First range session .475

[TScottO]

Hello everyone, I fooled around with the seating/crimping, in one step, a little more and never could make it work to my satisfaction. Instead of destroying more of my components, I stuck with seating/crimping as two separate steps.

Here are the results of my first range session, today, with my FA .475 Linebaugh. Being this was my first encounter with a .475, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’m accustomed to shooting 44mag and 454 Casull and had never fired a .475 before. I’m the only one in my neck of the woods that likes big bores. So learning comes from hands on experience and reading what you all have to say and share through your experiences in forums such as this one.

I used 400gr XTP bullets, Hornady brass and Win WLP primers. My first load was 18gr BlueDot, my second was 19gr BlueDot, and my third was 25gr WW296.

My first few shots were at 10 yards to see where I was printing on paper. After a few adjustments I moved to 25 yards. I shot freehand, five shot groups at 25 yards with all three loads. My gun wears a 6” oct. barrel and no porting.

25 yds @ 18gr BlueDot measured 6.5”
25 yds @ 19gr BlueDot measured 5.5”
25 yds @ 25gr WW296 measured 5.0”

I don’t have a chrony, but the best info I could find said these loads should have been in the 1200 fps range. Could any of you suggest a nice chrony to purchase? Could someone give me a more accurate fps estimate on this weight bullet and powder charges? The WW296 seemed to recoil a bit heavier, but this load was also towards the ending of my shooting session. Since this time was to get to know my gun, my next trip to the range I’ll sand bag and try to see how well it will shot from a good rest. I’m not a “deadeye dick” by any means but I’m satisfied with my first outing with my gun.

The recoil wasn’t bad. My only complaint with FA is their grip frame is incredibly sharp. I have a nice raw and bloody area on my thumb where the web of my hand begins. Perhaps I should look into a shooting glove. In the past I haven’t liked gloves because I cannot feel my gun. Also I’m not sure a thick padded glove would be best for this type of gun. I think the padding would keep the pistol from rolling under recoil.


Thanks,
Scott

[BER007]

Scott,

If I can give you an advice, you can round butted the grip of your FA.  that will be helpful for short barrel revolver to roll up in your hands more easily.  I have no idea which gunsmith next to you can do this.  David Clements can do this for you for few bucks.

I agree with you that FA revolvers haven't the grip frame of a Bisley, my FA have a barrel lenght of 7.5" minimum as I can't hunt with handguns in Europe.  My guns are only for plinking.  I'll never round butted any FA, it is just a personnal feeling.

Hope this can help you. :grin:

[1badmagnum]

shot the fa 454 a few weeks ago,wow,what a fantastic shooter.
recoils very nicely allowing for fast second shots,and the sights are dead nuts point of aim.
you guys shure know what your doin,gotta get me one,I'm jealous!

[Zeus]

I got the chance to shoot MS Hitman's 475 this past weekend.  I had just about talked myself out of one until Saturday.  It seemed much easier to shoot than my FA 454.  Recoil was more of a shove than quick and sharp.  I'm sure that Hitman can figure out a load that will compare but I liked the ones that he had.  I think they were 400 grain Gold Dots at about 1300.  So, once again, thanks hitman for costing me money.  One day maybe I'll learn.  GS

[Ravenwolf]

I've got to agree to that the grip frame of the FA 475 is rather sharp.  I just shot one that a friend of mine has (see post in single action forum under "from auction woes to fun at the range).  It does seem more comfortable to shoot than his same FA in 454.  We were using Hornady 400 grain XTPs at 1350 fps.  I really enjoyed shooting it and, for me, the only thing that could make it better would be the same gun with an honest to goodness Ruger Bisley frame.  Good shooting....RW

[TScottO]

I was raised in a little town called Ellisville, MS. Currently I’ve developed a taste for the Cajun fun here in Southwest Louisiana. Some of the best food you can find is here!

My 454 and 475 are both six inchers. The 454 doesn’t have the muzzle rise that the 475 has. It’s much more choppy and hard on my wrist. On the other hand, the 475 rolls back into the web of my hand and cuts the fire out of me. I’d like to find a good Smith to dehorn the back edges of the grip frame. If I had to choose one of the two, I’d pick the 475. From the information I can gather, my loads are shooting around 1200+…25gr 296 and 400gr XTP. I would imagine the 1300+ loads would be considerably stiffer in recoil. The FA guns are addicting. I still have 22lr and a 44 mag on my wish list.

I had my second range session Sunday. Shooting the loads previously mentioned, from a standing position with my knuckles on a sandbag rest @ 25 yards, the groups measured 2”, 1.75” and 1.5” with open sights.

Zeus, I’m not sure if you are planning on a new or used gun. I’ve ordered 2 FA from a dealer in Florida, ESF Sales-he is listed on the FA website-. Both were very good transactions with quick shipment times. The 475 was in my hands within 7 weeks of the date of order. You’ve gotta be careful how you choose your friends, but it doesn’t sound like hitman is too bad of an influence…lol  

Enjoy,
Scott