Caliber Choice?
- Thread starter SJPrice
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P95Carry
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Actually can't comment on either! But - would say that if looking in these categories I would be seriously contemplating the X frame 460!
I have .454 SRH and that is well useful but the 460 full house round is seemingly awesome. I suspect matching or exceeding the .475.
I have .454 SRH and that is well useful but the 460 full house round is seemingly awesome. I suspect matching or exceeding the .475.
BTW, what's a 500 Wyoming express?
That, my friend, is the fastest way to get a 440gr bullet out of a handgun and across the Wyoming/Montana border. I'll stick with .44 Mag and be happy that I'm wimpy.
Freedom Arms might have what you're looking for, if you don't mind spending a little bit.
jmm
That, my friend, is the fastest way to get a 440gr bullet out of a handgun and across the Wyoming/Montana border. I'll stick with .44 Mag and be happy that I'm wimpy.
Freedom Arms might have what you're looking for, if you don't mind spending a little bit.
jmm
Dwayne Russell
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Being a big bore SA shooter in this forum is quite interesting. There are a number of people here with FA guns and highly modified Ruger's such as the Linebaugh's, Clement's and Accusport. Freedom Arms makes a great product and their guns are very well respected for fit, finish and precision. You should also be able to get one fairly soon.
On the flip side is the highly customized Ruger based SA guns that run around $3,500. By this I mean you can purchase the Ruger Bisley donor gun and then send it in and wait your turn in line with one of the gunsmiths that specialize in this area. Although Freedom Arms still offers the .475 Linebaugh, I don?t think John Linebaugh has made a .475 revolver in the last two years. They are all .500 Linebaugh now. I think John is running about 8-10 months on orders right now. Dustin Linebaugh may not be that far behind.
I found the plow handled Colt style of the FA guns matched with the .454 round caused the gun to rotate so hard in my hand it cut the webbing between my thumb and index finger. I cant imagine what a .475 would be like.
Sorry I have no experience with this new .500 Wyo Express. Although this is what I know so far. It is proprietary to Freedom Arms. The .500 Wyo Express is .500 wide and is currently offered in 370, 400, and 440 grain. The speeds vary from 1370, 1300, 1250 respectively.
Linebaugh cartridges are used by a number of custom builders including Freedom Arms. The Linebaugh is not really .500 I think its actually .511 if memory serves me correctly. The .500 Linebaugh now comes in many different bullet weights including 400, 435, 460, and a 500 grain bullet. The speeds vary from 1350, 950 & 1250, 1,150, and 1,100 fps respectively. A 500 grain bullet moving at 1,100 fps is like throwing a Volkswagon from Jackson Wyoming into Idaho Falls. You don't want to be on the receiving end.
Either way getting ammo for custom calibers is tough. It's usually a mail order proposition. A box of .500 Linebaugh (20) 435 grain / 1250 fps rounds will run around $50. I suspect the .500 Wyo Express will be close in price. I buy mine from Grizzly cartridge.
I have fired and used guns from Freedom Arms and John Linebaugh and my personal preference is the conversion made by John Linebaugh himself. The Bisley grip is shaped better to handle the massive recoil of these cartridges. With the FA the recoil snaps viciously back into your hand. The Linebaugh Bisley is more of a push. They both require some getting used to, but I think you would be happy with either.
I will tell you I was dead set on an FA model and was already to write the check when I got an invitation to shoot with John at his home in Wyoming. After shooting his guns there was nothing more to be said.
If you decide you want to talk to John email me and I will send you his home number. I would recommend you check out the posting here called ".500 Linebaugh by David Clements" as there are some great Ruger conversion pictures there.
The FA 83 in .500 Wyo Express looks like it will be a great gun and being from Freedom Arms it will be reasonably priced. The custom conversions are in their own right the top of the class of custom guns. Your can go from mild to wild. It really depends on how much you want to spend.
Here is some pictures of my .500 Linebaughs, gun leather and saddle made by Keith Sediel, and a custom knife by Dennis Friedly. The last picture has Dustin Linebaugh, Keith Seidel, John Linebaugh and Dennis Friedly all of Cody, WY.
Good luck with your decision. Its always nice to see another big bore SA fan here!!
On the flip side is the highly customized Ruger based SA guns that run around $3,500. By this I mean you can purchase the Ruger Bisley donor gun and then send it in and wait your turn in line with one of the gunsmiths that specialize in this area. Although Freedom Arms still offers the .475 Linebaugh, I don?t think John Linebaugh has made a .475 revolver in the last two years. They are all .500 Linebaugh now. I think John is running about 8-10 months on orders right now. Dustin Linebaugh may not be that far behind.
I found the plow handled Colt style of the FA guns matched with the .454 round caused the gun to rotate so hard in my hand it cut the webbing between my thumb and index finger. I cant imagine what a .475 would be like.
Sorry I have no experience with this new .500 Wyo Express. Although this is what I know so far. It is proprietary to Freedom Arms. The .500 Wyo Express is .500 wide and is currently offered in 370, 400, and 440 grain. The speeds vary from 1370, 1300, 1250 respectively.
Linebaugh cartridges are used by a number of custom builders including Freedom Arms. The Linebaugh is not really .500 I think its actually .511 if memory serves me correctly. The .500 Linebaugh now comes in many different bullet weights including 400, 435, 460, and a 500 grain bullet. The speeds vary from 1350, 950 & 1250, 1,150, and 1,100 fps respectively. A 500 grain bullet moving at 1,100 fps is like throwing a Volkswagon from Jackson Wyoming into Idaho Falls. You don't want to be on the receiving end.
Either way getting ammo for custom calibers is tough. It's usually a mail order proposition. A box of .500 Linebaugh (20) 435 grain / 1250 fps rounds will run around $50. I suspect the .500 Wyo Express will be close in price. I buy mine from Grizzly cartridge.
I have fired and used guns from Freedom Arms and John Linebaugh and my personal preference is the conversion made by John Linebaugh himself. The Bisley grip is shaped better to handle the massive recoil of these cartridges. With the FA the recoil snaps viciously back into your hand. The Linebaugh Bisley is more of a push. They both require some getting used to, but I think you would be happy with either.
I will tell you I was dead set on an FA model and was already to write the check when I got an invitation to shoot with John at his home in Wyoming. After shooting his guns there was nothing more to be said.
If you decide you want to talk to John email me and I will send you his home number. I would recommend you check out the posting here called ".500 Linebaugh by David Clements" as there are some great Ruger conversion pictures there.
The FA 83 in .500 Wyo Express looks like it will be a great gun and being from Freedom Arms it will be reasonably priced. The custom conversions are in their own right the top of the class of custom guns. Your can go from mild to wild. It really depends on how much you want to spend.
Here is some pictures of my .500 Linebaughs, gun leather and saddle made by Keith Sediel, and a custom knife by Dennis Friedly. The last picture has Dustin Linebaugh, Keith Seidel, John Linebaugh and Dennis Friedly all of Cody, WY.
Good luck with your decision. Its always nice to see another big bore SA fan here!!
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P95Carry
Moderator Emeritus
Dwayne - I changed your tags so images show - and nice pics too.
Only thing is they are big physically, and file size - may I suggest keep to about 640x480 if possible and compress to perhaps 60k each - helps dial-up folks too and avoids scrolling horizontally.!
Apart from my .454 interest only other piece which approachs this category is my BFR in 45-70. It does have considerable potential I find and needless to say, I reload for it (and Ruger #1). But probably not really ''up there'' with what you mention!
Only thing is they are big physically, and file size - may I suggest keep to about 640x480 if possible and compress to perhaps 60k each - helps dial-up folks too and avoids scrolling horizontally.!
Apart from my .454 interest only other piece which approachs this category is my BFR in 45-70. It does have considerable potential I find and needless to say, I reload for it (and Ruger #1). But probably not really ''up there'' with what you mention!
Dwayne Russell
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45-70 Handgun!
Hey Chris
Your BFR is absolutely beautiful. It wouldn’t be very practical for me on horseback, but I can see the hardcore handgun hunters drooling heavily over this weapon. You know I can’t even imagine the recoil that must be produced by a weapon of this type. The standard 45-70 loads in my Marlin 1895GS are bad enough!
Grizzly has some incredible 45-70 +P loads. They typically throw a 350 grain bullet at 2200 FPS. The real shoulder bruiser is the 460 grain bullet running at 1800 FPS. It would be like getting hit by a coffee can full of concrete at 200 miles per hour. I certainly would not want to fire on of these loads in a handgun. It would be punishing enough from a Marlin guide gun, let alone a full sized rifle like the Winchester 1886.
BTW I have a gorgeous 1886 take down Winchester in 45-70 that I just adore. The problem is it is just to big and too heavy to take on pack trips. Hence the Marlin.
Wow . . . a 45-70 in a handgun! You must have arms like Sylvester Stallone!
Thanks for helping with the link/picture corrections. I will cut all future images down using Photoshop to make it easier for everyone.
I read a rather excited post on the Ruger forum last night, and I think SJPrice purchased the FA 83 in 475!
Cant wait to see the pictures.
Dwayne
Hey Chris
Your BFR is absolutely beautiful. It wouldn’t be very practical for me on horseback, but I can see the hardcore handgun hunters drooling heavily over this weapon. You know I can’t even imagine the recoil that must be produced by a weapon of this type. The standard 45-70 loads in my Marlin 1895GS are bad enough!
Grizzly has some incredible 45-70 +P loads. They typically throw a 350 grain bullet at 2200 FPS. The real shoulder bruiser is the 460 grain bullet running at 1800 FPS. It would be like getting hit by a coffee can full of concrete at 200 miles per hour. I certainly would not want to fire on of these loads in a handgun. It would be punishing enough from a Marlin guide gun, let alone a full sized rifle like the Winchester 1886.
BTW I have a gorgeous 1886 take down Winchester in 45-70 that I just adore. The problem is it is just to big and too heavy to take on pack trips. Hence the Marlin.
Wow . . . a 45-70 in a handgun! You must have arms like Sylvester Stallone!
Thanks for helping with the link/picture corrections. I will cut all future images down using Photoshop to make it easier for everyone.
I read a rather excited post on the Ruger forum last night, and I think SJPrice purchased the FA 83 in 475!
Cant wait to see the pictures.
Dwayne
P95Carry
Moderator Emeritus
Dwayne,
''Arms like Stallone'' - LOL - no, not at all. For my age I still have fairly strong arms but - in fact I don't think control of these cannons is really just a strength thing. You should have seen a very diminutive lady at my main club, shoot this, the .454 and also stiff loads thru Ruger #1 (also 45-70) - she coped fine and after each shot just turned - huge grin - and said ''Awesome''!!
I treat 45-70 as being potentially three main loads - based on pressure - there is 25,000 for trapdoor guns - pretty much what you get if you buy Rem factory stuff.
Then 30,000 middle ground loads - for newer guns with lever action. Then at top end, 35,000 the top loads for bolt rifles and the Ruger #1.
(Note - Loads mentioned are not recommendations - and so not given as such)
I load for BFR to just above mid range with 41.5 of RL7 shoving a Lasercast 405. This makes for a very stout load but controllable and actually a tad ''softer'' than the harsh pounding the .454 gives in my SRH. Hits a steel plate at 100 every time!! I forget fps but it's about a 1550 ft lbs load.
The loads for #1 are nearer top - with a near compressed 52 of 3031 and same bullet. Fortunately because still on ''slow'' side the leading is not a huge problem. I plan to use up the 3031 and then move to a near max load of RL7 - probably with jackets, tho have to say even tho that rifle will take the big loads, probably its ''sweet'' load for accuracy will be well down from a total max.
Overall I think the BFR is the near ideal hunting revo - except I have gotten the impression that perhaps that big pill might cause a bit too much meat damage - not yet assessed for myself. The 300 grain XTP in .454 is a better pill really in some respects.
I love shooting it tho
''Arms like Stallone'' - LOL - no, not at all. For my age I still have fairly strong arms but - in fact I don't think control of these cannons is really just a strength thing. You should have seen a very diminutive lady at my main club, shoot this, the .454 and also stiff loads thru Ruger #1 (also 45-70) - she coped fine and after each shot just turned - huge grin - and said ''Awesome''!!
I treat 45-70 as being potentially three main loads - based on pressure - there is 25,000 for trapdoor guns - pretty much what you get if you buy Rem factory stuff.
Then 30,000 middle ground loads - for newer guns with lever action. Then at top end, 35,000 the top loads for bolt rifles and the Ruger #1.
(Note - Loads mentioned are not recommendations - and so not given as such)
I load for BFR to just above mid range with 41.5 of RL7 shoving a Lasercast 405. This makes for a very stout load but controllable and actually a tad ''softer'' than the harsh pounding the .454 gives in my SRH. Hits a steel plate at 100 every time!! I forget fps but it's about a 1550 ft lbs load.
The loads for #1 are nearer top - with a near compressed 52 of 3031 and same bullet. Fortunately because still on ''slow'' side the leading is not a huge problem. I plan to use up the 3031 and then move to a near max load of RL7 - probably with jackets, tho have to say even tho that rifle will take the big loads, probably its ''sweet'' load for accuracy will be well down from a total max.
Overall I think the BFR is the near ideal hunting revo - except I have gotten the impression that perhaps that big pill might cause a bit too much meat damage - not yet assessed for myself. The 300 grain XTP in .454 is a better pill really in some respects.
I love shooting it tho
gbran
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Dwayne Russell
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Chris wrote "You should have seen a very diminutive lady at my main club . . . . .
Man you don't have to tell me! My wife Lee Ann fires full house .500 Linebaugh's one handed!! It's crazy. She rests the gun in the palm of one hand and handles all that recoil in her wrist. Here is a picture of her at the range in Cody, WY this past July!
The other picture is me on my favorite horse with the Buffalo in Yellowstone. Gosh I can wait for summer!
Man you don't have to tell me! My wife Lee Ann fires full house .500 Linebaugh's one handed!! It's crazy. She rests the gun in the palm of one hand and handles all that recoil in her wrist. Here is a picture of her at the range in Cody, WY this past July!
The other picture is me on my favorite horse with the Buffalo in Yellowstone. Gosh I can wait for summer!
Dwayne was correct
Yes, I did purchase a FA 83 Premiere in 475 Linebaugh with a 4 3/4 inch barrel. I add the express sights with the gold bead front and an action job. I was happy in the past with my BFR 475 of the same barrel length, but the fit, finish, balance and accuracy of the FA has to be seen and felt to be believed. It locks up like a vault and the cylinder gap is under .001. It came with a test target of a 5 shot group at 25 yards that measured 1/2 inch. I had to looks twice to see it was more than one shot. My second 5 shot group off hand was just under an inch at 25 yds using light Buffalo Bore loads. Light as in 420 grain LFN lead at 950 fps. Full power loads of the same weight at 1400 fps get your attention pretty fast. I like the grip angle of the FA better than the BFR for recoil management, but the BFR was not at all uncomfortable. The FA is just more so. The FA has slightly more weight in the muzzle end even though it is one ounce lighter than the BFR. That may also contribute to the felt recoil. Finally, I have to say there is something very nice about hearing those four distinct clicks as your draw back the hammer. The handling and action are identical to my old model Colt. I had to remember the old routine of load one, skip one and load the rest to end with an empty under the hammer. Can you tell I am happy with my decision? It is great to bump into some true big bore affecionados here.
Yes, I did purchase a FA 83 Premiere in 475 Linebaugh with a 4 3/4 inch barrel. I add the express sights with the gold bead front and an action job. I was happy in the past with my BFR 475 of the same barrel length, but the fit, finish, balance and accuracy of the FA has to be seen and felt to be believed. It locks up like a vault and the cylinder gap is under .001. It came with a test target of a 5 shot group at 25 yards that measured 1/2 inch. I had to looks twice to see it was more than one shot. My second 5 shot group off hand was just under an inch at 25 yds using light Buffalo Bore loads. Light as in 420 grain LFN lead at 950 fps. Full power loads of the same weight at 1400 fps get your attention pretty fast. I like the grip angle of the FA better than the BFR for recoil management, but the BFR was not at all uncomfortable. The FA is just more so. The FA has slightly more weight in the muzzle end even though it is one ounce lighter than the BFR. That may also contribute to the felt recoil. Finally, I have to say there is something very nice about hearing those four distinct clicks as your draw back the hammer. The handling and action are identical to my old model Colt. I had to remember the old routine of load one, skip one and load the rest to end with an empty under the hammer. Can you tell I am happy with my decision? It is great to bump into some true big bore affecionados here.
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Dwayne Russell
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Gorgeous .475 Linebaugh
Congratulations on what is a really beautiful piece. That looks like one fantastic packing gun. What are you gonna wrap it in? Crossdraw or Hip holster? A gun like that should have nice leather around it!
As you mentioned the FA's have 4 distinctive clicks to the action like a good Colt, and the lock up of FA's guns are all part of what makes a truly remarkable piece of workmanship. Those guys are FA took the sixgun (5) into the next century and with a lot of class and innovation.
I have been constantly amazed at the stuff coming out of that little shop down there. I drove by Freedom arms one day and was thinking of dropping in. But it was a Sunday and everyone was gone. The place is not very big and it out in the middle of some pretty country. Someday I have to get by there and take a look at what they are doing with the new caliber.
I guess now one of us has to go out and get an FA in .50 Wyo Express and then we have the realm covered!
Congratulations on what is a really beautiful piece. That looks like one fantastic packing gun. What are you gonna wrap it in? Crossdraw or Hip holster? A gun like that should have nice leather around it!
As you mentioned the FA's have 4 distinctive clicks to the action like a good Colt, and the lock up of FA's guns are all part of what makes a truly remarkable piece of workmanship. Those guys are FA took the sixgun (5) into the next century and with a lot of class and innovation.
I have been constantly amazed at the stuff coming out of that little shop down there. I drove by Freedom arms one day and was thinking of dropping in. But it was a Sunday and everyone was gone. The place is not very big and it out in the middle of some pretty country. Someday I have to get by there and take a look at what they are doing with the new caliber.
I guess now one of us has to go out and get an FA in .50 Wyo Express and then we have the realm covered!
Leather?
Dwayne,
I am currently carrying my 475 in FA leather. I ordered one each in left hand of their hip holster and their cross draw. I find the hip holster is more comfortable for riding but the cross draw is handier for doing chores. The cross draw works best when hopping in and out of the truck or the tractor. I am looking for a great custom holster for it though. Any suggestions? I do like the custom rig you have in the picture. That is some beautiful work.
Steve
Dwayne,
I am currently carrying my 475 in FA leather. I ordered one each in left hand of their hip holster and their cross draw. I find the hip holster is more comfortable for riding but the cross draw is handier for doing chores. The cross draw works best when hopping in and out of the truck or the tractor. I am looking for a great custom holster for it though. Any suggestions? I do like the custom rig you have in the picture. That is some beautiful work.
Steve
Dwayne Russell
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Custom Holster
Steve
The only guy I can recommend is the one I used. His work is first class and like Freedom Arms guns he can be pricey. You can contact Keith Seidel at (480) 595-8999. He can make just about anything. I have a saddle, saddlebags, belt, knife sheath, holster and cartridge belt of his and I am very happy with the work. The tooling is really out of this world.
Dwayne
Steve
The only guy I can recommend is the one I used. His work is first class and like Freedom Arms guns he can be pricey. You can contact Keith Seidel at (480) 595-8999. He can make just about anything. I have a saddle, saddlebags, belt, knife sheath, holster and cartridge belt of his and I am very happy with the work. The tooling is really out of this world.
Dwayne
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