OK I'm really not wanting this to turn into a big pissing match so lets try and keep it to informative posts please.

I have hunted with my model 57 in 41 mag for around 20 years now. It has killed every thing I have shot it at, and almost allways passes clean through deer.
I use a 225gr SWC lead bullet over 22gr of H110. I love this load, and it performs really well in my pistol.

I have been thinking it would be fun to have one of the bigger mags you fellas all speak of. I just don't know what would be a good cal. So many have come out in recent years. 500, 460, 480, and many more! I have shot the 500 S&W in a FA 10" did not like it at all. But have always had a hard time holding on to those SSA style/shape grips and that may have been part of the problem.
What would be a good cal and pistol combination? I think I'm pretty good at handling recoil if the pistol fits me right. And I'm on a working mans budgit. Kinda leaning toward a Ruger Redhawk, Or S&W they just seem to fit me well. The 475 seems to be the one that sounds like a good cal to me, But the 480 Ruger in a Ruger would probly do every thing I want to. But Heck so does my 41.
What to do What to do?
MM

Nothing at all wrong with the .41. The only thing that kept me away from it was the lack of decent boolits long ago. The range of weights for the .44 made it a better choice for me.

I really like the BFR .475. Recoil is not that bad and it will shoot anything from 400 to 460 gr's. Accuracy has been real easy to find but it does not like semi wadcutters or lighter boolits.
I feel it is easier to work with then the .454 and .460. Muzzle blast is also lower with the .475. It will do anything you want for anything that walks. And it does not cost any more to load then the .44, only a little more powder, unless of course you buy boolits.
The Lee 400 gr boolit will do an inch or under at 50 yd's and thumps animals.
I feel the .475 is as complete a caliber that you can find.

The .41 mag is a really good caliber! If you want to step up to a significantly larger caliber and stay in the double action configuration, I would personally look no further than a Ruger Super Redhawk in .480 Ruger. There is no .475 Linebaugh in a double action revolver, and the .480 is realy just a .475 light.

You're not going to get a pissing contest out of me.........

If you don't want to spend the money on a custom handgun. Look at the Ruger 454 Casull or 480 Ruger.
The S&W 460 is also a round that has a great range of bullets out there.

If you are looking at the customs, I just started shooting a Gary Reeder 510 GNR. The recoil is not bad, and you get a large hole. The accuracy is outstanding as well. If you did not like the recoil of the 500 Mag, you will like the 510 GNR. But seeing how you are not to keen on single actions, the Ruger Super Redhawk or a S&W would be the way to go.

Good luck and let us know what you choose.

Was not aware that FA made a revolver in 500 S&W are your sure it wasn't a 500 W.E. If you like the Redhawk & Super Redhawks style revolvers then that is the way you should go.

The 41Mag is a great caliber one of my favorites..

Nope, they don't make a .500 Smith, but they make the .500 WE (Women's Express is what I heard that it stands for..... ).......

Yes, if you want a double action, get the .480. I only worry how long before there will be none to be found.
However, your experience was with grips that are not good for recoil, not the style of gun.
Never go for looks, get grips that tame recoil and keep your hands from being beat.
Even the .41 can beat you with the little wood panels.
I worked with a .357 recently that HURT my middle knuckle. I can shoot my .475 all day with the rubber grips.

quote:

Originally posted by bfrshooter:
Yes, if you want a double action, get the .480. I only worry how long before there will be none to be found.
However, your experience was with grips that are not good for recoil, not the style of gun.
Never go for looks, get grips that tame recoil and keep your hands from being beat.
Even the .41 can beat you with the little wood panels.
I worked with a .357 recently that HURT my middle knuckle. I can shoot my .475 all day with the rubber grips.

I still see quit a few 480 out there for sale.
But I am sure , now that Ruger discontinued them once again, that they will be harder to find soon.

I am glad I picked mine up when I did. I am sure the price will go up as well, if there is a demand for the 480 Ruger's.

bfrshooter, what are your thought's on the 454 Casull in the Ruger Super Redhawk? Myself, I like it, but I find the 480 a lot my user friendly as far as the recoil goes.

Personally, I did not like the SRH in .454. I had some problems with the one I owned and it is one of the few revolvers I was glad to part with. I always believed that if it had been introduced as a five shot, the performance would have been better. But that is just my opinion, others seem to like it just fine.

quote:

Originally posted by MS Hitman:
Personally, I did not like the SRH in .454. I had some problems with the one I owned and it is one of the few revolvers I was glad to part with. I always believed that if it had been introduced as a five shot, the performance would have been better. But that is just my opinion, others seem to like it just fine.

I agree with the 5 shot, I knew a few guys that had cases that would stick in the cylinder of there SRH 454 Casull's. Mine does not, even with heavy loads.
I just don't think Ruger wants to put the effort in a 5 shot revolver.

That is the main problem I had with mine was sticking cases. I agree, Ruger just never seemed interested in the five-shot cylinder and I believe it would have been a huge advantage.

quote:

Originally posted by MS Hitman:
Personally, I did not like the SRH in .454. I had some problems with the one I owned and it is one of the few revolvers I was glad to part with. I always believed that if it had been introduced as a five shot, the performance would have been better. But that is just my opinion, others seem to like it just fine.

I've had my .454 SRH since '02, and it has been a good firearm. It's accurate and reliable. No sticking cases here. The recoil is pretty stiff with upper-end loads, but that is to be expected with a double action platform. That said, I'm not real attached to it. I may use it for a conversion at some point in the near future........

I may have just gotten the one intended for bfrshooter He's usually the one who gets problem items.

Did the 480 have that same problem as the 454 Casull with sticking cases?

I have not shot one, but the .480 doesn't operate at as high a pressure as the .454 does. It stands to reason there is less of a chance of cases sticking.

The short answer would be, "I don't know". Anyone who has one can chime in and let us know.

Have had two of them (.480s) and neither had any issues with sticking cases. It was a machining issue (reverse taper I believe) that was causing sticking cases. It's not a high-pressure round: 48,500 psi SAAMI spec versus 62,000 psi plus for the Casull. But, SRHs are brutally strong.

I have one and I smoke out the bullets with a heavy load, and it does not have a sticking problem, but just wonder if anyone else had a problem with the 480.

Hey MS---
I like the SRH and the .454 is a great caliber. I just never bought one because I have the one .44 left and the big Vaquaro .45 that I load hot. Always with a lack of funds and having to sell some guns to buy another, I took the logical step to the .475 and for fun the 45-70.
I sold my XP100, Lone Eagle, SRH .44 and a SBH Hunter---now if you want to talk about PAIN!!
To tell the truth I have never had a problem with any Ruger except the one Mark II that Ruger replaced and the .45 I had to ream the throats on. No problems at all with BFR's or most of the silhouette guns I owned.
Now TC contenders and some of the TC muzzle loaders I had, well, they didn't stay around long before I sold them off. I could not afford after market barrels and 95% of TC barrels are no good. Don't get me started with TC!
Yeah I stuck my foot in my mouth again, watch how fast I get reamed over that!

I forgot to mention Dan Wesson's. If you want to hear horror stories, just ask!

quote:

Originally posted by bfrshooter:
Hey MS---
I like the SRH and the .454 is a great caliber. I just never bought one because I have the one .44 left and the big Vaquaro .45 that I load hot. Always with a lack of funds and having to sell some guns to buy another, I took the logical step to the .475 and for fun the 45-70.
I sold my XP100, Lone Eagle, SRH .44 and a SBH Hunter---now if you want to talk about PAIN!!
To tell the truth I have never had a problem with any Ruger except the one Mark II that Ruger replaced and the .45 I had to ream the throats on. No problems at all with BFR's or most of the silhouette guns I owned.
Now TC contenders and some of the TC muzzle loaders I had, well, they didn't stay around long before I sold them off. I could not afford after market barrels and 95% of TC barrels are no good. Don't get me started with TC!
Yeah I stuck my foot in my mouth again, watch how fast I get reamed over that!

You should not get reamed, but the barrels made lately are much better. I have had very good luck with the Encore barrels. I only have 2 factory barrels left and a few custom encore barrels.

I am not much of a Contender shooter, I sold them all and got Encore's.

Thanks guys all good answers and good info. I will check but I was sure the pistol I shot was a BFR in 500S&W. Is the BFR not made by Freedom Arms? Maybe it was a look alike. It was a very large single action, 5 shot stainless with a none ported 10" It did have rubber grips, but not enough for my big hands. I just can't hold on to the single actions. If I could I would go that route. But the doubles just fit me a lot better. To bad because the 475 is what I think I want.
Thanks again guys!
MM

Montana, BFRs are produced by Magnum Research. The .500 Smith in a BFR is on the big framed revolver that BFR produces, same as the .45/70 BFR. The .475, .454 Casull, .500 JRH all come on a much smaller framed revolver from BFR. The big-frame is too big for me too, but the smaller framed BFR is just right. So, don't discount the single action revolver just yet! I would go on Magnum Research's website and look at the various platforms.

quote:

Originally posted by Montana Maddness:
Thanks guys all good answers and good info. I will check but I was sure the pistol I shot was a BFR in 500S&W. Is the BFR not made by Freedom Arms? Maybe it was a look alike. It was a very large single action, 5 shot stainless with a none ported 10" It did have rubber grips, but not enough for my big hands. I just can't hold on to the single actions. If I could I would go that route. But the doubles just fit me a lot better. To bad because the 475 is what I think I want.
Thanks again guys!
MM

If you are set on the 475 Linebaugh, take a look at the BFR. The 475 Linebaugh cylinder is not the long cylinder. I think it is the best priced gun and offers very good quality. You can get other grips for the BFR, if you don't like the factory grips, I know I did not like the factory grips myself. I put the Black Micarta on my 500 mag BFR, and a set of custom buffalo horn grips on my 45-70 BFR.

well I will check out Mag Res. Mabey a BFR in 475. is just the ticket. A Houge or Pacmier grip could be what I need. Every SSA style pistol I have ever shot had hard plastic grips. Including the 500.

MM

quote:

Originally posted by Montana Maddness:
well I will check out Mag Res. Mabey a BFR in 475. is just the ticket. A Houge or Pacmier grip could be what I need. Every SSA style pistol I have ever shot had hard plastic grips. Including the 500.

MM

I have a set of Houge grips for my 500 BFR also, I don't use them. I liked the look of the Black Micarta and the way it shoots with them on.

quote:

Originally posted by Montana Maddness:
well I will check out Mag Res. Mabey a BFR in 475. is just the ticket. A Houge or Pacmier grip could be what I need. Every SSA style pistol I have ever shot had hard plastic grips. Including the 500.

MM

BFR offers the most bang for the buck IMO. They are rugged and accurate and priced right. Very tough to beat!

Ya just got off thier sight. Really like the BFR 480/475. And the price is a lot less than I thought.
I like the fact that I could shoot either cartrige out of it also.
gunbroker.com here I come!
Thanks guys
MM

quote:

Originally posted by Montana Maddness:
Ya just got off thier sight. Really like the BFR 480/475. And the price is a lot less than I thought.
I like the fact that I could shoot either cartrige out of it also.
gunbroker.com here I come!
Thanks guys
MM

Some gun shops can get then less than the suggested retail price that Magnum Research advertises. I seen them in the $800 plus doller range.

quote:

Originally posted by Montana Maddness:
Ya just got off thier sight. Really like the BFR 480/475. And the price is a lot less than I thought.
I like the fact that I could shoot either cartrige out of it also.
gunbroker.com here I come!
Thanks guys
MM

Check www.gunsamerica.com as well. I have found some smokin' deals there.

One more question guys.
Taurus Raging Bull in 480 Ruger??? I have a Taurus SS650 that I carry every day, and really like it. But a 10yard deffencive gun and a hunting pistol are two different cats.
How are the raging bulls?

OK two questions. I see that Mag Research lists the BFR as 480/475. Can the 475 be shot out of any 480? Kinda like the 38 out of 357 mag?
MM

Other way around, Montana. The.480 can be shot out of the .475 Linebaugh. The .480 is really just a short .475 L. It won't reach the velocities of the .475.

Personally, I don't like the Raging Bull. Some folks like 'em, I don't. I'm just not a real fan of Taurus revolvers. The most annoying feature is that they have a double release to unlock the cylinder -- you have to push two buttons to open them up. If you really want a .480 in a DA revolver, I would be more inclined to find a Ruger SRH.

Thank You.
MM

quote:

Originally posted by Whitworth:
Other way around, Montana. The.480 can be shot out of the .475 Linebaugh. The .480 is really just a short .475 L. It won't reach the velocities of the .475.

Personally, I don't like the Raging Bull. Some folks like 'em, I don't. I'm just not a real fan of Taurus revolvers. The most annoying feature is that they havea double release to unlock the cylinder -- you have to push two bulltons to open them up. If you really want a .480 in a DA revolver, I would be more inclined to find a Ruger SRH.

me too

I don't like the Raging Bull either, stick with the BFR, you will be happier. JMHO

bfr,

Why should you get reamed for expressing an opinion. I stated mine, you stated yours. Blanket statements you sometimes make are were we can get crossways.

quote:

Originally posted by Redhawk1:
Did the 480 have that same problem as the 454 Casull with sticking cases?

Mine does stick with the 325 factory stuff
Hornady has so much so had to tap the ejector with my knife.

quote:

Originally posted by mr.pepper:

quote:

Originally posted by Redhawk1:
Did the 480 have that same problem as the 454 Casull with sticking cases?

Mine does stick with the 325 factory stuff
Hornady has so much so had to tap the ejector with my knife.

It's obviously defective, you should give it to me.....

Have a couple of FA's. Both new. The 454 w/some loads renders the ejector inop which 'seems' to indicate stickin' cases.

After some investigation, determined that due to the characteristic close fitment of the components, in this case, the ejector button meeting the barrel near its full forward position causiing binding/lockup.

One can duplicate it by compressing the ejector and then releasiing it to snap forward. It would jam. Perplexing when discovered during range time when using particular loads.

Just one persons thots ~ not intended to decorum the subj ~

That's interesting odoh.

Btw guys you where right. I asked today and the pistol I shot was a BFR not a FA. and it was 500S&W with 10" bbl.

Haveing never shot a 475. Is the recoil as harsh as the 500? I'm a big strong guy, but I remember feeling like the bones in my forarms where flexing. This was a surprice to me. I figgered it was due to the fact that my hands did not fit the grip.

I hope the smaller fram BFR in 475 would not cause such a problem. I have shot 454 and never had such a feeling. We will see.
MM