Author Topic: Big Bore Pistol Caliber Handi Rifles  (Read 1280 times)

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Offline bb4guns

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Big Bore Pistol Caliber Handi Rifles
« on: August 10, 2020, 09:07:13 AM »
Anybody out there have a 480 Ruger or a 475 Linebaugh Handi?

Online Graybeard

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Re: Big Bore Pistol Caliber Handi Rifles
« Reply #1 on: August 10, 2020, 09:24:55 AM »
The .480 "might" be do able safely, but I don't think the .475 would be. Pressures are just too high for a case head that big I'm pretty sure.


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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Big Bore Pistol Caliber Handi Rifles
« Reply #2 on: August 10, 2020, 10:23:29 AM »
Either would be doable, both run less pressure than the 500S&W which was factory available and has a bigger case head at .526" vs .505". I don't recollect anyone ever doing either, but both have been discussed. There have been lots of 454 Casull and a few 460 S&W done which don't require a rebore, just a simple hand rechamber.

Tim

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Offline bb4guns

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Re: Big Bore Pistol Caliber Handi Rifles
« Reply #3 on: August 10, 2020, 11:38:11 AM »
I was thinking of a Barrel Stub. Hoping that a 45-70 extractor would work to remove the brass case. I think it would also be a good candidate for subsonic loads.

Offline geezerbiker

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Re: Big Bore Pistol Caliber Handi Rifles
« Reply #4 on: August 15, 2020, 08:30:20 PM »
Just get one in .45-70.  You won't be disappointed.

Tony

Offline bb4guns

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Re: Big Bore Pistol Caliber Handi Rifles
« Reply #5 on: September 22, 2020, 11:24:00 AM »
Beans thanks for the 45-70 recommendation. I just picked one up off of FleBay. My plan is to shoot 400 grain cast bullets @ 1400fps.

Offline bb4guns

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Re: Big Bore Pistol Caliber Handi Rifles
« Reply #6 on: September 22, 2020, 11:25:45 AM »
I hate auto spell check thanks Geezerbiker...

Offline geezerbiker

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Re: Big Bore Pistol Caliber Handi Rifles
« Reply #7 on: September 26, 2020, 08:52:31 PM »
I find my .45-70 Handi shoot everything I put though it very well.  When I first got it, I didn't have any .458 bullets so I Teflon tape patched up some 430g .451 bullets I had cast for my M1911.  I only shot them at 50 yards but the accuracy was spot on. From round balls all the way up to 405g cast slugs, they all shoot great.  I've never been so pleased with a rifle.  I have a few other Handi rifles I'm fond of but this one is my favorite.

Tony

Offline bb4guns

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Re: Big Bore Pistol Caliber Handi Rifles
« Reply #8 on: September 28, 2020, 01:33:06 AM »
GB,
My 45-70 barrel is shooting plain base 400 grain cast bullets very well at 1250fps. Accuracy is around 1 inch @ 50yard groups from the bench utilizing a Red Dot sight. Going to have the barrel cut back to 16.5 inches as I only plan to shoot cast “Government” velocity loads. Your idea was way cheaper than a custom barrel stub to hit targets with a big thump!
Bret

Offline geezerbiker

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Re: Big Bore Pistol Caliber Handi Rifles
« Reply #9 on: October 04, 2020, 11:34:48 PM »
I put a target knob peep sight on mine and my grandson as one with a scope.  If I recall correctly I was doing about 1/2" groups at 50 yards the first time I shot it and I was plinking more than trying for good groups.  I don't think I've ever shot it off a bench.

At one time I lost it in a bet with my grandson and had to get another one to trade to him to get this one back.  Lucky for me he likes a scope better than a peep sight.

Tony

Offline jedman

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Re: Big Bore Pistol Caliber Handi Rifles
« Reply #10 on: May 04, 2021, 03:20:09 PM »
About 10 years ago, Green Mountain Barrels use to list a lot of limited quantities of barrel blanks at great prices. I have bought many of them and made them into handi barrels mostly. For several months they had some stainless steel blanks in 475 cal. and I really wanted to make up a couple barrel liners in 480 Ruger but waited to long to order them and they disappeared.
The same with tapered octagon barrels, when they have them they are sold out very quickly and when they are gone they don’t seem to get them again.
I think a handi in 480 Ruger would be a great caliber !

jedman
Current handi family, 24 ga./ 58 cal ,50-70,  45 smokeless MZ, 44 belted bodeen, 44 mag,.375 H&R (wildcat),375 Win.,357 max, .340 MF ( wildcat ), 8 mm Lebel, 8x57, .303 British, 270 x 57 R,(wildcat) 256 Win Mag, 2 x 243 Win,2 x 223 Rem. 7-30 Waters &20ga.,