Thinking of Magnum BFR 454...

[Kitchen_Duty]

This post is a collection of randomness posing on the verge of ranting/questions, excuse the beginning poster...


So, I have been browsing and browsing the internet and the forums for info, spent a lot of time with the old computer here..., ok we all do it and I have become obsessed. I shot my friends Freedom Arms 83(?) SA 454 7.5" barrel and I love it. We both handload and we are always testing out rounds for our various guns.

Now, the question I have is: the popularity (online) is so heavy on the 45-70 BFR. On gunbroker.com the ration of 45-70 to 454 is about 3:1. Is it really that much better or is everyone hording their 454's?

Another thing, on most websites, all the of the BFR's are generally the same price. My friend offered to give me 175 once fired hornady brass casings from his FA 454 if I bought one (peer pressure?? he loves his gun, so why not me too!). But as far as the pistols go, they are all the same price, is there another reason to go with a different caliber? Keep in mind that I will handload, so cost per bullet will not be a big issue (except availability of bullets)

I would like to use this gun for general plinking and if I can actually shoot well with: silhouette shooting and maybe black bear/deer hunting. Is the Magnum Research a viable option. Should I just "downgrade" to the Ruger Super Redhawk or pay twice as much for the Freedom Arms Field Grade. Does it really come down to personal preference? (ignore the fact that Taurus exists please, I don't like the feel of the 454 raging bull)

:banghead: here's me trying to decide...

-Sam

 

[Action_Can_Do]

Welcome to the High Road.
A BFR is going to be quite a bit more accurate than a super redhawk.
The freedom arms gun is a bit nicer, but the BFR is nicer than most other revos, so the choice is yours.
I personally see no reason to get a 45-70. I am fond of the 454 casull. I own one, and will eventually get another. The 454 can handle all of your hunting needs.

 

[Dr. A]

Hello,

I've got the SRH and BFR in 7.5 in. barrel. In the BFR, measurements are different, and the barrel in it is actually a bit longer. I will probably get a 45-70 some day, but getting a 454 BFR to shoot accurately is almost a non-issue. The speed of 454 ammo was made for this length of barrel. The 45-70 case was made for a rifle, and there are only a limited number of powders that are adequate, accurate, and efficient in a revolver length barrel and the 45-70 cartridge. I am in contact with another fellow that has spent alot of time and money developing loads appropriate for his 45-70 revolver (BFR). Thats not to say he doesn't like it. He most certainly does. If you want a bigger bullet (as the 475 or 45-70 shoots), I'd get the 475 with the bigger diameter.

I have molds for both, and reload for both, but like to shoot in large volume. That is quite a bit easier with a true straightwall cartridge. My BFR (and SRH) both shoot 325gr. bullets over 1600fps with no problem. Really not necessary for any more power than that.

Incidentally, the SRH is amazingly accurate, and is easier for me to shoot than the BFR. Probably has to do with the grip. I shoot both well at 200 yards, and am continually amazed by how hard it is for me to determine what is the etihical distance I should not hunt. I know the 45-70 shoots very well also. The 45-70 is quite a bit larger gun, which figures into my choice as well. Carrying one of those, you might as well carry a rifle!

 

[Jim March]

More case volume can mean getting similar power with lower peak pressures. A lower-pressure round will "feel nicer" to shoot (by a bit) than a high-pressure shell sending the same weight bullet at the same speed.

Combine that effect with the longer, heavier 45-70 cylinder and you end up with more recoil control than the shorter-cylinder 454 version of the same gun.

If you take off the rubber grips on a BFR, you'll find they're able to take standard wood/micarta/etc SuperBlackHawk grip panels (the larger size SBH grip setup).

I've heard that for some reason, swapping a BFR grip frame to Bisley is a pain. I don't why, it's very "Rugerish" and shares many other parts.