.500jrh?
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Loosedhorse
member
I thought this was a nice reference that puts the .500 JRH in context.
Thx loosedhorse. I've been looking into .50 cals. %reedom arms doesn't
offer this cal that I can tell. Is it used in theire 500 wyoming like a 38 is used in a 357? Anyone have the specs? Id like a 50 cal with a length of 1.2 inches and a normal (?) Rim, not a recessed rim or belted case. Don't think I need a 500 s&w and like standard length cylinders. Is this it?
PHP:
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
The .500JRH was designed by Jack Huntington as a rimmed .50 caliber cartridge that would fit in the Freedom Arms model 83. FA already offered the .50AE so all that was needed for the JRH was a new cylinder. Both the JRH and the AE (along with the .500S&W and Wyoming Express) utilize the same ~.501" bullets, whereas the .500Linebaugh, which doesn't fit in the FA action, uses .512" bullets. Freedom Arms solved this by developing the .500Wyoming Express, which uses a belt instead of a rim. For all intents and purposes, the .500JRH, Linebaugh and Wyoming Express offer virtually identical performance. JRH cases are made by trimming .500S&W brass to 1.4". When makers other than Huntington chamber the round, it's typically referred to as the .500S&W 1.4".
I believe the only factory offering is the Magnum Research BFR, through their custom shop. They will also fit a JRH cylinder to a .50AE BFR.
IMHO, the biggest advantage to the JRH is that while it offers the power and flexibility of the Linebaugh, it allows the user to take advantage to the excellent selection of commercial .500S&W bullets, jacketed and cast. If I cast my own bullets, I'd opt for the Linebaugh.
I believe the only factory offering is the Magnum Research BFR, through their custom shop. They will also fit a JRH cylinder to a .50AE BFR.
IMHO, the biggest advantage to the JRH is that while it offers the power and flexibility of the Linebaugh, it allows the user to take advantage to the excellent selection of commercial .500S&W bullets, jacketed and cast. If I cast my own bullets, I'd opt for the Linebaugh.
They do not show the .500 JRH BFR on the Magnum Research website, but it is in the PDF of their 2011 catalog in a 5.5" version with the "New!" label next to it. Prior to that it had been a custom shop only affair, and it may have returned back to that status. Hard to tell since MR hasn't put out the 2012 catalog, and they rarely update their webpage.
Loosedhorse
member
I think then your .500 choices are .500 Linebaugh, .500 WE, and .500 JRH--even though some folks do make .50 AE revolvers:
For no particular reason*, I'd go with Linebaugh--though I like his .475 better.
*Okay. I am influenced that Midway lists factory ammo for zero .500 WEs, 3 .500 JRHs, and 9 .500 Linebaughs. By way of reference, they also list 13 .475 Linebaughs...
...and 40 .500 S&W Magnum loads. Go figure.
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The ammunition is available from JRH Advanced Gunsmithing.
http://www.jrhgunmaker.com/
His prices are reasonable for the ammunition and the conversion. I'd call for current prices.
Find a used FA 83, usually 454, for around 800 to 1000 dollars, and he'll convert it for another 500-600. You have a FA 83, custom, for around 1600 dollars in a caliber that is as much as most people want to shoot.
Yes, the .475 Linebaugh rim was cut down by Jack Huntington to fit into the FA 83 and this changed the standards for the .475 after a few lawsuits.
The BFR is a beautiful gun. In .500JRH it has as much punch as you'd probably want to shoot in a regular size gun.
The 'light' factory load of 440 grains at 950 fps is really fun to shoot, and penetrates like no tomorrow.
http://www.jrhgunmaker.com/
His prices are reasonable for the ammunition and the conversion. I'd call for current prices.
Find a used FA 83, usually 454, for around 800 to 1000 dollars, and he'll convert it for another 500-600. You have a FA 83, custom, for around 1600 dollars in a caliber that is as much as most people want to shoot.
Yes, the .475 Linebaugh rim was cut down by Jack Huntington to fit into the FA 83 and this changed the standards for the .475 after a few lawsuits.
The BFR is a beautiful gun. In .500JRH it has as much punch as you'd probably want to shoot in a regular size gun.
The 'light' factory load of 440 grains at 950 fps is really fun to shoot, and penetrates like no tomorrow.
There is a reason for a fifty. The wonderful legislature of Kali have outlawed over .500 caliber rifles. Handguns would be next.
Buy one, now, and the more people that own fifties, the better the base and ability to stop your state from taking them away.
No real threat from .50's in recorded history, but law writers want people to think they are doing something when they are not.
Secondary is another story. It's the basis for the second amendment.
Mandatory reading the founders reason for the Second Amendment.
Buy one, now, and the more people that own fifties, the better the base and ability to stop your state from taking them away.
No real threat from .50's in recorded history, but law writers want people to think they are doing something when they are not.
Secondary is another story. It's the basis for the second amendment.
Mandatory reading the founders reason for the Second Amendment.
I think then your .500 choices are .500 Linebaugh, .500 WE, and .500 JRH--even though some folks do make .50 AE revolvers:
WOW! that is one sweet Redhawk Why did you have to show me that picture? Now I have to clean the drool off my keyboard.
Loosedhorse
member
You're welcome! 
To answer your question:
The belt on the Wyoming Express I'm pretty sure stops any other round from going in the chamber. Never had one, never will, so I don't know for sure.
My girls: barrel band is in .500JRH, 7.5" is .475 Linebaugh:
Both are customs by JRH Advanced Gunsmithing. The .475 was done before FA offered that caliber, and has a match grade barrel, and drives tacks.
The .500JRH is a converted .475 Linebaugh FA 83.
The belt on the Wyoming Express I'm pretty sure stops any other round from going in the chamber. Never had one, never will, so I don't know for sure.
My girls: barrel band is in .500JRH, 7.5" is .475 Linebaugh:
Both are customs by JRH Advanced Gunsmithing. The .475 was done before FA offered that caliber, and has a match grade barrel, and drives tacks.
The .500JRH is a converted .475 Linebaugh FA 83.
Pretty much use the reloading data from the .475 L for the the .500JRH.
Case size is VERY close. Recoil is load dependent.
Average factory .475 load, 400 grains at 1350 fps, and I get all of that and a bag of chips out of that custom barrel. Recoil Energy of 37 foot pounds, and Recoil Velocity of 27 fps. This load is easy if you are used to it.
My range master wanted to fire it. Like about 3 other experienced pistolsmiths he shot ONE round. He used the John Linebaugh technique and the hammer came about a 1/2" from going into his ear, on the far side from where the gun started. These loads are near double medium .44 magnum loads.
I have a LOT of 440 grains at 950 fps for the .500JRH:
Recoil Energy of 22 foot pounds, and Recoil Velocity of 21 fps. Recoils like a mild .44 magnum, hits like a Ford truck, and penetrates like a gopher on speed.
Heavy JRH is 430 grains at 1350 fps:
Recoil Energy of 42 foot pounds, and Recoil Velocity of 29 fps.
Hunting guys swear this kills like a 375 H&H.
Handloads for the .475 are minimum pressure loads of AA 9. 275 grain Speer HP's at 1560 fps:
Recoil Energy of 26 foot pounds, and Recoil Velocity of 23 fps. This is my deer/varmit round. Tends to mess up a lot of meat, and leave a 4" impact hole. It's also my under the pillow load. Figure it wouldn't take many to convince anything/anyone to go the other way.
The FA 83 grip design, coupled with Jack Huntingtons' custom oversized grips for my large hands make these guns the easiest shooting big guns I've ever had. Better then my Seville in heavy .45 Colt with heavy loads.
I also find the grip for my hands is better then the Bisley on my Maximum.
For a warm up you just shoot the 525's at 1350 fps with the Bisley grip:Recoil Energy of 54 foot pounds, and Recoil Velocity of 31 fps.
If your hand isn't split in two, the .500JRH and the .475L feel like .38's.
Case size is VERY close. Recoil is load dependent.
Average factory .475 load, 400 grains at 1350 fps, and I get all of that and a bag of chips out of that custom barrel. Recoil Energy of 37 foot pounds, and Recoil Velocity of 27 fps. This load is easy if you are used to it.
My range master wanted to fire it. Like about 3 other experienced pistolsmiths he shot ONE round. He used the John Linebaugh technique and the hammer came about a 1/2" from going into his ear, on the far side from where the gun started. These loads are near double medium .44 magnum loads.
I have a LOT of 440 grains at 950 fps for the .500JRH:
Recoil Energy of 22 foot pounds, and Recoil Velocity of 21 fps. Recoils like a mild .44 magnum, hits like a Ford truck, and penetrates like a gopher on speed.
Heavy JRH is 430 grains at 1350 fps:
Recoil Energy of 42 foot pounds, and Recoil Velocity of 29 fps.
Hunting guys swear this kills like a 375 H&H.
Handloads for the .475 are minimum pressure loads of AA 9. 275 grain Speer HP's at 1560 fps:
Recoil Energy of 26 foot pounds, and Recoil Velocity of 23 fps. This is my deer/varmit round. Tends to mess up a lot of meat, and leave a 4" impact hole. It's also my under the pillow load. Figure it wouldn't take many to convince anything/anyone to go the other way.
The FA 83 grip design, coupled with Jack Huntingtons' custom oversized grips for my large hands make these guns the easiest shooting big guns I've ever had. Better then my Seville in heavy .45 Colt with heavy loads.
I also find the grip for my hands is better then the Bisley on my Maximum.
For a warm up you just shoot the 525's at 1350 fps with the Bisley grip:Recoil Energy of 54 foot pounds, and Recoil Velocity of 31 fps.
If your hand isn't split in two, the .500JRH and the .475L feel like .38's.
Barrel band holds the ejector in position under severe recoil. Besides Seyfried thought they looked cool.
If your holster isn't designed for it when you pull the barrel band catches on the bottom of the holster.
Haven't shot the light stuff for groups. My eyes suck and at close range they are plenty effective and accurate.
I hate to say this, but they aren't 'nice'. They are works of ......art. Jack's work on a FA is about as good as anything gets that's revolver.
Perspective: a stock FA is 2000=2500. Take that, add one of the best customsmiths in the world work on top, worth another grand, at least.
I have a REAL hard time thinking of anything that's even close.
No disrespect intended.
OK:
BFR's are a Ruger on Steroids. EVERYTHING is worked over. If you order from the custom shop as a friend did, you can spend 1800 dollars for a custom BFR.
It would look like this:
The gun on the right was custom configured for Jack Huntington, by BFR in .500JRH. I LOVED this gun. Recoil was easy, nice fat grips, since my hands are the same as Jack's.
That said, I AM looking for a .500JRH BFR for a discount price. I think BFR's are real close to FA 83 quality, for half the price.
If I find one, I don't know what I'll do, since I have FA's, custom by JRH, in the calibers I want.
If your holster isn't designed for it when you pull the barrel band catches on the bottom of the holster.
Haven't shot the light stuff for groups. My eyes suck and at close range they are plenty effective and accurate.
I hate to say this, but they aren't 'nice'. They are works of ......art. Jack's work on a FA is about as good as anything gets that's revolver.
Perspective: a stock FA is 2000=2500. Take that, add one of the best customsmiths in the world work on top, worth another grand, at least.
I have a REAL hard time thinking of anything that's even close.
No disrespect intended.
OK:
BFR's are a Ruger on Steroids. EVERYTHING is worked over. If you order from the custom shop as a friend did, you can spend 1800 dollars for a custom BFR.
It would look like this:
The gun on the right was custom configured for Jack Huntington, by BFR in .500JRH. I LOVED this gun. Recoil was easy, nice fat grips, since my hands are the same as Jack's.
That said, I AM looking for a .500JRH BFR for a discount price. I think BFR's are real close to FA 83 quality, for half the price.
If I find one, I don't know what I'll do, since I have FA's, custom by JRH, in the calibers I want.
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CraigC
Sixgun Nut
There are two such cartridges but neither available in a production gun. The ".50Spl" is Bowen's creation and is nothing more than a .500Linebaugh cut to .44Spl length. Due to the low pressures, guns are less expensive to build. There is also the .500S&W cut to .44Spl length. Which, due to the smaller diameter and rims, actually fits in a five shot mid-frame Ruger.
Hammerdown77
Member
Dang, I need to start shopping in your circles if you're finding used 454 FAs for $800 to $1000!
Hammerdown77
Member
What is the Linebaugh technique? One handed, like in his video?
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