.480 on midframe?

[Delawarean]

I'm wanting a revolver for hunting deer here in DE but our minimum barrel length is 5 3/4" That means both the .357 NV I have and the .44 flattop I was thinking about buying are out, so I've decided I may go the custom route. First was just thinking a nice .44 Special but at work today I was thinking a 5-shot .480 would be cool if it was on the midframe. The larger SA frame is too big IMO.


So the question: Is it possible to have a .480 Ruger 5-shot midframe (New Vaquero/flattop size)?

 

[mavracer]

In a word no.

 

[Archaic Weapon]

Christ. The recoil on that thing.

 

[CraigC]

Not only is it possible but it's already been done.

http://singleactions.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=gallery&action=display&thread=9426

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?146721-Shot-my-new-Custom-480-Ruger-need-help

http://singleactions.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=sas&action=display&thread=10703

 

[mavracer]

I stand corrected, I just didn't think the frame would withstand the thrust that the heavier 480 loads would produce.

 

[rcmodel]

The frame is not the weak link.

Cylinder wall thickness over the tops of the chambers is.
IMO: It would have to be a 5-shot cylinder to put the locking bolt cuts between chambers.

rc

 

[CraigC]

I stand corrected, I just didn't think the frame would withstand the thrust that the heavier 480 loads would produce.

If asked, I would've agreed until I saw that they were building them. I wouldn't have expected there to be enough meat left to contain the 48,000psi cartridge, even with a custom oversized 5-shot cylinder and opened-up frame window. Several `smith's won't do them like Bowen and Clements. I know that Clements will do them into a .500S&W cut to .44Spl length but those are held to rather sedate pressures and around 800fps.

 

[22-rimfire]

Why are you trying to limit yourself to mid-frame sizes? Are you planning on carrying a long gun too?

 

[mavracer]

The frame is not the weak link.

Cylinder wall thickness over the tops of the chambers is.
IMO: It would have to be a 5-shot cylinder to put the locking bolt cuts between chambers.

I knew Cylinder wall thickness wouldn't be a problem the window is easily big enough for a 5 shot 480 cylinder to have plenty of wall thickness.
The thinner top strap is going to be the weak link in this equasion.
I'll still bet a soda my favorite 480 load causes endshake with a steady diet. There's a reason Clement's and Bowen don't do it. I wonder if Jack reccomends some kind of limit?

 

[rswartsell]

And why would a .44 mag Super Blackhawk not be the answer for Delaware deer?

 

[Boxhead]

I guessing 'cuz he wants a 480. The good ol' want vs need story, one I am more than guilty of.

 

[CraigC]

I wonder if Jack reccomends some kind of limit?

I really don't know. You can certainly call Jack and ask him. I talked to him about doing my .500 and he seems like a really nice guy. I would probably limit my loads to 1000fps because maximum loads are not really what it's about.

I know that Bowen tends to be overly cautious. Clements probably doesn't want to test fire the thing with full loads. I wouldn't, unless it was a Bisley like the one in the link. I seriously doubt there's a problem with the frame, for its size it's pretty hefty. Remember a .44Spl mid-frame is only very slightly lighter than a comparable SBH. These are still very beefy little sixguns.

 

[mavracer]

Remember a .44Spl mid-frame is only very slightly lighter than a comparable SBH. These are still very beefy little sixguns.

True enough. I doubt any one would shoot that many rounds out of one anyway. My 5 1/4" BFR is a good bit heavier and I don't like shooting more than a few rounds through it at one time.
I agree it would be a handy little beast. Not sure it's worth messing up a perfectly good 44 Special, but it ain't my money either.

 

[CraigC]

No but it might be a good fate for a 50th anniversary .357!

If I was gonna go to the expense of a custom five-shot mid-frame, it would have to be a 4" .500Spl and 700-900fps would be just fine.

 

[mavracer]

No but it might be a good fate for a 50th anniversary .357!

Not mine but I like my .357s too, but that wouldn't bother me.

If I was gonna go to the expense of a custom five-shot mid-frame, it would have to be a 4" .500Spl and 700-900fps would be just fine.

That'd be a good one.