Hi all,
Well, lots of replies to that post! I thank you all for the feedback, and I'll try to respond to a few of the comments...
Currently I have the SRH in .480 with the 7-1/2" barrel, and a SBH in .44 mag with a 5-1/2" barrel. I reload for both. I run a fairly hot LilGun load with a 370gr cast in the SRH, and typically load fairly hot 2400 loads with 240gr JFP in the SBH. I also shoot some of the hot Corbon hunting loads in the .44. I have previously owned both a .44 Desert Eagle and a .44 S&W 629. So, while I have not fired either the .454 or the .475, the .480 loads I'm shooting in the SRH are reasonably lively. I don't feel that I am particularly recoil sensitive. I also will be reloading, so I don't have to run loads in the stratosphere for hunting whitetails. But the .454 and .475 leave me that option if I decide to go for Moose.
I personally find the short barreled SBH .44 is a real pussycat to shoot as long as I hold it properly. If I get way up too high on it, it can bang the middle finger with the trigger guard. If I hold it right, I can shoot 50-100 hot handloads in a sitting at the range without having it bother me in the slightest. I found the S&W 629 far less pleasant, and would start to make the web of the hand sore after a while. I had Pachmere Gripper grips on it, and I think that contributed to the problem. They were too narrow across the backstrap and focused the recoil energy right into the web.
The .480 SRH has a rubber Hogue Monogrip on it. It definitely stings a bit in the palm of the hand, but it is not that big a deal and I still shoot it quite a bit in a range sitting without any lasting annoyance. The .480 will group about 3" at 100 yds if I do my part.
One might ask why I'm looking at the FAs. I just prefer the SA style pistol, and drool every time I look at the FAs.
My comment about the dies is just that engineer part of me that hates to see something go to waste. Obviously if I get the .454, I'll get a new set of dies, and sell the old set.
I do prefer the .475 bore, but have not found any field grade used guns. The only used ones I have seen are .454s. I looked at both of them today at Kittery Trading Post. They are both around $1100. Both have 7-1/2" barrels and are magnaported. One has a 2X Nikon scope on it. But, it has a ding in the hammer, a ding in the scope, has a scratch on the side, and the front sight blade is all afloat. I'd be using the scope anyway, but it looks like someone was not so kind to the gun. The other has a gold bead style front sight and square notch rear. I would be putting on a scope or dot sight anyway. But, $1100 for a used field grade with no optics seems a bit on the steep side.
I expected to get lots of opinions on both sides of the caliber issue, but it's always good to hear others' opinions. Sounds like the field grade finish has some proponents out there.
Again, thank you all for your feedback and comments.
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