENTER.
The second thing i would point out is, The od is larger, the material is better, it is precision machined by a company that has provin its worth many times over, etc.etc. blah blah blah. THEY KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING!
And the third thing i would point out is that many of us experimenters out there over the last 40 years have already tried it over and over. And it works just fine with modern materials.
I have a Redhawk that i rechambered closing in on 40 years ago in the 454 cassul cartridge. Hell i even still have a pile of cases that had the large primer pockets. hahaha.
That cylinder is in 416 stainless with an od 20 thousandths smaller than the BFR cylinder, and it has gobbled up massive amounts of full power 2400 and 296 and H110 loads ever since and i have not had one darn problem other than the web of my hand getting pummeled by the hand Cannon Round itself. It is the factory cylinder bored out. The old man in michigan that re rifled the barrel is long gone by now.
The only reason that i dont make my 454 Rugers in six shot is just preference and realistically, 5 rounds of 454 = 12 rounds of 44 mag! Hahaha. But why not. modern materials = better sixguns.
R
PS: So go on with your bad self Huey. I bet its gonna be a real shooter.

[RDW]

Jul 27, 2024 4:38:18 GMT -5 bula said:

That cylinder sure looks to have plenty of meat. 

More than it needs bud.

[bigbore5]

Not really a 454 fan but I do wonder about the bullet pull in the 6 rounds. Maybe a profile crimp die or the Lee collet factory crimp is warranted in these.

I may have to pick up one for long 45C loads.

[Encore64]

Jul 27, 2024 11:14:46 GMT -5 bigbore5 said:

Not really a 454 fan but I do wonder about the bullet pull in the 6 rounds. Maybe a profile crimp die or the Lee collet factory crimp is warranted in these.

I may have to pick up one for long 45C loads.

That's exactly what I've got in mind for this one...

[Encore64]

Picked up the gun this morning and it hasn't disappointed.

Chambers are exactly the same size as my FA. A .479" Pin Gauge will start, but not fully enter the chambers. A .478" will go to the throats in both guns.

Throats are .452+" in the FA and .453+" in the BFR. I've found slightly oversized throats to be beneficial using coated bullets. But, might cause leading with soft cast.

Using Gardners 255 grn Coated SWC over 12 grn Unique resulted in tiny groups. All but one group at 25 yards was one ragged hole from a steady rest.

The BFR is considered a 6.5" barrel. But, with their wacky way of measuring barrels, this equates to 7 1/8" exactly.

Velocity was 1184 fps from the BFR and 1151 from my 6" FA83.

Trigger pull was exceptional as was the smoothness of the action.

I'll get Fermin to build me a better front sight. But, this gun will see no other mods or upgrades. I can see no reason to alter anything else...

[bula]

What does that piece of artillery weigh empty ? 

[Encore64]

Jul 27, 2024 14:23:28 GMT -5 bula said:

What does that piece of artillery weigh empty ? 

56 ounces. My 6" FA83 is 51 ounces.