I guess I am going to order one even though it has the 5.5" barrel. BTW, it's probably more like 6" since they don't include the frame in the measurment, right?

I called Jack Huntington and got one of the guys in the shop. Jack is supposed to call me back to let me know about ordering brass. He does send along reloading info, correct?

Now, for the dies? Where to look?

Yes he does. And, nope, it has an actual 5 1/2-inch barrel. Looks like they're finally learning how to measure! LOL!

Which dies are you using, Whitworth?

Also, some advice if you would be so kind. Seeing as how JRH brass isn't exactly growing on trees, how many pieces would you order if you were me? I want a good supply. I was thinking 200.

Regular 500 S&W can be trimmed down with no problems with the rims overlapping in the BFR, right?

Thanks

You can use S&W 500 brass if you want to spend a lot of time trimming.
Jack's price is pretty reasonable. I would order between 250-500 and that will give you enough to last for many years.
When you get the BFR consider sending it off to Jack for his modified Bisley grip modification. He will also round off the sharp edges of the trigger guard and custom fit either wood or Micarta grips. Well worth Jack's $300 charge. I choose the wood grips and the grain and fiqure is nothing short of fantastic.
Enjoy the revolver, it will do anything a person asks of it.

I use RCBS S&W 500/Special dies and added a Redding crimp die. The Redding is to long so my smith shortened it by 1/4 inch and it works perfectly. My opinion is you get a better crimp if you seat in one operation and crimp in another. Seems to work for me as the bullets are not walking out of the cases.

With Wolfie's guidance, I just did the same...500JRH with a 5 1/2" barrel. On to Huntington's :-)

Great choice Biebs. The more I use my BFR the more impressed I am.
BFR = Ruger on steroids with superb accuracy.

Snowwolfe

So, you can get a good crimp with the RCBS die? I know you purchased another but for crimping, the RCBS seater/crimping is functional?

The 500 S&W Special: what are the differences between it and the JRH? Slightly longer, shorter or is it for all intents and purposes just another name for the JRH?

Thanks

Yes the RCBS die is functional. But years ago I tried seating in one step, then crimping in another and my opinion is this results in a tighter hold on the bullet.

Both do the job, but IMO the separate crimping die does it better. Especially important on a big bore revolver.

The fact that Hornady now offers their 4 die sets (sizer, expander, seater, crimper) in 475 and 500 Linebaugh seems to bear out the extra die helps keep the bullet in the case.

I'm not sure what the differences are between the 500 Special and the JRH.

I see, thanks.

I don't seat and crimp in one step. When I get the right seating depth I back the die off and seat all my loads and then tighten it back up for a crimp.

You do the same thing I do. I just hate messing with the settings on the die so buy a separate one

I am also trying to buy a BFR 500JRH but I can't find one. My gun dealer has looked at his usual sources and come up empty. Called Magnum Research and got no help. I bought a BFR 475 Linebaugh last year and it took 3 months. It could be that I live in Ohio and it's a dead zone for guns. I like my BFR and don't want to invest in a Freedom or custom. Any suggestions? I am also looking for brass. I understand that can be purchased from Jack Huntington along with some load data. Bullets and dies ,no problem. Any info would be appreciated.

Buds is selling 8 inch models and there is a 5.5 inch on gunbrokers right now:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Aucti....aspx?Item=316470729

Just a couple of days ago one of my online buddies bought a 5.5 inch model from another vendor on gunbrokers for about $840 with free shipping.

Maybe it's time to find a new dealer
BTW, Freedom Arms does not chamber their revolvers in the 500 JRH, at least not yet.

Thanks Snowwolfe. I know Huntington converts Freedoms to 500JRH.The dealers in this area are shotgun oriented since you cannot deer hunt with a rifle here. But since I live here for now I gott to deal with it. I found a BFR 500 JRH in Okla. So now I have to get it here.

Snowwolfe

I wonder about those specs. on the Buds site. Remember when the BFRs in 500 JRH first hit the dealers, Buds had a bunch of them and their specs were all over the place. First they said they were 500 S&W and they had several different barrel lengths. A few tried to contact them but they were awfully slow to respond.

I am wondering if the 8" version they are selling is really the 5.5" version. I ask because I emailed MR the other day and they told me that they only offered the JRH in the 5.5" version now and that to get a longer barrel, you would have to order it from their shop.

Anyway....

I wouldnt worry about it. As long as you get the 500JRH, Magnum Research will pay for shipping on their dime and shorten the barrel.

Mine came in with a 7.5 or 8 inch barrel and they sent me a prepaid mailer and returned it to me with the correct barrel length. But they have a different method of measuring barrels as they measure from the outside of the frame to the muzzle. What they call a 5.5 is actually a 6. Just be specific if you need to return it.

Good point about Buds. They store there guns in a separate building so they usually don't have a clue. Small dealers on gunbrokers will take the time to confirm what they are selling.
When I called MR trying to find one they told me they only cataloged the 5.5 and the other length models were a mistake but to be honest half the time I don't think one hand knows what the other one is doing

I will know in a couple of days. Can't wait!