I was looking at the Huntington's catalog of RCBS dies and they have dies for the 475 and 500 Linebaugh that are 1.6 in length instead of the normal 1.4. Any experience with these rounds?
Todd

I have owned guns in 475 & 500 Linebaugh in the 1.4" version...I assure you that the 1.6" version loaded strong is the ballistic version of the anti-christ!

I haven't fired one personally, or even handled one. The conversions were done on Ruger 357 maximum frames, which are scarce and collectors items. Phillops and Rodgers has started making their own single actions, and does offer the Linebaugh longs.

The basic comments from the builders and shooters of these guns is, the std length linebaughs are at the limits of what one can handle in a sizgun, the longs are just too much. Very few folks can handle the std max loads of 440 gr @ 1350 fps, the max's do 1500.

Personally, I find the 480 at my reasonable limit. I've fired several std 475 and 500 linebaughs, and they are extremely difficult to control at full power levels. I've also realized that anything that I wouldn't hunt with a 480, I wouldn't hunt with a handgun.

Todd

When Linebaugh was first making the 475 and the 500 he made a 1.4 and 1.6 in both caliber. I can not remember why he picked the 1.4 over the 1.6. I did not know he sold any of the gun with the 1.6 case. you might go to www.linebaughcustomsixguns.com this is his wedsite and ask him. He also made a 458 Linebaugh

Paul

It's not a matter of Linebaugh actually picking one over the other (although he will recommend the 1.4" or better yet .45 colt). Actually, John shoots a S&W 45 colt DA...he doesn't even use any of the guns he builds on a regular basis. He'll tell you he doesn't need them for skinny mule deer and antelope.

He builds guns on both 1.4" and 1.6" in .475 and .500 calibers...the 1.6" gun is built on the Ruger Maximum frame and is twice the money & recoil for a couple inches more penetration. The 1.6" can physically hurt you (so can the 1.4") and is more of a "coffee table" gun...something for bragging rights/collectors to have. I have a .500 1.4" for daily carry among Alaska's bears and I don't even load it to max loads for controllability. Any of John's guns loaded hot can make the gun climb over your head in recoil...that's bad news when Mr. Brownie is coming over to visit. 435 gr. cast bullets at about 1200 fps is a "big stick" and easy on the gun & shooter.