Hello All,

I tried hunting with a handgun for deer for the first time this season and liked it. I was using a borrowed Contender in .357 Herret. I am now hooked and am planning to get one of my own, probably an Encore. I live in Minnesota and shot distance is not typically very long. I am considering the .44 Magnum but also entertaining others as I do reload. Please chime in. Objective and biased opinioons both welcome.


375er

The 44mag is never a bad choice, it is very versatile and quite capable. The recoil is eay to accustomise yourself to, and ammo is plentiful.

Next step up would be the 454 casull, quite a jump in recoil and can knock the crap out of most anything. Then comes 475 linebaugh and 500 linebaugh. Recoil on these are similar, bordering on brutal. Not much can withstand them.

John

BBB Hunter,

Thanks for the reply. I looked at the Linebaugh cartridges and decided they are probably more horsepower than I need. I don't mind recoil if it is part of the tool needed to get the job done. Do you have any experience with the 375 JDJ? Also considered that one, but I don't know anyone who has fired one. I thought the 357 Herret was pleasant enough to shoot, also. I doubt I would ever use it on anything that can bite back.


375er

I have an itch for the 357 herret myself. If you are looking at non-revolver type calibers that would be my pick, but it does involve a bit more to reload, what with making your own brass and all, unless you don't mind that sore-in-the-behind feeling after buying it pre-made (nearly $2/case). For standard revolver calibers, I think the .44 is plenty. In fact, I prefer my .41 mag to my .44. I've never felt under gunned yet.

quote:

Originally posted by 375er:
BBB Hunter,

Thanks for the reply. I looked at the Linebaugh cartridges and decided they are probably more horsepower than I need. I don't mind recoil if it is part of the tool needed to get the job done. Do you have any experience with the 375 JDJ? Also considered that one, but I don't know anyone who has fired one. I thought the 357 Herret was pleasant enough to shoot, also. I doubt I would ever use it on anything that can bite back.


375er

The 375JDJ is a good cartridge, especially for deer size game and black bear. I don't personally own one, I have preferred bullets in the 300 gr range and a larger hole. For game hunting, big and slow seems to do better job than small and fast.

John

I have a 375JDJ and have taken game both in North America and Africa with it. It is very effective on deer and black bear with the 220 Hornady Flat Point. The 300 grain roundnoses are really too tough for deer.

I also have a .357 Herret and have taken many deer with it as well.

The .375JDJ cases are easier to form than Herret cases. It is also a more effective cartridge if you think you will be hunting moose, big bears, or large African game with a handgun.

375er, go to reedercustomguns.com and see what he has to offer. He has many wildcat cartridges that are just great performers and most are either easy to make brass for or you can purchase brass or loaded rounds from Andy Rowe of cartidgeperformanceengineering.com, check it out.

Woody

quote:

Originally posted by Woodrow S:
375er, go to reedercustomguns.com and see what he has to offer. He has many wildcat cartridges that are just great performers and most are either easy to make brass for or you can purchase brass or loaded rounds from Andy Rowe of cartidgeperformanceengineering.com, check it out.

Woody

I second that. Gary makes some fine Encore barrels, and a lot to choose from.

I have owned many single shot guns and still have a few but they are actually more accurate then many rifles and from a rest can shoot as far as a rifle. I just can't wrap myself around them as being PURE hunting guns but only shooting guns, like rifles.
I have gotten hooked on revolvers along with archery as being hunting as good as it gets. Deer that I can't shoot with either is an easy shot with a rifle or single shot from sticks or a rest. Seems to remove something from the experience. Maybe I have just shot too many deer and feel OK with letting a lot of them go by that I won't take a shot at.
As you shoot more and more game, you will find that some guns are just too easy and you want a better challenge.
Your choice is going to be personal and how badly you need to shoot at everything you see.
It also depends on where you hunt as you might only see a deer a year. Then you need to shoot.
If you have enough game, the .44 mag is great if you are tough enough to pass on shots that are not right.
Trophy hunters only, will want any advantage but a pile of horns on an animal that needs ground into burger and mixed with other meat or just wasted and left to rot turns me off.
Turkey hunters are the same because they want a 20# bird with a long beard when a Jake is better eating.
Nobody goes to the store to buy the biggest, oldest, toughest chickens, why shoot animals that are tough and taste bed?
No one here will buy meat from a 20 year old milk cow either.

Thanks all for replying, as I am not in any hurry it is worth considering all options.

Daniel77- Is your .41 mag in a revolver and if so what do you shoot? What ranges do you consider maximum for hunting purposes?

BBB Hunter- I agree with you on the big, slow bullet idea. Penetration is king.

MS Hitman- What is the recoil like on the 375 JDJ compared to the 375 herret or the 44 mag? Or what would be a good comparative example? I haven't looked at the ballistics of the cartridge.

BFR Shooter- I am not clear on what your point was. I have long since moved past needing to shoot everything I see. I will gladly take a "trophy" if the opportunity presents it self. I do also like to eat venison and have no problem shooting an "eating size" animal. That said I did pass on two small bucks this season to give them a chance to grow. Regardless of shooting a single shot or a revolver I would still use a rest of some type, if possible, to reduce the chances of bad shot placement and unneccessarily wounding an animal.

quote:

Originally posted by bfrshooter:
I have owned many single shot guns and still have a few but they are actually more accurate then many rifles and from a rest can shoot as far as a rifle. I just can't wrap myself around them as being PURE hunting guns but only shooting guns, like rifles.
I have gotten hooked on revolvers along with archery as being hunting as good as it gets. Deer that I can't shoot with either is an easy shot with a rifle or single shot from sticks or a rest. Seems to remove something from the experience. Maybe I have just shot too many deer and feel OK with letting a lot of them go by that I won't take a shot at.
As you shoot more and more game, you will find that some guns are just too easy and you want a better challenge.
Your choice is going to be personal and how badly you need to shoot at everything you see.
It also depends on where you hunt as you might only see a deer a year. Then you need to shoot.
If you have enough game, the .44 mag is great if you are tough enough to pass on shots that are not right.
Trophy hunters only, will want any advantage but a pile of horns on an animal that needs ground into burger and mixed with other meat or just wasted and left to rot turns me off.
Turkey hunters are the same because they want a 20# bird with a long beard when a Jake is better eating.
Nobody goes to the store to buy the biggest, oldest, toughest chickens, why shoot animals that are tough and taste bed?
No one here will buy meat from a 20 year old milk cow either.

Why not just stick to the topic, instead of injecting your personal views on hunting, and what people decide to kill. It is really none of your business why people hunt, or what they hunt for. Just do what makes you happy and leave the other hunters alone to hunt as they wish.

If getting old makes one wise, I think you are still not old enough.

quote:

Originally posted by Redhawk1:

quote:

Originally posted by bfrshooter:
I have owned many single shot guns and still have a few but they are actually more accurate then many rifles and from a rest can shoot as far as a rifle. I just can't wrap myself around them as being PURE hunting guns but only shooting guns, like rifles.
I have gotten hooked on revolvers along with archery as being hunting as good as it gets. Deer that I can't shoot with either is an easy shot with a rifle or single shot from sticks or a rest. Seems to remove something from the experience. Maybe I have just shot too many deer and feel OK with letting a lot of them go by that I won't take a shot at.
As you shoot more and more game, you will find that some guns are just too easy and you want a better challenge.
Your choice is going to be personal and how badly you need to shoot at everything you see.
It also depends on where you hunt as you might only see a deer a year. Then you need to shoot.
If you have enough game, the .44 mag is great if you are tough enough to pass on shots that are not right.
Trophy hunters only, will want any advantage but a pile of horns on an animal that needs ground into burger and mixed with other meat or just wasted and left to rot turns me off.
Turkey hunters are the same because they want a 20# bird with a long beard when a Jake is better eating.
Nobody goes to the store to buy the biggest, oldest, toughest chickens, why shoot animals that are tough and taste bed?
No one here will buy meat from a 20 year old milk cow either.

If getting old makes one wise, I think you are still not old enough.

Why the insult?

quote:

Originally posted by 375er:
Thanks all for replying, as I am not in any hurry it is worth considering all options.

Daniel77- Is your .41 mag in a revolver and if so what do you shoot? What ranges do you consider maximum for hunting purposes?

BBB Hunter- I agree with you on the big, slow bullet idea. Penetration is king.

MS Hitman- What is the recoil like on the 375 JDJ compared to the 375 herret or the 44 mag? Or what would be a good comparative example? I haven't looked at the ballistics of the cartridge.

BFR Shooter- I am not clear on what your point was. I have long since moved past needing to shoot everything I see. I will gladly take a "trophy" if the opportunity presents it self. I do also like to eat venison and have no problem shooting an "eating size" animal. That said I did pass on two small bucks this season to give them a chance to grow. Regardless of shooting a single shot or a revolver I would still use a rest of some type, if possible, to reduce the chances of bad shot placement and unneccessarily wounding an animal.

I also have owned a 375 JDJ, it recoil was more than a 44 Mag on the same platform, Encore.

I was shooting 250 gr. hard cast bullets, and the gun was very accurate and penetrates well. I killed a deer with this load and it went through both front shoulder with no problems.

I am currently shooting a 378 GNR which is a 405 Winchester necked down to 375. I can run them down to 375 JDJ and a little more for longer ranges. But still shooting the 250 gr. hard cast bullets.

Gary Reeder has some less recoiling rounds for the Encore as well.

429 GNR. This holds one third more powder than the 44 magnum. A very powerful cartridge with no more recoil than the 44 magnum. Basically a 454 case necked down to 44. Loading dies and data are available.

455 GNR. Compare it to the 45 long colt to it's left. Much more powder capacity. It will equal the 454 with considerably less recoil. Basically a 475 Linebaugh case necked to 45. Dies and data are available.

356 GNR and is a 41 Magnum case necked down to 357. (note standard 357 for comparison) It is intended for revolvers but works well in Contenders also. It will put a 125 gr. bullet out at 2200 fps. Best when rechambered from 357 Mag Blackhawks, Redhawks, or S&W Model 27 or 28.

358 GNR. This one is intended for big game and has taken a lot of it through the years. It is a 445 SuperMag necked down to 358 and comes very close to 35 Remington ballistics. Does well in stretch frame revolvers and in Contenders. Any 357 Mag or 357 Maximum Contender can be rechambered.

41 GNR - . This one developed back in 1979 and released it in 1980. It is a 44 Magnum necked down to 41. This one put a 170 gr. Sierra JHP out of an 8 inch barrel at 2100 fps. Everything up to elk and caribou have been taken with this one. Any 41 Mag revolver can be rechambered to the 41 GNR.

41 caliber wildcats is our 41 GNR #2. This one is a 445 SuperMag case necked down to 41 and has taken a lot of large elk size game through the years. This one will put a 220 gr. bullet out at 2000 fps. This one is best in a Contender or a stretch frame revolver.

The 3rd of our 41 caliber wildcats is our new 410 GNR - This one took 4 large buffalo in a 5 month period. One American Bison and Cape Buffalo. 3 of the 4 were taken with one shot each with the Cast Performance 255 gr. LBT. This is a 454 Casull case neck down to 41. It puts a 255 gr. LBT bullet out at 1900 fps and does best in a 5 shot revolver or Encore barrel

the 510 GNR. A true 510 caliber, this cartridge is 1/10 of an inch shorter than the 500 Linebaugh and brass is available. It can be loaded up to the 500 Linebaugh or loaded down to the 50 Special ballistics. Best in a 5 shot revolver and works well in an Encore barrel.

quote:

Originally posted by Whitworth:

quote:

Originally posted by Redhawk1:

quote:

Originally posted by bfrshooter:
I have owned many single shot guns and still have a few but they are actually more accurate then many rifles and from a rest can shoot as far as a rifle. I just can't wrap myself around them as being PURE hunting guns but only shooting guns, like rifles.
I have gotten hooked on revolvers along with archery as being hunting as good as it gets. Deer that I can't shoot with either is an easy shot with a rifle or single shot from sticks or a rest. Seems to remove something from the experience. Maybe I have just shot too many deer and feel OK with letting a lot of them go by that I won't take a shot at.
As you shoot more and more game, you will find that some guns are just too easy and you want a better challenge.
Your choice is going to be personal and how badly you need to shoot at everything you see.
It also depends on where you hunt as you might only see a deer a year. Then you need to shoot.
If you have enough game, the .44 mag is great if you are tough enough to pass on shots that are not right.
Trophy hunters only, will want any advantage but a pile of horns on an animal that needs ground into burger and mixed with other meat or just wasted and left to rot turns me off.
Turkey hunters are the same because they want a 20# bird with a long beard when a Jake is better eating.
Nobody goes to the store to buy the biggest, oldest, toughest chickens, why shoot animals that are tough and taste bed?
No one here will buy meat from a 20 year old milk cow either.

If getting old makes one wise, I think you are still not old enough.

Why the insult?

No one needs to judge anyone else on why they hunt. It is personal preference as to why people hunt. No one cares if he does not like to trophy hunt or his opinion on it. We have plenty of Anti-hunting groups pointing fingers at us, so we sure as hell don't need other hunters pointing fingers at other fellow hunters.

Why the insult, I find his post insulting as well!

quote:

Originally posted by Redhawk1:the 510 GNR. A true 510 caliber, this cartridge is 1/10 of an inch shorter than the 500 Linebaugh and brass is available. It can be loaded up to the 500 Linebaugh or loaded down to the 50 Special ballistics. Best in a 5 shot revolver and works well in an Encore barrel.

Not trying to pick a fight here, and I know Gary Reeder claims that the .510 GNR can be loaded to .500 Linebaugh ballistics, but it's a crock and I would call Reeder on it. There is no way on God's green earth that you can load that little case with a 525 grain bullet to 1,250 fps. Don't quite understand where it fits as the Linebaugh fits in a normal length cylinder...... Just wondering.

375er,
My .41 mag is a S&W 657. It has great balance and just feels right to me. I'm actually back in the load development stage with it, but I was shooting a Hornady 210 gr HP, that I believe is now discontinued, over 10.3 grs of SR4756, which is a middle of the road charge, but the most accurate in my gun. I've tried two other bullets, but neither satisfied me. I'm still waiting on some XTPs and hoping that they shoot as well. If not, I'm gonna follow the lead of several more experienced posters and try some heavier hardcast.
I am confident and comfortable out to 75 yds or so, maybe even 100 under the right conditions, with just iron sights. These guys are right in that the 357 Herrett/JDJ and the other non- standard revolver chamberings can certainly reach out 2-3X farther than that in the Contender and other such platforms. You go this route at the cost of more recoil, but for the contender, you have the option of adding a shoulder stock and making one helluva little carbine. Just check out Bobby Tomeck's. Such a set up in 357 Herrett and 7mm08 is on my wish list. I'm fairly interested in his 7mm bullberry round also.

I didn't mean to dream off topic there, my main point is that a whole lot of game has been taken by the .357 magnum. It was considered perfectly viable when the .44 was the biggest thing offered, and it's ballistics haven't changed since the advent of larger calibers. If you do your part, anything from .357 mag on up is perfectly adequate for deer and hogs IMHO. You'll also find that the .41 mag has a small but loyal cult-like following. If you are hunting bigger game than that, I could certainly see wanting something bigger, but keep in mind that the .44 mag has taken every game animal that this world has to offer. I do not think that the average guy can shoot a really heavy recoiling gun very well. It was once said in a thread here that 95% of .44 mags have less than 100 rds. through them, and I think there's a lot of truth to that. The most impressive ballistics out there are useless if you can't help but flinch and miss the intended target. For those guys like Whitworth who love the hand cannons, more power to 'em, but they didn't start out shooting a hot 500 linebaugh, and they don't shoot twice a year.

quote:

Originally posted by Whitworth:

quote:

Originally posted by Redhawk1:the 510 GNR. A true 510 caliber, this cartridge is 1/10 of an inch shorter than the 500 Linebaugh and brass is available. It can be loaded up to the 500 Linebaugh or loaded down to the 50 Special ballistics. Best in a 5 shot revolver and works well in an Encore barrel.

Not trying to pick a fight here, and I know Gary Reeder claims that the .510 GNR can be loaded to .500 Linebaugh ballistics, but it's a crock and I would call Reeder on it. There is no way on God's green earth that you can load that little case with a 525 grain bullet to 1,250 fps. Don't quite understand where it fits as the Linebaugh fits in a normal length cylinder...... Just wondering.

Here is Gary Reeders phone number call him.

Give us a call during business hours:
928-527-4100
928-526-3313

First, who in the hell needs to run a 525gr bullet in a 500 Linebaugh or 510GNR? For what reason? There is NONE! I have a 500 Linebaugh and have shot it with full house loads with the CP 435gr hard cast and that is about as much as anyone needs to kill ANYTHING on the planet. 525gr bullets were meant for RIFLES so it's not a good comparison. Ok, now that we understand that we can get back to the basics. Yes, a 510GNR can be run up to 500 Linebaugh velocity utilizing either a 350gr or 435gr hardcast, or downward a bit for practicing or introducing someone to big bore level. It's a proven fact. Just need to know how it's done. If you don't know, don't say it can't be done. Been there.......done that.

On the 357mag, yes it can kill up to medium size game when the bullet is placed right and within pretty close range, but I would not want one for my first big game hunting handgun and would consider the 41 Rem mag a good minimum cartridge to use. Quick clean kills are the end game.

quote:

Originally posted by Whitworth:

Not trying to pick a fight here, and I know Gary Reeder claims that the .510 GNR can be loaded to .500 Linebaugh ballistics, but it's a crock and I would call Reeder on it. There is no way on God's green earth that you can load that little case with a 525 grain bullet to 1,250 fps. Don't quite understand where it fits as the Linebaugh fits in a normal length cylinder...... Just wondering.

Not sure on the GNR, but the 500 linebaugh is loaded to fairly light pressures. You could get s slightly shorter cartridge to do the same thing with higher pressures, but only within reason. Mr. Reeder does have a good reputation and isn't likely to BS anyone there.

John

quote:

Originally posted by Whitworth:

quote:

Originally posted by Redhawk1:the 510 GNR. A true 510 caliber, this cartridge is 1/10 of an inch shorter than the 500 Linebaugh and brass is available. It can be loaded up to the 500 Linebaugh or loaded down to the 50 Special ballistics. Best in a 5 shot revolver and works well in an Encore barrel.

Not trying to pick a fight here, and I know Gary Reeder claims that the .510 GNR can be loaded to .500 Linebaugh ballistics, but it's a crock and I would call Reeder on it. There is no way on God's green earth that you can load that little case with a 525 grain bullet to 1,250 fps. Don't quite understand where it fits as the Linebaugh fits in a normal length cylinder...... Just wondering.

You are always trying to bush for heavy for caliber bullets when not needed. You questioned my choice of a 350 gr. hard cast bullet in my 510 GNR for black bear. I kill one and the bullet zipped through it like butter. I did not have to go up in the 400 plus gr. weight to kill a black bear, no matter the size.

While you are calling gunsmiths, call John Linebaugh and ask him what he thinks about the 525 gr. bullet in the 500 Linebaugh. You might not like his answer.

well, i understand the heavier is better idea, though i don't buy it in totality like some. i think some loads just plain work and work well. i don't think i gain anything by going up from 335gr to 360 in a casull and don't think it matters a lick if i go from a 420 to a 440 in a 475. the only benefit likely to be realized is a slowing in velocity which decreases the risk of the lead bullet not holding together. change the projectile and the rules change.

You do gain something when you go heavier beyond a rational weight for caliber....more recoil & more wear and tear on your revolver. Some gunsmiths will void your warranty if they know you are shooting the super weight bullets in the gun they built you. I don't blame them a bit. I paid too much for my custom revolvers to damage them on purpose. Anyways, there are many suitable cartridges between the 41 Rem Mag and 475 Linebaugh for a newcomer to try his hand at as it relates to hunting big game animals. I would leave any of the 50 calibers for when the person gets some shooting experience otherwise they may pick up some flinching or other bad habits.

quote:

Originally posted by Woodrow S:
First, who in the hell needs to run a 525gr bullet in a 500 Linebaugh or 510GNR? For what reason? There is NONE! I have a 500 Linebaugh and have shot it with full house loads with the CP 435gr hard cast and that is about as much as anyone needs to kill ANYTHING on the planet. 525gr bullets were meant for RIFLES so it's not a good comparison. Ok, now that we understand that we can get back to the basics. Yes, a 510GNR can be run up to 500 Linebaugh velocity utilizing either a 350gr or 435gr hardcast, or downward a bit for practicing or introducing someone to big bore level. It's a proven fact. Just need to know how it's done. If you don't know, don't say it can't be done. Been there.......done that.

On the 357mag, yes it can kill up to medium size game when the bullet is placed right and within pretty close range, but I would not want one for my first big game hunting handgun and would consider the 41 Rem mag a good minimum cartridge to use. Quick clean kills are the end game.

+1 Trying to shoot 525 Gr bullets in a Linabaugh is a sure sign of a rank amatuer. Mr Linebaugh did not design the round for that bullet weight. Same goes for the guys shooting 700 Grainers out of their 500 S&W 's. WHY subject the gun to that kind of punishment when it is not necessary. Is it compensation for some kind of real or percieved shortcoming??????? Foolishness period.

I'll step in here an say ease up guys on the bashing. Nobody said that you SHOULD push the biggest bullet you can find as fast as possible. Whitworth merely said that one rounds MAX was above the MAX of another. I don't know squat about either, so I'm not weighing in on that debate. It would just be nice if these pissing contests didn't get fired up so easily.

Some guys like big guns. Some just wanna push the envelope with no other motivation. Some guys like big trucks. Some guys, like me, pull trailers and equipment a lot, and that big truck isn't just for show, it is a tool. No skin off my nose whichever way you go. One could argue that a 12 gauge is a whole lot more gun than is necessary to kill a quail, or dove also, but I'm still gonna carry my 12 gauge when I bird hunt.

Like someone else said, we have enough anti's out there trying to take away our rights and privileges, we sure as hell don't need to take each other out. There are dang sure pistols out there chambered in rifle calibers that make any of these pale in comparison. Another thread in the hand rifles forum is talking about 375 H&H pistols or hand rifles. I can't fathom wanting to shoot such a beast as that, but I'll sure stand back and enjoy watching someone else go for it.

quote:

Originally posted by Woodrow S:
First, who in the hell needs to run a 525gr bullet in a 500 Linebaugh or 510GNR? For what reason? There is NONE! I have a 500 Linebaugh and have shot it with full house loads with the CP 435gr hard cast and that is about as much as anyone needs to kill ANYTHING on the planet. 525gr bullets were meant for RIFLES so it's not a good comparison. Ok, now that we understand that we can get back to the basics. Yes, a 510GNR can be run up to 500 Linebaugh velocity utilizing either a 350gr or 435gr hardcast, or downward a bit for practicing or introducing someone to big bore level. It's a proven fact. Just need to know how it's done. If you don't know, don't say it can't be done. Been there.......done that.

On the 357mag, yes it can kill up to medium size game when the bullet is placed right and within pretty close range, but I would not want one for my first big game hunting handgun and would consider the 41 Rem mag a good minimum cartridge to use. Quick clean kills are the end game.

Many of us do. We run 420s and 430s in our .475s and then move up to a .511 diameter and only 450 grain bullet. We have tested the 525s ad nauseum and they will soundly out penetrate many lighter bullets. That 525 from Cast Performance in the .500 Linebaugh (Buffalo Bore's load) at a leisurely 1,130 fps (chronographed), went 50-inches at the Linebaugh seminar a couple of years ago. Yes, it was designed for the .50 Alaskan (I have one of those too), and it was discovered to work like a charm at lower velocities. Oh, and it doesn't kick objectionably.

quote:

Originally posted by Redhawk1:

quote:

Originally posted by Whitworth:

quote:

Originally posted by Redhawk1:the 510 GNR. A true 510 caliber, this cartridge is 1/10 of an inch shorter than the 500 Linebaugh and brass is available. It can be loaded up to the 500 Linebaugh or loaded down to the 50 Special ballistics. Best in a 5 shot revolver and works well in an Encore barrel.

Not trying to pick a fight here, and I know Gary Reeder claims that the .510 GNR can be loaded to .500 Linebaugh ballistics, but it's a crock and I would call Reeder on it. There is no way on God's green earth that you can load that little case with a 525 grain bullet to 1,250 fps. Don't quite understand where it fits as the Linebaugh fits in a normal length cylinder...... Just wondering.

You are always trying to bush for heavy for caliber bullets when not needed. You questioned my choice of a 350 gr. hard cast bullet in my 510 GNR for black bear. I kill one and the bullet zipped through it like butter. I did not have to go up in the 400 plus gr. weight to kill a black bear, no matter the size.

While you are calling gunsmiths, call John Linebaugh and ask him what he thinks about the 525 gr. bullet in the 500 Linebaugh. You might not like his answer.

Yes I am, because they work. I talk to John Linebaugh quite frequently. Nope, he doesn't like the 525s, but he was shocked when he saw what they did at the seminar a couple of years ago. Try it, you'll like it, it's the cat's meow. And don't get your panties in a bundle. You seem to be moody with your posts today. Take it out on someone else.

If shooting 525 grain bullets is the sign of a rank amateur; I was with Mr. Linebaugh when he was shooting some from my revolver. He did not have any problems with the bullet weight nor did he void my warranty. Let's please refrain from the stupid, blanket statements.

Ok, I guess the 500 Smith was made for 700 grain bullets, too, huh??? You have your opinion, I have mine, and I really don't appreciate your cheap shot either.

quote:

Originally posted by Tembo:

quote:

Originally posted by Woodrow S:
First, who in the hell needs to run a 525gr bullet in a 500 Linebaugh or 510GNR? For what reason? There is NONE! I have a 500 Linebaugh and have shot it with full house loads with the CP 435gr hard cast and that is about as much as anyone needs to kill ANYTHING on the planet. 525gr bullets were meant for RIFLES so it's not a good comparison. Ok, now that we understand that we can get back to the basics. Yes, a 510GNR can be run up to 500 Linebaugh velocity utilizing either a 350gr or 435gr hardcast, or downward a bit for practicing or introducing someone to big bore level. It's a proven fact. Just need to know how it's done. If you don't know, don't say it can't be done. Been there.......done that.

On the 357mag, yes it can kill up to medium size game when the bullet is placed right and within pretty close range, but I would not want one for my first big game hunting handgun and would consider the 41 Rem mag a good minimum cartridge to use. Quick clean kills are the end game.

+1 Trying to shoot 525 Gr bullets in a Linabaugh is a sure sign of a rank amatuer. Mr Linebaugh did not design the round for that bullet weight. Same goes for the guys shooting 700 Grainers out of their 500 S&W 's. WHY subject the gun to that kind of punishment when it is not necessary. Is it compensation for some kind of real or percieved shortcoming??????? Foolishness period.

Rank amateur, Tembo? Are you kidding? This is an established load that works like gangbusters. I agree that the 700 grain bullets in the .500 Smith are an exercise in excess, but you can hardly say the same thing about a 525 grain .511. Just because y'all haven't explored in the direction of heavier bullets doesn't automatically mean it's "amateur." How closed minded can you be? 525s don't void the warranty on my .500.

I questioned the claim by Gary Reeder that the .510 GNR will duplicate the ballistics of the .500 Linebaugh -- if it will duplicae the .500 L's ballistics, that means it can run with it on the upper end. That is what is implied by the word "duplicate." So, when I question the claim, I am automatically attacked. Really lame, guys.

Oh, and thanks, Daniel.

quote:

Originally posted by Tembo:
Ok, I guess the 500 Smith was made for 700 grain bullets, too, huh??? You have your opinion, I have mine, and I really don't appreciate your cheap shot either.

Hardly the same thing. I have to ask. Have you tested anything heavier than 450s in your .500 Linebaugh? Just curious.

Whitworth, I NEVER said shooting 525 grainers will void Linebaugh's warranty. I simply tried to say there is no earthly reason to shoot them in your gun. Mr. Linebaugh designed the round to use 435 to 450 grain bullets. Just because you can stuff a bigger bullet in it, does that mean it is the optimum bullet for the 500 Linebaugh. Kinda like putting 36" Super Swamper tires on a Ford Ranger. Sure it will move, but it is not what it was designed to run.

We knew you'd be back. An Encore in 44 magnum is a very sensible choice. Since you reload a 444 Marlin, 45 Colt. or 45/70 can be made into very serious game hammers. My hands are medium-sized and the factory stocks (I tried wood and synthetic) on my Encore 454 ten inch beat the hell of out me. Must not bother most people though. Truth be told the Encore comes into its own using bottleneck rifle cartridges. The purpose built wildcats seem most at home in the Contender or the G2. Enjoy!

quote:

Originally posted by Tembo:
Whitworth, I NEVER said shooting 525 grainers will void Linebaugh's warranty. I simply tried to say there is no earthly reason to shoot them in your gun. Mr. Linebaugh designed the round to use 435 to 450 grain bullets. Just because you can stuff a bigger bullet in it, does that mean it is the optimum bullet for the 500 Linebaugh. Kinda like putting 36" Super Swamper tires on a Ford Ranger. Sure it will move, but it is not what it was designed to run.

Nor does that mean that you shouldn't experiment with different bullet weights -- try it, you might find that you were wrong.

I have been shooting the 525 WLFN cast performance hard cast bullet for quite a few years in fact I push Buffalo Bore to load this bullet and recieve the loaded rounds from Tim before he listed on his web site as a regular load.
The 525 is not difficult to shot at 1100 FPS and there is absolutely no reason to want more. The 525 WLFN at 1090 to 1100 FPS is th hardestr hitting load that I have ever shot out of any revolver. The 525 grain has absolutely hammered ever animal that I have ever shot or seen shot with it including the Bull Bison in my avatar.

A 435 grain hard cast at 1300 to 1350 FPS is a much more difficult load to shoot than the 525. As long as pressures are kept reasonable the 525 grain is not harder on your revolver. Anytime a smaller case is loaded the the same speed with the same wieght bullet the presure is going to be higher.

Ok. Lets make it real simple. There is nothing the 500L will do with that 525gr that can't be done with the 500L with a 435gr. and there ain't a darn bit of difference between the 500L or the 510GNR if we are talking realistic ballistics and real world hunting with real world bullets. To answer the real question, yes the 510GNR will launch a 435gr slug every bit as fast as a 500L and it's been proven time and time again. Once the bullet fully penetrates the animal, who cares how far it went into the tree behind it? Both have taken elephant with one shot numerous times without resorting to 525gr slugs...you need more than that? I will leave experimenting to others, I make my living with my hands so the're pretty important to me.

Do you have any examples of the 435 grainers taking Elephants?

quote:

Originally posted by Woodrow S:
Ok. Lets make it real simple. There is nothing the 500L will do with that 525gr that can't be done with the 500L with a 435gr. and there ain't a darn bit of difference between the 500L or the 510GNR if we are talking realistic ballistics and real world hunting with real world bullets. To answer the real question, yes the 510GNR will launch a 435gr slug every bit as fast as a 500L and it's been proven time and time again. Once the bullet fully penetrates the animal, who cares how far it went into the tree behind it? Both have taken elephant with one shot numerous times without resorting to 525gr slugs...you need more than that? I will leave experimenting to others, I make my living with my hands so the're pretty important to me.

We're talking about the upper end -- not 435 grain bullets. How fast can the .510 GNR push a 525 grain bullet -- at reasonable pressures?

Any thoughts on an autoloader? I have a Wildey in 45 Wincheter Magnum (pistol cartridge) that works well for anything in Idaho.

Rich

Hard not to like 45 caliber

You are picking the extreme end on purpose to slam a cartridge Gary designed to duplicate the ballistics of the 500L as John designed it, which was NOT for the super heavyweights. Therefore, the 510GNR does in fact duplicate the 500L as designed by it's creator. Ain't no different than both of us racing identical street legal Corvettes to see who is the better driver, except you installed drag slicks when I was'nt looking and drag slicks ain't legal on the street. Kinda underhanded. I would still bet that the 510GNR can spit the 525 out just as fast as the 500L. Did you ever try it? If not, go ahead do it and tell us about it. Why you? Well you made the claim it can't.