Author Topic: .480 Barrel shortening...what do you think??? (Read 1285 times)

drdougrx · « **on:** December 26, 2010, 05:37:37 AM »

Merry Christmas All!

I have a 7.5" RSRH in .480 that I'd like to use hunting bears/hogs, etc. Not at all interested in a long range shooter, so 100+yard shots are not in the program. I bought it because it's a bit different than anything that I currently own. I was thinking of having Mag-Na-Port do their .480 Advantage conversion to it ... might make it handier than a 7.5". I've had MNP do quite a few guns for me in the past and am quite happy with their work. I have several 44 and 41 cal revolvers with 6" barrels and have never felt they were too short. I also handload so I'm sure I can develop some good hog/bear loads with heavy bullets.

I was just wondering what you'all think the pros or cons would be to cutting 2" of the barrel back.

Tom W. · « **Reply #1 on:** December 26, 2010, 10:33:47 AM »

I had one with a 9.5 inch barrel, and wished for the 7.5...... I think that anything less would be exciting, with the muzzleblast...6" wouldn't be too short.

drdougrx · « **Reply #2 on:** December 26, 2010, 12:24:18 PM »

They port the barrel so the blast will be interesting for sure.

45-70.gov · « **Reply #3 on:** December 26, 2010, 12:48:23 PM »

5 inches is my favorite length

i would not have ports on ANY gun that may need to be deployed in a hurry

my HEARING is more important then a sore hand or follow up shots
not to mention trash or something in the port if i didn't get the safety glasses on first

i am sure you know what you like....
but i HATE ports......
.i guess they might help on the range in competition or something
but not on something you might have to shoot with a split seconds notice
i don't usually ware ear plugs or glasses......except at the range

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #4 on:** December 26, 2010, 01:09:04 PM »

the 480 and for that fact any of the big bores are very effiecient even in a 4 inch barrel

drdougrx · « **Reply #5 on:** December 26, 2010, 01:38:38 PM »

Hey Guys!

Boring night in Boston waiting for our 20"...have about 6-8 at this point and I'm about 20 miles north.

Anyway, 4570..good point about ports...I can takem or leave'm. I've had 2 MagNaPort built single action conversions, a stalker and a predator. Both had ports and unless you are under an overhang of some kind...I never had any real issue with them. I also had a Jack Weigand Executive built which was a SWM60 with 3 hybraports (3 holes) on the top of the barrel. Couldn't decide if they did any good at all really for recoil...they did completely soot over the tritium front site though on the 1st shot....sold that one....and the MagNaPort customs as well...wish I kept them. I had a 300win ported (and then rebarreled after the porting and didn't have them redone on the new barrel) and on my current 375HH and I really do thing they help with getting back on target quickly for whatever reason.

BUT...the conversion comes with 4 ports on the top side of the barrel...I'll probably ask if I can get only 2 or 4 in the rifle config.

LLoyd...I agree...that's why I'm considering shortening...the loss in performance is minimal compared to the portability of an already big and awkward gun.

S.B. · « **Reply #6 on:** January 05, 2011, 02:02:54 PM »

Doug, I'll have to vote with Lloyd and recommend 4'. Love those packable handguns(as Linebaugh calls them}. Couldn't be for Wild Hill hogs could this? If I remember correctly, you used your S&W model 29 when we hunted up there way back then?
Steve

drdougrx · « **Reply #7 on:** January 05, 2011, 03:30:04 PM »

I am very glad you are back Mr. S.B.!! And it would be for Wild Hill hogs eventually...but...I have a date with a trophy hog who has challanged my Ruger BH 41mag Bisley conversion (under construction as we speak by Mike Larocca Gunworks of Worcester MA)! I did use my 6" 29 last time and feel the need to go lighter before I test the 480 on some hogzilla....

Not to worry....I almost have Mikey convinced to back me up with his 444! Going 1st weekend in April...who's come'n???

Mikey · « **Reply #8 on:** January 06, 2011, 12:57:45 AM »

Doug: I would agree with Lloyd and suggest you consider anything from a 4+5/8 to a 5.5 or 6" bbl length. And since you will be reloading you can tailor your loads without needing porting.

Do not worry my friend, I will have your back. I also plan on going out the night before and leaving a bucket of mash and Stout mixed to drunk this guy up so he can't figure out that we're tryin' to kill him; he will probably think I'm bringin' out more Stout... that's when ya gits him, when he's lookin' to deal with that hangover and just in case it has made him mean I will have the fo fo fo........................

1911crazy · « **Reply #9 on:** January 15, 2011, 10:05:01 AM »

I have the ruger redhawks in the 5 1/2" barrel and the 7 1/2" barrel in 44mag. With stouter handloads the 7 1/2" barrel is a pleasure to shoot and more controllable. I really don't like the 5 1/2" barreled 44mag. The 480 ruger with more power maybe even worse with the shorter barrel. Think twice cut once or not at all thats the question?

CZY about revolvers to.

S.B. · « **Reply #10 on:** January 15, 2011, 12:29:27 PM »

Doug and Mikey, All my best to each of you guys on this hunt. Have a safe, successful hunt.
Steve

williamlayton · « **Reply #11 on:** January 16, 2011, 12:09:27 AM »

I like 4 & 5 inch barrels. It may just be the cosmetic appearance.
I have never shot any of those big boomers though, however; it would seem to me that a longer barrel is an advantage in many situations.
I don't care for porting--in a general sense.

Mikey
I thought baiting was not allowed in your neck of the woods. I guess you could claim you were bartending.
In Texas you can feed and ring the dinner bell.
Blessings

Mikey · « **Reply #12 on:** January 16, 2011, 12:23:15 AM »

William: we do not officially have hogs or mountain lions in nys, although our state conservation department has declared war on them, the hogs that is, by saying they can be taken with any firearm, at any time of the day or night, and that all you need is a small game license. No limit. And as well, since we do not officially have mountain lions in ny, we ain't baitin' neither one although we can bait coyotes, so we're good (fer something I s'pose).

TGFOGAL · « **Reply #13 on:** January 16, 2011, 03:09:47 PM »

I like the 5" 500, no port, shoots great. Got a buck in Nov. with it.
Used 440gr at 1020FPS. about 50yards.

drdougrx · « **Reply #14 on:** January 16, 2011, 05:09:49 PM »

May just leave it alone for now.....2 animals at the Taxidermist....a BH at the gunsmith getting turned into a bisley...a boar hunt in the planning.....so many projects...so little denero

1sourdough · « **Reply #15 on:** January 17, 2011, 01:02:31 AM »

I have a 7.5" Redhawk in 44 mag. I would like it a little shorter too, though I don't think it would be worth the $$ spent. I have a 4.2" Redhawk in 45 Colt that I enjoy carrying much more, when the bigbore is called for.

Noreaster · « **Reply #16 on:** January 17, 2011, 01:43:19 AM »

Did you search the web for anyone else that has done it. I'm pretty sure I read an article where someone cut one of those down to 5 inchs. If you get it done show us a pic.

williamlayton · « **Reply #17 on:** January 17, 2011, 02:42:04 AM »

May I suggest---$$$$$$$$---getting another in the length you think will fill the NEED.
Blessings

S.B. · « **Reply #18 on:** January 17, 2011, 07:14:08 AM »

Quote from: TGFOGAL on January 16, 2011, 03:09:47 PM

I like the 5" 500, no port, shoots great. Got a buck in Nov. with it.
Used 440gr at 1020FPS. about 50yards.

My mold is a Mountain mold 500 grainer. I'm pushing them about the same as you but, haven't killed anything, yet.
Steve

ronben · « **Reply #19 on:** January 20, 2011, 07:22:25 AM »

I have one shortened to 4.5" It sure is nicer to pack around and much quicker to get on target. I put a 2x leupold on it for a while, but god tired of cleaning the soot of the lens. I ended up getting another 7.5" for the scope, and an Alaskan too. Now that is a handfull. My full power loads have the following velocities: 7.5" 1275, 4.5" 1200, 2.5" 1125. All with a 408 gr cast loaded to full cylinder length. Recoil definitely increases as the barrel gets shorter, especially without a scope.

temmi · « **Reply #20 on:** January 20, 2011, 10:52:06 AM »

Well OK!

Sounds like you have just what you wanted... can't ask for more.

TGFOGAL · « **Reply #21 on:** January 20, 2011, 01:53:36 PM »

Steve
You will enjoy taking game with that 500gr. The 1000fps range is more comfortable to shoot than
the 400grers at 1750fps I was using last year. I didn't shoot anything with that load.

Tom