50-70 govt penetration

[dubber123]

Hello, I am new to the forum thing, but having fun already!  I have a 50-70 Govt. barrel in 6 1/2 inch length coming from Bullberry for my T/C.  I know I wont be getting much speed from the short tube, but am hoping for 850 fps or so with a 450 gr. bullet.  This is to be a relatively short range deer/hog gun.  My question is I also have a 390 gr. full wadcutter, .511 nose, that sure looks like a thumper, but I am concerned about penetration, especially on hogs.  Sorry about the long post.  Thanks.

[MS Hitman]

A 420 grain RNFP cast bullet from a .500 Linebaugh will penetrate about 30" of wet newsprint.  A 500 grain LBT LFNGC goes about 42" when launched at 1136 fps. This is with a .511 diameter bullets and 5 1/2" of barrel.  I would think you should get similar results.  As to the wadcutter, I'd reserve that for braodside shots until I had shot a couple of hogs to see how it worked.  A 270 grain .452 caliber bullet penetrates about 15" in wet newprint when shot at 1060 fps.

Hope this helps.

[dubber123]

MS Hitman, thanks for the reply, If i was looking at a little more speed I wouldn't be quite as worried.  I am really hoping to get 850 fps.  I might not!  Just checked with Fed-Ex, my barrel should be here tomorrow, but it's supposed to rain, ARRGGH!  No chronographing till better weather.  thanks again.

[MS Hitman]

I tried to edit my original post; the 420 grain bullet was doing 800 fps from the revolver.

[dubber123]

MS Hitman, Well, that makes me feel better!, as soon as it gets here, (tomorrow, maybe), I'll get to working up a load.  I have bullets from 390 to 500 gr. to try.  If the 450 to 500 will shoot well enough, and fast enough, I'll try to get a new LBT mould made in wide flat nose.  Thanks for the new info.

[Lloyd Smale]

from my experience with the 50s if your looking for penetration stick with 440+ grain bullets. A good 450 lfn or swc going at 850 should have no problem penetrating an animal the size of a hog. Just keep in mind for altimate penetration keep the alloy on the hard side. As once a bullet hits bone and deforms penetration goes to pot. I would think at those speeds anything between ww and 5050 ww/lyno would do fine. Is your barrel going on a contendor or an encore. If its an encore id bet its capable of more performace then your figureing on.

[dubber123]

Lloyd, Thanks for the reply, I actually got my barrel today, (skipped out of work early to shoot it).  I have the worst luck when it comes to buying guns, I talked to Bullberry about shooting iron sights, and said so in my written order.  I even gave them center to center measurements for front and rear sights.  When I ripped the box open, it was drilled in the rear, but not a single hole in the front!  A case of beer and some whining got my friend to drill them for me.  I only had time for about 20 shots and Blue Dot powder seems promising.  My gun is a regular, (not Encore), by the way.  Thanks

[Scott T]

Listen to the Hitman.

That was my .500 Linebaugh that he is likely talking about.  If you launch the Cast Performance Bullet Company 410gr LFN at 800 to 850, you simply cannot keep it in a deer or a hog.  I know, I have consistantly tried to get one to stop in a good sized hog for the past 5 years.  No luck so far.

Good luck with your new barrel.  Sounds like it ought to be a good one.

[dubber123]

Scott, I can't wait to chronograph my loads,  I only had time to try a couple of powders so far but a couple are starting to feel like the 425's at 900 fps I shot once in a while out of my 4 3/4" .475 Linebaugh.  But going by feel doesn't cut it, the Chrony doesn't lie.  I'll either have a cool big bore for hunting, or a big tin can killer, Thanks.

[Lloyd Smale]

not a big fan of tcs ive got a few but rarely shoot them anymore but that sure is a neat project youve got going there.

[Lloyd Smale]

Scott and hitman made a good point too. My statements on a heavier bullet needed for penetration refer to larger animals. A good 400 grain 512 bullet will take care of any deer or hog on the planet. Even your wadcutter bullet should put a good wack on one!

[dubber123]

Lloyd thanks for the comments, I only own one TC right now.  I like their versatility, and haven't seen a poor shooter yet, but I generally shoot revolvers.  I have a Freedom Arms in .475 that is probably my most accurate revolver, .810" @ 50 yds. best group.  2 Smith mountain guns in .44 and .45 that I really like and a slew of others.  I have a couple autos, but only ever shoot them for plates competition.  I guess I am really a wheelgun guy at heart, Thanks.