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Author Topic: The best lenght barrel in .454 casull  (Read 2616 times)

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Offline Hatari

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The best lenght barrel in .454 casull
« on: July 30, 2006, 10:44:59 PM »
What is the best lenght of the barrel in .454 casull to exploit all the potential this caliber ? Is it the a barrel in 4"3/4, 6'', 7''1/2 or 10'' ?
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Offline MS Hitman

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Re: The best lenght barrel in .454 casull
« Reply #1 on: July 31, 2006, 01:34:33 AM »
The best length barrel in a .454 Casull is the one you are most comfortable packing around the countryside. 

I have some chronograph data of loads between a 7.5 and 10" barrel lengths.  The 265 grain bullets were picking up about 100 fps with the additional 2.5" of barrel length. The heavier bullet loads showed less difference. However, this extra velocity gives very little, if any extra penetration over the slightly slower velocities.

Marsh1 has already posted that his short barreled .475 is getting a little over 1400 fps with 400 grain Lee bullets.  That is what I am getting with a 6" barreled .475. 
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Offline Hairtrigger

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Re: The best lenght barrel in .454 casull
« Reply #2 on: July 31, 2006, 02:42:40 AM »
I had a 9.5" Super Redhawk and traded it for a 7.5".
The only real advantage I see with the longer barrel is when using open sights.
For me the 7.5" barrel makes the handgun more useable
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Offline MarkH

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Re: The best lenght barrel in .454 casull
« Reply #3 on: July 31, 2006, 05:49:41 AM »
The difference in the velocity really is not that significant ... I have 4", 6", 7.5", and a scoped 9".  There is about 250 fps difference between them, at most, depending on powder.

They are all quite accurate.  The 7.5" and 9" guns are the most manageable for me, in the recoil department, which is where the difference really lies ... the 4" and 6" have pretty significant muzzle flip.

I like them all.  And all of them except the 9" gun carries just as easily in the FA chest holsters that I prefer.  If I had to choose just one, would likely go with the 7.5" for versatility.
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Offline Questor

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Re: The best lenght barrel in .454 casull
« Reply #4 on: July 31, 2006, 08:58:55 AM »
I don't know about "best", but 7.5" looks and balances right with a scoped model.
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Offline shilo

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Re: The best lenght barrel in .454 casull
« Reply #5 on: August 01, 2006, 03:30:21 PM »
For me, the best length is 7.5".
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Offline EdK

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Re: The best lenght barrel in .454 casull
« Reply #6 on: August 02, 2006, 02:58:53 AM »
I like my iron sighted 6" because it packs reasonably well enough and I pretty much stick to upper mid-range loads for 50-75 yard shots. For a primary hunting rig and/or longer shots I suppose I would prefer a 7.5" scoped revolver but for that use I tend to reach for a Contender.
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Offline scott williams

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Re: The best lenght barrel in .454 casull
« Reply #7 on: August 02, 2006, 05:47:18 AM »
i also like the 6" its a good compromise between packability and sight radius.
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Offline Dusty Miller

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Re: The best lenght barrel in .454 casull
« Reply #8 on: August 02, 2006, 05:53:03 PM »
Barrel length is such a subjective matter that "best" is a  pipe dream.  I'm stuck on 6" for some reason (none of THAT you wise guys :D).  Mine SHOULD be here in a week or two at the latest (its been SIX long, horrible weeks since I ordered it!).  My '97 field grade is a 7.5" gun sporting a Leupold 2X scope but this new one will be a carry gun.  I guess I'd best be ordering a holster for it soon.  Shoot, if it arrived with a 2" barrel I'd keep it!!
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Offline oso45-70

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Re: The best lenght barrel in .454 casull
« Reply #9 on: August 03, 2006, 06:29:37 AM »
Quote from: EdK on August 02, 2006, 02:58:53 AM
I like my iron sighted 6" because it packs reasonably well enough and I pretty much stick to upper mid-range loads for 50-75 yard shots. For a primary hunting rig and/or longer shots I suppose I would prefer a 7.5" scoped revolver but for that use I tend to reach for a Contender.

Like "EDK and some of the rest" i Like the six inch barrel for all around use. Most of the shooting i would be doing is going to be in the range of 75yds or less..........Joe.............
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Offline Cowboybart

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Re: The best lenght barrel in .454 casull
« Reply #10 on: August 25, 2006, 02:57:49 PM »
I have a 10" and am completely happy w/ it.  I have a 7.5" Ruger 44 and a 7.5" Seville 357 Max.  Both of the shorter barrels are great for woods hunting.  I prefer the 10" for hunting meadows and open areas.  The 6" Bowen/ Ruger 475 gets the nod if I'm hiking/camping in bear country.   I don't consider it a "hunting" gun, as I have never been able to work up a 1" load for it w/o flinching.   No sense taking a reduced load into griz area.  Full tilt Minute of Bear load is just fine.
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Offline Zeus

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Re: The best lenght barrel in .454 casull
« Reply #11 on: September 03, 2006, 07:46:09 AM »
I have a 7.5" FA and have really liked the balance and feel of it.  However, MS Hitman mentioned chronoing loads and hes right, we have checked them and the 7.5" gives up VERY little from one of his 10" scoped 454s.  His 10" gun is probably one of the best feeling guns I've ever fired.  Its scoped and shoots absolutely awesome.  So, I guess what I'm saying is that different makes of guns feel different so like one of the others mentioned, the best is the one that feels best to you.  GS
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Offline EdK

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Re: The best lenght barrel in .454 casull
« Reply #12 on: September 04, 2006, 03:06:49 AM »
Quote from: Zeus on September 03, 2006, 07:46:09 AM
However, M(censored word)man...

I think I'm beginning to lose track of how many names are censored on this forum  ::)
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Offline bobthenailer

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Re: The best lenght barrel in .454 casull
« Reply #13 on: September 04, 2006, 05:12:06 AM »
i have 3 fa 83 , a  6 "  with a aimpoint comp,  7 1/2  with a 2x leupold,  and 9 inch  with a 2x7 burris,  i like them in that order
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