[Auburn1992]

Just wondering, if you were to get one, would you get it in .30-30 or .45-70?

I'm leaning towards the .30-30 due to ammo costs and recoil but I have an open mind:). Anyone ever shot one of these beasts? They say on the website that the .45-70 will recoil less than a 44 mag... I find that really hard to believe. Can someone back this up?

Thanks for the help,

Auburn

[gbran]

What do you want to do with it?

[jgo296]

since its called a big fu**ing revolver you have to get the 45-70
umm i kinna doubt that kick statement unless they are talking about the scandium 44 with hot loads

[Auburn1992]

Mostly just target, but I like the pure power of how it looks, especially with wood grips. I will eventually take it out to whitetail deer hunt, I'm in TN so the maximum shot I would need is around 100 yards. What kind of velocity do you think I could get from both of the calibers?

[Gator]

I've never fired one, but my TC contender in .45-70 does indeed have less recoil, when using factory 405 gr ammo, than my .44s. They weigh about the same, 4.5# for the Contender and 4.3# for the BFR. The .45-70 is a very versatile round, it can be mild or earthshaking, depending on the load.

[Auburn1992]

Have you chronod your velocities yet from it? Also, what type of ammo are you using?

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Boy, usually powerful necked rounds cause all kinds of binding problems in a revolver** - wonder how they did that. Sure, Taurus got the hornet and bee to work, but the .30-30 is a hoss of a round - good engineering or problem waiting to happen?

Just on the sheer novelty, I'd have to run with .30-30 in that situation if I thought it would run - talk about a fireball!

**Due to this - upon firing, the case sets back and pounds against the face of the gun, but instead of bouncing back into the chamber like a straight walled cartridge, the expansion of the case neck of the bottle-necked round, while set back, behind the neck area of the chamber, prevents the case from bouncing back into the firing position, binding them up real good. I don't know how Taurus overcame this...

This belongs in revolver forum, not here.

[scrat]

Walker

[scrat]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biggest%2C_Finest_Revolver
Magnum Research
Manufacturer Magnum Research
Unit cost US$899 [1]
Specifications
Weight 3.6lb - 5.3lb (1633g - 2404g)
Length 12.75inches - 17.5inches (324mm - 445mm)
Barrel length 6.5inches (165mm) (Short cylinder only), 7.5inches (191mm), or 10inches (254mm)
Width 1.75inches (44mm)
Height 6inches (152mm)

Then there is the WALKER

Type Revolver
Place of origin United States
Service history
In service 1847-48 then evolved into subsequent designs
Used by United States
Production history
Designer Samuel Colt, Samuel Walker
Designed 1847
Manufacturer Colt Firearms
Produced c.1847-1849
Number built 1,100
Variants Fluke Dragoons and Post Walker Transition
Specifications
Weight 4.5lb (1.9 kg)
Length 15.5 inch
Barrel length 9 inch (229 mm

http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0012637216416a.shtml

[scrat]

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q77/scratm3/300px-BFR_45-70_1.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q77/scratm3/IMG_1899-1.jpg
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q77/scratm3/IMG_1895.jpg

[Seancass]

i'm sorry i didnt get the 45-70 version when i had the chance. i think i need to move that up the to-buy list. at the time i couldn't justify the ammo cost for a plinker. of course i still cant, but i still want one.

[weisse52]

45-70, Go big or stay home.

[owlhoot]

By all means the 45-70. Get an inexpensive Lee loader and stuff it full of the holy black. That ought to be worth watching.

[Smokeypcolt]

I tried some some black power loads in my 45/70 BFR and after about 1 to 2 cylinders the revolver gets bound up from the fouling due to the tight clearances the Magnum uses. Get a Lee loader and stick to the smokeless powders, load to the trapdoor load tables and you are good to go for less the 50 cents a round using 405 grain rnfp cast lead bullets. By the way if you load the Walker at the high end, you will get much more recoil than the BFR.

[BillinNH]

If you're going to be excessive, might as well go all the way and get the 45-70. At least you can load it down to something manageable.

Bill

[Auburn1992]

I was just wondering, would it be safe to shoot... say a 45 long colt (or 45 acp w/ moon clips) out of a BFR chambered for 45-70? I just checked and the .45 colt's bulet is .456" and .45-70 bullet is .458"

[20nickels]

Auburn,
Don't bother. It would be inaccurate, a PITA with clips designed for DA revos and likely unsafe.

[Evocatii]

Why waste your time? Go get yourself something in .500 or .460

[Auburn1992]

I would probably go for the .460 but if I spend that much on it I think that the BFR would better live up to its name if its in 45-70. Along with that .460 pretty expensive, don't know how it compares to .45-70 though.

[cookekdjr]

I'd rather get a Ruger Redhawk in .44 mag or .45 Lc. I had a one in .44, it was a sweet shooter, sold it only b/c I had to. Get one in w/a 7.5" barrel, you'll have all the handgun you'll ever need for deer. just my 2 cents.

[Big Boomer]

Although I still LOVE my BFR, I bought one in the 500 Mag and you NEED to read my post here:

http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-327299.html

Now that being said, I have replaced the grips and got me some shootin gloves but have not fired it again. So it's been a while needless to say and I have recently gone to the doc and set an appointment for the orthopedic specialist seems I am still having nerve pain due to the incident almost 6 months later.

I would love one in a 45/70, I think the 30/30 is just to wimpy for this type of pistol. Not I am NOT saying get the 500 per say, but you could look at some of the other calibers.

The 45/70 basically has the ballistics of a 454 Casull but operates at much lower pressures.

Now if I were to purchase another, I think I would go for the 460 Mag, BFR's are built for super high pressure stuff like this. I think it would be a dream.

Now regardless of what caliber you choose I'd get the 10" barrel. One, you aint gonna CCW this sucker anyhow. The longer sight radius helps as well as the extra weight on the barrel for recoil. Plus having the longer barrel actually matches up better anatomically to the long cylinder. Simply looks better.

They are built like a brick $h!t house! I was very impressed with the quality of workmanship on the piece. I bought mine close out at the Sportsman's warehouse for $699.99 (that's why I couldn't resist :) )

[SASS#23149]

I've never seen a 45colt bullet that was .456 diameter,most are .452 or 454,no?
Not that I"ve seen it all of course.

but to answer the question...
45-70 !!!!!!!! :)

[Redhawk1]

I voted for get any BFR and you will be happy. I have owned a BFR in 500 Mag for over 5 years now and have over 5000 rounds down the tube. The gun is holding up great, I bought a BFR in 45-70 last your and I just love the gun. My BFR 500 Mag has taken a few black bears and a bunch of deer. My BFR in 45-70 is going on it's first black bear hunt in August.

Personally I would get either the 45-70, 460 or 500 Mags.

For those of you that voted as a boat anchor, I would love to take you to the range and show you a well made gun as well as a tack driver.

[LightningMan]

I have only shot a BFR once as someone let me try it and it was a 444 Marlin. If I was wanting to buy one, I might go with one in that cal. LM

[RustyShackelford]

I got an IMI/BFR catalog and saw the specs for the 7" bar 45-70 SA revolver. If I had the time/$$$/space, I would buy it for handgun hunting for mid size/small game..

RS ;)

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Definitely do NOT get a .460 *IF* the .45-70 is available. .45-70 is cheaper AND more powerful and more versatile. Uses an actual .457/.458 rifle bullet, not a pansy .451/.452 handgun bullet. I can see getting a .500 for the bigger bore, or the .45-70, or the .30-30, but not the .460. The .460 is the answer to a question that no one asked. Or more precisely, it's an answer which was already answered over 100 years ago, with the venerable .45-70 government round! :p

[Auburn1992]

bump

[Big Boomer]

not a pansy .451/.452 handgun bullet

Actually the 460 is quite versatile. Visiting Hodgdon's site, we find that in pistols the 460 can push out a:

395gr hard cast pill at 1796fps giving a nice little 2829fpe! Ouch! That's not some wimpy pistol round there. There are also .452 jhp MAG bullets with thicker jackets to hold up to rifle type velocities without breaking up.

The 460 can also throw a 240 grain pill at 2184fps for 2707fpe not to shabby their either. I don't recommend shooting the 200 grain loads in the 460 same issues as with the 357 max.

300gr at 2067fps for 2845fpe.

Now for a couple of 45/70 pistol loads

The 45/70 throws a 405gr pill at 1445fps for 1870fpe (more in line with 454 casull loads)

A 385 at 1537fps for 2019fpe. Or a 300gr at 2076fps for 2870fpe almost exactly the same.

Now things might get interesting if you go to the 12 inch barrels or longer. But basically, the 45/70 can throw heavier lead, the 460 light flatter. A little more versatile for the loadings considering you can do the 454 casull or 45 colt for the light work.

The 45/70 works at much lower pressures while giving great performance. It it still a great round. I'm looking on getting one in a Marlin Cowboy, a BFR in the same would be a great match.

But of course as stated in other posts, "their ain't nothing like a 500!"

325gr at 2002fps for 2892fpe
370gr at 1949fps for 3120fpe
and loads up to 700+ grains of goodness coming at you.

All three loads are great. I'm only missing the 45/70 and that will be soon enough :)

[Redhawk1]

Not one thing wrong with a 460 Mag either, I have a S&W 460 Mag and it is a great shooter. Sure the 45-70 can "almost" do what the 460 Mag will do. But calling the 460 a "pansy .451/.452 handgun bullet."

You need to see my 575 gr. bullets I have for my 460 Mag, no where near pansy.

Big Boomer, how's the hand? I go to the range and shot 50 to 100 rounds in each siting. I have shot 275 to 700 gr. bullets out of my 500 Mag, and yes it is a handful. I use past shooting gloves and I still get a small amount of pain in my hand, especially with them 700 gr. pills.

[Markbo]

My Biggest Finest Revolver is in .475 Lienbaugh. I cannot imagine a more versatile round in a size that is actually comfortable to carry.

[Auburn1992]

Too bad that ammo is extremely expensive Markbo

[Redhawk1]

The answer to high ammo prices is to RELOAD... :)

[Auburn1992]

Its not really only the ammo cost but I think that the gun (to live up to its name) deserves a bigger powerful rifle round. I could always buy a smaller .480 Ruger but not a different 45-70 revolver

[Redhawk1]

I have to agree with you there, I love my 45-70 and 500 BFR

[Big Boomer]

For those of you that have a 500 BFR and shoot it without any help (gloves, grip change, downloading, etc.) You are more of a man than I EVER will be.

Loads at 1/2 grain below max with h110 in any bullet weight was more pain than I could bear.

So how do you do it? :scrutiny:

I've got the long barrel on mine.

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l84/forestpriest/500SmithandWessonBFR.jpg

It shoots this widdle bitty boowet ;)

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l84/forestpriest/500Edited.jpg

[Redhawk1]

Big Boomer, all my buddies that have shot my BFR in 500 Mag with my heavy loaded 440 gr. bullets only shot it once or twice without shooting gloves, then they ask for my shooting gloves.

As for the grips, I use the Black Micarta grips on my BFR 500 Mag, no rubber grips for me. I find it less painful to shoot the black Micarta grips than with even the Hogue rubber grips. This is just my opinion but single action guns should not use rubber grips. The natural roll of the single action is hampered by rubber grips.
Now my S&W 500 Mag as a different felt recoil, it is more of a straight back heavy push on the back of my palm. and I use the rubber grips provided by S&W on it with no problems.

My suggestion to you is try a set of the Black Micarta grips on your BFR, Magnum Research sells them on there web site.

My BFR in 45-70 has the wooden grips from Magnum Research, but I ordered a set of Buffalo horn grips for it. I do not like the grips that come with the BFR's.

http://www.magnumresearch.com/Browse.asp?Category=BFR:Grips

[Markbo]

Is it just me or does that .500 BFR have the .45-70 length cylinder? It looks way longer than necessary.

Too bad that ammo is extremely expensive Markbo

I am a reloader. Helps defer the cost a lot.

[Redhawk1]

Yes the 500 Mag has the 45-70 BFR cylinder. It does not effect accuracy at all.

The reason the larger cylinder was used was because the shorter action of the BFR's would not work, also it was an easy set up for Magnum Research to do the 500 Mag on the larger frame, because all they needed too do was make the chamber fit the 500 Mag and put a 50 cal barrel on the frame.

If Magnum Research made a different cylinder that fit the 500 Mag better, they would of had to make a new frame as well and that is something I think they did not want to do.

The larger cylinder does not bother me at all. I guess it is just personal preference.

[herohog]

I voted 30-30 but, on second thought, the 45-70, HAND-LOADED, would be my choice. I went with the 30-30 for lower recoil mainly. I shoot 9mm WinMag (9x29) in an AutoMag and it is fairly potent. I also shoot 1911 .45 ACP and I find it fairly mild. I have shot .45 WinMag in an AutoMag and it was "livable" but not "fun" for longer periods on the firing line. With a revolver, you can load it down to "will just barely get out of the barrel" up to "MEDIC!" :p

[BroughtEnoughGun]

If you want something for hunting, (or really anything) You should look into the .454 casull model BFR.

Its no "boat anchor" like the long cylinder models (ie. .500, 460, 450, 444, 45-70...) because it has a short cylinder.
And you could also shoot .45 Colt out of it...Cheaper...Less Recoil...Practice
ANd the .454 has killed everything you can dream of thats walked the Earth since its been around.

[DWFan]

I wish the "short cylinder" model was just a bit longer and chambered in .357 Maximum and .445 SuperMag.

[Redhawk1]

I would not call 1 inch more of cylinder a boat anchor.

Also the 45-70 can go from mild to wild and out perform the 454 Casull.
With a bigger, faster and heavier bullet. And do it with a lot less pressure.

[Markbo]

In that line of thinking there is nothing in the entire Western Hemisphere that the .45 Colt cannot be made to handle.

[Redhawk1]

Sure if you have a 45 Colt handgun the will handle heavier loads. Also why limit yourself to just the 45 Colt?

We all come from different schools of hunting, some are happy with adequate rounds, some of us want more. That is just the nature of the beast.

[Nise]

Hello All, had to throw my two bits in here. I'm the proud owner of a 10" BFR in 45/70. I was amazed shooting standard factory loads didn't grab me like my little 357 snubby with hard cast 165 does, (hot loads, light gun). Not wanting to join in on a spitting contest, :) which I think is futile. Get what you like and be proud of it. I really do think that most dont see what the 45/70 can do. They can be loaded to really get your attention, are versatile 290gr-600+ slugs, accurate, and a classic besides. Another highlight is the lower avg pressure where it seems to roll more like a big push I just tried a 430gr gc lead and wow, 192% expansion, 96% wt retention. then the same slug cast hard fired into solid dry cottonwood, avg penetration 23.5" with 96% wt retention. (Velocity 1500and change).

I have to laugh, seems nobody will go into 'bear country' anymore w/ anything less than a .500 yet for years the 357 mag was the big boy on the block, and previously it was low velocity BP rounds. It's all about choosing the right bullet and being able to place it where you need to, (under pressure). You're better off placing a 9mm where you need to then miss/ flinch with a big boy. But the big boys are a fun bug to contract and definately have a place.

?Not sure, anyone have a 7.5" in 45/70? I heard that the 10 inch was far more accurate and much higher velocities, so thats what I went with. I noticed that standard loads with IMR type powders and light bullets left unburnt powder, a healthy dose of RL7 with a 300 gr Hornady slug performed well, chrono'd at 1730fps, and w/ IMR3031 using a heavy bullet helped burn the powder better. Don't forget the wadding when using the smaller doses of powder, like SR4759, got crazy extreme spreads until I used a filler then everything came into line.