I have been wanting a Ruger Alaskan for years, and may be getting one soon. .454 and .45 LC ain't nothing to sneeze at!
In my gunsafe, it is 10mm.
In my dreams it is a 45lc Ruger Redhawk.
My "big bore" handgun is a Ruger Redhawk in .44 Rem Mag.
Have two setups for hiking/camping, a Winchester 30-30 and a 10mm; or a Marlin 45-70 and .44 Mag. If I'm in Idaho, Montana, northern Wyoming, I carry the Redhawk.
Buffalo Bore makes a .44 Mag cartridge that enters the lower performance region of the .454 Casull. So, in those areas, I'll load that. Otherwise, it's regular .44 Mag or the 10mm.
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d199/harrygunner/hiking/woodsguns.jpg)
Harrygunner, I don't know if you subscribe to handloader or not, but a few issues back they ran an excellent article about loading 44 magnum specifically for the Ruger Redhawk.
I don't know if you roll your own, but if so it may be worth checking out.
I assume the Buffalo Bore load you are referring to is the 340 grain hardcast at a nominal 1475 fps. Garrett has a similar load as well. It is definitely a thumper.
QuoteI assume the Buffalo Bore load you are referring to is the 340 grain hardcast
Yes, have a couple of boxes of those. They are supposed to exit the muzzle of the 5.5" Redhawk at about 1400 ft/s for 1481 ft-lb of energy.
I haven't handloaded yet. Once my new abode is finished, I just might take up handloading.
Quote from: MO Fugga on June 19 2012 01:25:05 PM MDT
I have been wanting a Ruger Alaskan for years, and may be getting one soon. .454 and .45 LC ain't nothing to sneeze at!
I shot one of the Alaskans not to long ago in 44 Mag. I want one in the worst way. The big bore that is my go to is a Ruger Super Blackhawk 7 1/2" 44 Mag.
Quote from: MO Fugga on June 19 2012 01:25:05 PM MDT
I have been wanting a Ruger Alaskan for years, and may be getting one soon. .454 and .45 LC ain't nothing to sneeze at!
I love mine in .454. The .454 with a hot load has got some serious juice behind it. I plan on hunting for the first time this fall with my 30-30 and my Alaskan, using the 30-30 if I can't get close enough.
You need to get a 454 Casull rifle to go with the handgun. In a 16" barrel, I bet that 454 would do anything a 30-30 can do.
Quote from: MO Fugga on June 19 2012 01:25:05 PM MDT
I have been wanting a Ruger Alaskan for years, and may be getting one soon. .454 and .45 LC ain't nothing to sneeze at!
My go to big bore is 44 Magnum. Won't go any larger, no reason too, for me anyway. If I could get a Ruger Alaskan in 44 with an unfluted cylinder, I 'd have one. Absolutely love the looks of that gun! I don't know if it was Gary Oldman's firearm in the professional, but man, I love the look of unfluted.
I have to agree, 44 mag is my go to big bore as well. I have bigger. But they are just play guns.
Inspired by Eastwood, reviewing the movie his seemed a little short...I have one of those S&W Model 29 with the 8 3/8" barrel.
(http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/j441/_The_Shadow/IMG_0334c.jpg)
I took a deer with it at 180 yards! It did help that I had just finished shooting practicing with that thing! ;D
My go to big bore is a .44 Magnum Ruger Redhawk. Been that way for over two decades. There is also now a S&W .460 in the lineup for anything that might need a larger hole in it.
Quote from: The_Shadow on June 21 2012 08:00:49 PM MDT
Inspired by Eastwood, reviewing the movie his seemed a little short...I have one of those S&W Model 29 with the 8 3/8" barrel.
(http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/j441/_The_Shadow/IMG_0334c.jpg)
I took a deer with it at 180 yards! It did help that I had just finished shooting practicing with that thing! ;D
180 -that's impressive 8)
Quote from: The_Shadow on June 21 2012 08:00:49 PM MDT
Inspired by Eastwood, reviewing the movie his seemed a little short...I have one of those S&W Model 29 with the 8 3/8" barrel.
(http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/j441/_The_Shadow/IMG_0334c.jpg)
I took a deer with it at 180 yards! It did help that I had just finished shooting practicing with that thing! ;D
He used two for the films, a long barreled one for the close-ups, and a shorter one for other shots. I forget the exact lengths.
Quote from: Any Cal. on June 23 2012 03:39:05 AM MDT
He used two for the films, a long barreled one for the close-ups, and a shorter one for other shots. I forget the exact lengths.
6" Model 29 was used in the movie(s). A snagged my 8-3/8" in about 1990 because of the movie. A friend had to have one because of the movie. When he found out he bought the wrong one (he thought, but 2 were used, the other 6-1/2"), he forced me (at gunpoint, of course) to take it away for pocket change. Mine is the right color, of course. Shiny irons are purdy, and easy to find when you drop them in the woods. All of my handguns are the right color, and I don't drop them in the woods.
From what I read, and I think it was an interveiw with Clint, not sure. The article said for the more dramatic scenes where they wanted the gun to be bigger than life, they used an 8 3/8, and for other shots it was the 6(1/2)".
My go to big bore is 45. I shoot .45 acp, auto rim, Long Colt. It has been said before but I'll repeat it.......A 9MM might expand but a 45 starts out as a 45.
Mine is my .45acp xd.
Nothing like a 45.
[attachment deleted by admin]
(http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab17/Cascade_Hunter10/guns004.jpg)
Love my Ruger .44 and my 10mm.
Hey GR - did you do the Jewel work and add the trigger stop yourself on the Redhawk? As well as the polish job? Looks good!
Quote from: Vice on June 25 2012 05:37:30 PM MDT
Hey GR - did you do the Jewel work and add the trigger stop yourself on the Redhawk? As well as the polish job? Looks good!
I will repost my story here, thanks for asking.
My grandfather is Curtis Jones, a well known California knifemaker/gunsmith throughout the 80' and 90's until he retired. Used to win best mirror finish at almost every knife show he went to. He did all his own work, including the jeweling on the hammer.
That Ruger Redhawk has a great story behind it. The Redhawk was a gift from my grandfather and is one of the first off the assembly line back in 1980. My grandfather had an old Blackhawk from the 1950's and sent it back to Ruger for repairs. Upon seeing the weapon, the guys in the repair shop notified William Ruger Jr. who recognized it as one of the Blackhawks William Ruger SR. (founder of Ruger) had assembled. They contacted my grandfather and explained the situation to him, that they wanted to keep the old blackhawk to give to Ruger Sr. as a gift. They asked him to name his price basically, within reason. My grandfather's response was you can keep the blackhawk if you send me one of those new Redhawk's when they come out next year. Ruger agreed, and my grandfather was issued the Redhawk, #14 off the assembly line. It is now in my possession. I have the original letter that Ruger Jr. sent my grandfather thanking him for the Blackhawk.
I have been offered large sums of money for it, but will never sell it.
Great story and very nice gun! Family heirloom! 8)
Go to BIG bore : Alan Harton- Ruger 475 Linebaugh- 6.5" barrel, mesquite grips.
Sean
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x150/475480/Aharton475001.jpg)
GR - thanks for reposting, don't know how I missed the first one. That is a special story and a very Special Gun! :)
Quote from: 475/480 on June 26 2012 11:20:30 AM MDT
Go to BIG bore : Alan Harton- Ruger 475 Linebaugh- 6.5" barrel, mesquite grips.
Sean
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x150/475480/Aharton475001.jpg)
475 - All I can say is WoW! What a sweetheart.
I have to honestly say I would not like to shoot it. Too stout for me. But I sure would like to coon finger it for about 15 minutes. What a beauty.
There is just something special about a well made single action.
10mm for me. I really don't have a reason to go bigger. If I had unlimited funds it might be one thing, buuuuuuuuuut I don't. :'(
Super Redhawk 44 Mag with 7.5" barrel. Purchased this year for upcoming hog hunting trips.
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I have a .454 Super Redhawk 7 1/2" barrel.
If buying today, it would be the S&W 460.
I carry this in Alaska in addition to a 12ga. 870 pump or .300 Remington Ultra Mag.
460...That is a real caliber. I shoot a 300 Win Mag so I am not really recoil averse, but that caliber intimidates me.
No doubt you are ready for bears though.
Ruger Supper Blackhawk 44 mag, Para LDA 45 ACP, Thompson Contender 44mag, G-21 45 ACP & 10mm, 8)
Quote from: sqlbullet on June 30 2012 09:41:30 AM MDT
460...That is a real caliber. I shoot a 300 Win Mag so I am not really recoil averse, but that caliber intimidates me.
No doubt you are ready for bears though.
What I really like about the .460 is the versatility. Shoots the .454 and the .45 L/C also. I guess they are out of production now. Found a used one for $1325.
I'm sticking with the .454 for now, a better deal may come along.
Quote from: Grim Reaper on June 25 2012 08:03:45 PM MDT
I will repost my story here, thanks for asking.
My grandfather is Curtis Jones, a well known California knifemaker/gunsmith throughout the 80' and 90's until he retired. Used to win best mirror finish at almost every knife show he went to. He did all his own work, including the jeweling on the hammer.
That Ruger Redhawk has a great story behind it. The Redhawk was a gift from my grandfather and is one of the first off the assembly line back in 1980. My grandfather had an old Blackhawk from the 1950's and sent it back to Ruger for repairs. Upon seeing the weapon, the guys in the repair shop notified William Ruger Jr. who recognized it as one of the Blackhawks William Ruger SR. (founder of Ruger) had assembled. They contacted my grandfather and explained the situation to him, that they wanted to keep the old blackhawk to give to Ruger Sr. as a gift. They asked him to name his price basically, within reason. My grandfather's response was you can keep the blackhawk if you send me one of those new Redhawk's when they come out next year. Ruger agreed, and my grandfather was issued the Redhawk, #14 off the assembly line. It is now in my possession. I have the original letter that Ruger Jr. sent my grandfather thanking him for the Blackhawk.
I have been offered large sums of money for it, but will never sell it.
Awesome story!
Mostly my 10mm, the G29 is just too comfortable! Also have a judge which is loaded with slugs and 45lc hp's. When shtf I have to grab the slug gun with 1oz slugs!!!
1 oz / 437.5 grain Bullets. Yeah, that's quite a bit of lead from a pistol barrel. :o
Quote from: REDLINE on July 25 2012 12:24:38 AM MDT
1 oz / 437.5 grain Bullets. Yeah, that's quite a bit of lead from a pistol barrel. :o
lol that would be a little recoil to say the least. Its actually my baby Mossy.
I'm all 10mm now, but I do miss my .44mag Blackhawk. It was stainless, scoped, and was a pig/whitetail destroyer!
My only big bore is a .45 colt Ruger Blackhawk but there really isn't anything in Texas that a properly loaded 10mm can't handle.
(http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad319/justin10mm/0012-1.jpg)
Shadow have one just like that with wooden presentation box.
I like my 10mm with the standard barrel for woods carry and the 44 for special occasions only as I would rather stare at the gun than shoot it. Yea I know.
I once had real nice John Linebaugh single six made by John that I shot 420 hard cast WFN. One of those I let get away and should not have. I do have two Ruger number 1 in that caliber and they are great little handy rifles for hunting.
So for now the 10 is the go to big bore.
Quote from: Ramjet on September 14 2012 02:45:13 PM MDT
Shadow have one just like that with wooden presentation box.
I like my 10mm with the standard barrel for woods carry and the 44 for special occasions only as I would rather stare at the gun than shoot it. Yea I know.
I once had real nice John Linebaugh single six made by John that I shot 420 hard cast WFN. One of those I let get away and should not have. I do have two Ruger number 1 in that caliber and they are great little handy rifles for hunting.
So for now the 10 is the go to big bore.
Mine came with the presentation box as well! I have a Safariland belt holster with ammo loops to carry that bad boy!
Quote from: alwaysshootin on June 20 2012 02:25:34 PM MDT
My go to big bore is 44 Magnum. Won't go any larger, no reason too, for me anyway. If I could get a Ruger Alaskan in 44 with an unfluted cylinder, I 'd have one. Absolutely love the looks of that gun! I don't know if it was Gary Oldman's firearm in the professional, but man, I love the look of unfluted.
According to IMFDb (http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/The_Professional#Smith_.26_Wesson_Model_629_.22Classic_Hunter.22_Custom) that is an S&W Model 629 "Classic Hunter" Custom.
My big bore is
10mm but someday I'd love a .44mag of some kind or perhaps that S&W .460ES (http://www.gunblast.com/AndyTuttle_SW460ES.htm) bear gun O_o
Oh boy had 460 shot an elk with it awesome gun but man ear protection or your ears will bleed the compensator works very well anyone has or gets one I have bunch of once fired brass will make great to you or maybe some trading. the 460 is one hard hitting gun. Recoil with that compmis very manageable.
My model 29 I have custome made cross draw I love the cross draw for hunting very comfortable easy access for hunting carry. I wanted the Dirty Harry blue version sold out but hind site I really like the nickel one better.
Range test today...84 degrees not to bad.
S&W Model 29 44 MAGNUM 8 3/8
260 gr Lyman Devastator HPGC 0.431"
16.2 grains Blue Dot
CCI 350 primer
COAL seated in cannelure 1.692"
Velocity 1370 fps 8 3/8"
Energy 1083 ft/lb
245 gr RCBS Silhouette GC 0.430"
16.2 grains Blue Dot
CCI 350 primer
COAL seated in cannelure 1.654"
Velocity 1360 fps 8 3/8" BBL
Energy 1006 ft/lb
Very accurate loadings, velocity was consistant for both bullet types. All cases extracted easily with no sign of excess pressures and primers were looking good also.
The RCBS Silhouette cartridges have been loaded for 20+ years.
(http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/j441/_The_Shadow/IMG_0105.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/cadjak/misc%20Knives/Evolution/EvolutionMastiff028.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/cadjak/M500/500SW004.jpg)
nuf said...
Definitely not a force I'm interested in reckoning with. I'm glad it's mostly good guys who own and shoot 500 S&W Magnum!
I've got several; .45 Colt, .45 ACP, and .44 Magnum, but I just picked up this 657-2 .41 Magnum and am itching to try it out.
(http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z168/270_Fan/657Hunter.jpg)
My Classic Hunters:
(http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z168/270_Fan/SmithHunters.jpg)
Well as this IS a 10mm Board, I would be remiss if I did not mention the Glock20 10MM... :o ;D
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v465/CWLONGSHOT/Temp%20stuff/sporting%20pics/Glock/5d2cc480.jpg)
But My Ruger Bisley 45 COLT is my go to hunting handgun.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v465/CWLONGSHOT/Temp%20stuff/sporting%20pics/My%20Heaters/MyBisley.jpg)
Here is a short video of a boar I head shot with it. For some reason the audio and picture are out of sinc... You get the jest, its short, just click the link and enjoy...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v465/CWLONGSHOT/Temp%20stuff/sporting%20pics/Hunting/th_HeadshotPig.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v465/CWLONGSHOT/Temp%20stuff/sporting%20pics/Hunting/HeadshotPig.mp4)
CW
I don't feel "big bore" starts until 45 caliber, but that's just my opinion. In my case, my "go to" is my Colt Anaconda loaded with 300gr WFNGC's in front of a healthy dose of H110.
I run into about half a dozen or more grizzlies, moose and a few black bears every year (never see the cats, but I know they're there) during the course of my job.
(http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp240/LeMat_photos/guns%20for%20forums/DSCF1139.jpg)
(http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp240/LeMat_photos/guns%20for%20forums/DSCF2763.jpg)
Two of my big bores
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Not sure why two uploaded
Additional pics
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Depends, my first big bore was a .357 mag, which was plenty big for most situations. Then I got the .44 mag if I ever got in a hairyier one. Now I have a .454 Casull in case I ever run into that mythological bear that seems to worry way toooooooooooooooo much about, That one's a hanful, I don't even want to handfire anything bigger.