Wanting a big-bore DA snubby for shooting big bullets at low speeds (handloading)

If you have small hands definitely the Super Redhawk. I too have small hands and my Super Redhawk fits me great. N frame smiths and the regular Redhawk have too great of a reach to the trigger for me to shoot comfortably.

MatthewVanitas said:

By the way, as I'm looking at 480 Alaskans, I see that these days they're offered in 6-shot, but there was a period where they were offered in 5-shot.

If I'm not planning to ream it out to .475 Linebaugh or anything, is there any virtue in trying to find one of the less-common 5-shot variants, or just stick with the six shot? I don't particularly need a sixth shot, though I note the few folks making speedloaders (like if for some crazy reason I wanted to IDPA with it for kicks) are six shot. Or if I'm doing "creative" but not insane handloading, is there some extra caution to having a little more metal between chambers?

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Only 23 of those made it down the assembly line, so they are as rare as hen’s teeth. There is plenty of safety margin built into the six-shots not to worry about it. If you want a .475 Linebaugh built on the Alaskan frame I would just have a good gun-builder make a five-shot cylinder for it.

"If I'm not planning to ream it out to .475 Linebaugh or anything, is there any virtue in trying to find one of the less-common 5-shot variants, or just stick with the six shot? I don't particularly need a sixth shot, though I note the few folks making speedloaders (like if for some crazy reason I wanted to IDPA with it for kicks) are six shot. Or if I'm doing "creative" but not insane handloading, is there some extra caution to having a little more metal between chambers?"

Seems that if my memory is correct very few 5 shot .480's were made and when one is found they are pricey. As to handloading not only metal between chambers has to be considered but metal between chamber and the outside of the cylinder. Here nothing is gained going to a 5 shot revolver.

Please delete - I see MaxP already has posted the answer.

So far I have got a few hundred rounds of factory, and handloads through my 45 colt Charter Arms Bulldog, which has a steel frame. No worries, no mechanical or wear issues. Though with fixed sights you will have challenges if you deviate from standard 45Colt or 45ACP loadings about POA,POI

aarondhgraham said:

Another one that is a fine fiery-arm is the Charter Arms Bulldog in .44 Special.

Laverne is the gun I am referring to.

View attachment 819448

Nothing fancy or overly special about her,,,
Just a solid handgun for not too much money.

Aarond

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Im a Charter fan , I have one Charter 44 spl at this time ...
But if I was looking for a Big Bore DA for working up handloads the S&W 69 would be my pick .. five shot 44mag built on the fine S&W L frame ... The 69 is a stout built 44 mag option , plenty of metal between the cylinders,

My woods pistol is my Glock 20 or 29 and some Underwood ammo

Tallball said:

"Charter/Rossi/Taurus: these seem to be more carry guns than range guns..."


I own a 44 special and 45acp Charter Arms, two Rossi 44 specials, and used to own a Taurus 44 special. They aren't all the same.

The Rossis and the older Taurii are steel revolvers. With average 44 special loads I wouldn't expect them to wear out faster than any other steel 44 special revolver.

The Charter Arms have an aluminum frame and are held together with pins rather than screws. They are the ones that I see as carry guns rather than range guns. They are light and easy to carry. I do so on occasion. The steel Rossis and Taurii are sturdy steel pistols. I have no worries about wearing them out. However, their weight (and comparative bulk) make them less convenient for CC.

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The Charter Bulldog frames are steel ..
Thats the 44Spl, 9mm,357mag,40S&W ,327mag and the 6 shot 38spl ...
I have owned Charter revolvers for over 35yrs
They are solid frames no side plate, though lighter than the K frame size Taurus 44spl and Rossi 720/721 . They are as strong ...

I enjoy shooting slow bullets through the big-bore snubbies as well and have several P.C. Smiths that fit the bill. But one of my favorites is an old Taurus Total Titanium 445 44 special. Sweet shooter. And carries like a dream as a bonus.

BOARHUNTER

Tallball said:

Another "cult favorite" is the Rossi 720. It is a five-shot 44 special larger than a J-frame but a little bit smaller than a K frame. They are stainless with a 3" barrel, with fixed or adjustable sights and with or without a hammer. They only made them for 2-3 years, but you can find them on Gunbroker most of the time.

They are stout little pieces. My favorite is my adjustable model. It's way more accurate than I expected and the trigger is excellent. Everyone who shoots it really enjoys it. I'm including a picture of my DAO fixed-sight version, too, since it's a better picture.

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Rossi720 44 Spcl

• Tallball
• Dec 27, 2016

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I was lucky enough to snag a Rossi 720 DAO about 6 months ago. I also barely missed getting a Taurus 431.

I've eclipsed the 4000 rd count in my newer production 2.5" CA Bulldog. I like the shoot and carry it.... a lot.

Be well and looking forward to seeing what you ultimately choose MathewVanitas.

I would go for a S&W 460, with the ability to shoot .45 colt-454 casoll and the top 460 ammo.

If you want heavy bullets going slow for the 480 Ruger check out Hodgdon Trail Boss loads.
http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/pistol

If you want something unusual you could look for a Dan Wesson 445 supermag. I have one, I have only ever met in person one other guy who has ever heard of it. Uses 429 cal bullets and can shoot 44 mags like they are 44 specials.

If you could find one a Taurus pre Judge model 450 in 45 Colt is a great 5 shooter but not a snubbie at 4". S&W made the 625 in both 45ACP and Colt with a 3" barrel.

eastbank said:

I would go for a S&W 460, with the ability to shoot .45 colt-454 casoll and the top 460 ammo.

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But the whole point of a 460 mag is velocity which is of course why it was developed with an 8 and 3/8" barrel. The OP wants a snub which in my mind negates the usefulness of the 460 mag. I never understood the real short barreled versions. I have a 5" version, but personally I wouldn't go shorter than that as the velocity loss would negate any benefit 460 mag has to offer. But that's just my opinion.

There's an advantage financially to the 45 cal cartridges over the 480 family. So I guess if the OP wants a 45 snub, the Alaskan in 454 Cassull gets my vote. The smaller frame of the Super Redhawk with an extra shot is advantageous also and can be had at a lower price.

I have no need for a 460 S&W in a revolver, but have a older 22" barreled ruger #1 in .460 and it sure is a duzzie.

eastbank said:

I have no need for a 460 S&W in a revolver, but have a older 22" barreled ruger #1 in .460 and it sure is a duzzie.

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I've got one of those too! You don't come across too many of them do you?

Yeah, the recoil is surprising out of that rifle.

Anyway, back on topic.

Charter arms Pit Bull 45 ACP with 250 grn wad cutters from Matts Bullets