I now have a Glock 20, 10mm, that I use as a "light carry" gun when rifle hunting for whitetail, a S&W 629 4" V-Comp 44mag, and a Bisley Hunter 44mag with a 30mm red dot. I feel the need to move up to the next step, and am considering a Super Redhawk or a BFR in 454, and yes, have considered selling both 44's for a Freedom Arms, however I do like the Bisley very well. And have also considered just getting a good scope for the Bisley, as I feel this would help with my accuracy and extend my "comfort range" with it.

I really like my SRH in .454 Casull. It's a definite step up from the .44 mag. SRHs can be had on the used market for a song and a dance and they have a tendency to be very accurate. Not a bad choice at all if you want a DA revolver.

The best bang for the buck is the SRH and the BFR both can be excellent shooters and for pure strength the BFR is probable the KING..Both can be purchsed for a song on the street..

If you truly want to step up, go with a larger caliber. Big holes are the answer, 480, 475 Linebaugh, 500 Linebaugh, 500 JHR or the 500 Mag.

Sure the 454 Casull is a big step up from the 44 Mag, more velocity and a bigger bullet. The BFR in my opinion is the way to go.

This is all good advice, and yes, I too believe in the BFR and the Ruger as offering the best "bang for the buck".

I went to the 475 Linebaugh straight from the 44 Mag.

The 454 and the 460 S&W are a better choice if you plan to scope your revolver and use it for longer range [for a handgun] shots on deer sized game.

You can also use heavier bullets on bigger stuff as well. The 454 is a good choice.

However;
I wanted a handy, heavy bullet, big caliber, non scoped handgun, for shooting BIG stuff up close, so I went with a 475 FA with a 6" bbl.

I have shot my 475 with factory ammo from 350gr to 440 gr, along side friends 454 FA's with various factory and their handloads with bullets from 260 to the heaviest at 330gr if I remember correctly.

I have shot FA 454's with the short 4 3/4", 6" and the 7.5" bbls.

If you can handle the recoil of the 454 then you can handle the recoil of the 475.

I actually find full power loads with the lighter bullets to be more punishing that full power loads with the heavier bullets.
I find this true for both calibers.

I went with a 475 over a 500 because I think it gives better penetration, baised on some stuff I had read. Also it is easier to get 475 ammo, and in a pinch you can use 480 Ruger ammo as well.

I just wish I could get Speer to make some shotshells for the 480 Ruger/475 Linebaugh.

I have used them quite a bit, especially in 45 ACP and 44 Mag.

I may eventually have to make up some 475 shotshells on my own.

So, why is the 454 Casull "going for a song"? Is it regarded as less desirable than the 475, 460 or 500?
Peter.

I am looking for extended range with a scope.

quote:

Originally posted by Peter:
So, why is the 454 Casull "going for a song"? Is it regarded as less desirable than the 475, 460 or 500?
Peter.

There are many slightly used big-bore handguns and rifles on the used gun market -- often times with a half a box of ammo! Casulls kick rather hard and they can be quite intimidating to both the uninitiated and the experienced handgunner alike. Thy're not out there because they aren't any good......

NE 450, I have an SRH in .454 and a custom SRH in .475 and when loaded heavily, I find the .475 kicks harder than the Casull. I tend to load the Casull heavily and regularly run 400 grain bullets through it. There is nothing pleasant about the Casull as it has very sharp recoil, but the Linebaugh is sharp with the added "bebnefit" of a sharp shove as well! Lots of fun!! I know recoil is subjective, but I find that you have to always pay close attention when shooting the Linebaugh as it can get away from you and wack you in the head if not careful!

Don't sell the 475 short when it comes to long range. The longest hits that I have made have been with the 475, and I own at least 4 454s.

I haven't shot my .475 beyond 200 yards (yet), but have found the accuracy more than acceptable.

Hmm, this has whetted my appetite for a 454! I will start looking. Please keep your eyes open for me. I had been keeping an eye out for a 460 for the same reason as mentioned above, a little "too much gun"!
Peter.

Peter, I would suggest that you go on Gunsamerica (www.gunsamerica.com), and see what is there. It takes minutes to joing, and there are usually a bunch of Ruger Super Redhawks in .454 Casull for good prices. It's a very versatile caliber and it fits in a smaller package than the .460 (no, I'm not knocking the .460), enabling a person to more easily carry it. Keep us posted!

Whitworth, have you seen the 5 inch 460? About the size of the Ruger Super Redhawks.

Yes I have, and it is still a chunky X-frame. Plus, where are you going to find a Smith .460 for $500.00 or less? Bang for the buck!

I just went on gunsamerica and the cheepest 5-inch .460 I could find was $1,010.00, and they range in price from $900.00 to $1,300.00. The SRHs range from $550.00 to $650.00. I've never liked the ergonomics of the X-frame, but it's just a matter of personal preference.

Well that's because it is not a $500.00 gun...

The X-frames must be worth $200.00 per pound......

Trying to keep up with the price of Gold..lol

Whitworth et al. I did go to gunsamerica right after I posted my note (above). Looks like the SRH's are all around the $650 or so mark. Certainly not for $500 or less. I don't find the SRHs very aesthetically pleasing. Not like my 44mag and 45 Colt Blackhawks. But, if they are accurate, that might overcome my prejudice. Can I shoot the 45 Colt in the 454?
Thanks, Peter.

You sure can shoot 45 Colts in the 454 Casull.

quote:

Originally posted by Peter:
Whitworth et al. I did go to gunsamerica right after I posted my note (above). Looks like the SRH's are all around the $650 or so mark. Certainly not for $500 or less. I don't find the SRHs very aesthetically pleasing. Not like my 44mag and 45 Colt Blackhawks. But, if they are accurate, that might overcome my prejudice. Can I shoot the 45 Colt in the 454?
Thanks, Peter.

Sorry I mistated the cost, but they are still reasonably priced, and as I have stated in the past, my brother-in-law bought an SRH in .480 Ruger for $400.00 off of Gunsamerica that was in pristine condition.......so, keep monitoring the site. Also, as far as aesthetics are concerned, they aren't the prettiest revolvers in the world, but they are pure function and every one I have shot and owned has been accurate. They are also unbelievably strong. Hell, if you want a pretty safe-queen, buy a Freedom.....

OH OH!