What Big bore cal/gun should i get ?

[jp9mm]

So far I've been pretty practical with what calibers i choose to shoot.
I like to reload and i end up bringing home extra brass from the range, so popularity is also a factor of what i choose.
Right now i shoot .22lr, 9mm, .38/357, 45 acp.

I'm looking for something just for occasional big bang fun.
Started looking at the .460, i like the idea of this because you can shoot 45LC, 454C and 460 from the same gun. Not sure if they all require different reloading dies but i like .38/357 because it uses the same dies.

Any suggestions ?

 

[Greg528iT]

45 LC! Specifically a Ruger Black Hawk convertible. You already shoot 45 ACP, so you should have those dies. You can load a Ruger up to some pretty darn HOT loads. The convertible cylinders will allow you to shoot existing loads and some others.

 

[jp9mm]

I have a single six .22, i don't find the grip all that comfortable.
Its fine with the no recoil .22, just don't think i would like it shooting larger ammo

 

[riddleofsteel]

For target and field use the multitude of soft rubber grips out there should be plenty comfortable. My son uses Hogue rubber grips on his 7.5" Blackhawk to shoot loads that eclipse .454 loads. If you use standard 45 Colts and 45 ACP loads any grip will work.
I use Eagle Sambar stags on my 45 Colt/45 ACP convertible Blackhawk and it shoots great. Even the 270 grain Keith style SWC's at 1100 or 1200 FPS are controllable and comfortable.
Being a handloader you can get the best out of a convertible Blackhawk loading used 45 ACP brass and stepping up the .45 Colt to big bore performance if you wish or need to.

 

[Gordon]

.44 mag in the delivery system of your choice!

 

[BLJimmy]

I do love my 454 Casull!

 

[56hawk]

I like to reload and i end up bringing home extra brass from the range, so popularity is also a factor of what i choose.

Good luck finding range pickup brass in any revolver caliber above 357. I wouldn't let that effect your choice. Make your choice based off of what maximum power level you want. Personally I skipped the 460 and went straight to the 500.

Of course 44 Magnum, 454 Casull, and the 460 are also decent choices. The 475s seem to be the only big bores that are hard to find components for.

 

[FM12]

S&W .44maggie, in whatever configuration u desire!

 

[gspn]

You've received a lot of great suggestions so far. My choice would be the .44 mag. It's a classic and it is tremendously versatile. Tons of components to choose from and for the reloader the power can run from mild to wild.

 

[Ky Larry]

I would suggest the .44 mag. Brass, bullets, and info are plentiful. You can load from .44Spl that are a hoot to shoot up to ammo for anything in North America.

 

[skidder]

I really like my Ruger Redhawk. It's been my hiking and hunting buddy for almost two decades. If you reload you can use this gun for just about anything: home defense, hunting, hiking, target, etc... Concealed carry might be a challenge , but there are other calibers (besides the 44 mag) more suitable for this purpose. Ammo for the 44 is usually cheaper and more readily available.

 

[TennJed]

another vote for the blackhawk 45 colt/45 acp. It makes perfect sense for you (or anyone )

 

[Lost Sheep]

What are the requirements?

Picking another man's gun is as risky as picking another man's wife.

Do you prefer Blondes, Brunettes, Redheads?

What do you need this new gun to do? Do you have any preferences for maker, action type or finish?

Lost Sheep

 

[Nushif]

I like .45 LC. You can go from cowboy rounds to mild rifle rounds in one cartride. 8)

 

[bbuddtec]

.44 spl & .44 mag... higher end options sounds like what u want.

 

[TennJed]

Picking another man's gun is as risky as picking another man's wife.

Do you prefer Blondes, Brunettes, Redheads?

What do you need this new gun to do? Do you have any preferences for maker, action type or finish?

Lost Sheep

One difference. I traded up on my wife 1 time. I have traded up of guns many times. It is a lot more expensive to rid yourself of a wife than it is a gun

 

[splithoof]

S&w 625.

 

[Nullcone]

My son uses Hogue rubber grips on his 7.5" Blackhawk to shoot loads that eclipse .454 loads.

Mental Note: Avoid North Carolina

As many others have told you, it sounds like you're a perfect candidate for a 44 Mag or 45 Colt.

Pick your poison, Ruger or S&W, SA or DA. Try the Bisley gripped Blackhawks if you don't care for the standard grip frames. Don't forget the used gun pile.

You can load these plenty hot and see if you really want to make the transition to the BIG boomers (460/500)... I didn't.

Take care of it and come resale time I bet you lose less than what 100rds of big bore brass will cost you, if anything.

Luck!

 

[StrawHat]

Since you already reload for the 45 ACP, consider a S&W N frame chambered for that cartridge.

 

[Erik M]

I've always preferred hot 357 over 44 mag. Its subjective though, you probably need to fire both and see what you like. Also keep in mind, 38 is to 357 as 44 spl is to 44 mag.

 

[CraigC]

I would strongly suggest something more along the lines of the .41Mag, .44Spl, .44Mag or .45Colt loooooong before considering the .454 or .460. I really don't understand why folks feel the need to leapfrog directly to 65,000psi cartridges when the above mentioned big bores will do 99.99% of what 99.99% of shooters require.

My son uses Hogue rubber grips on his 7.5" Blackhawk to shoot loads that eclipse .454 loads.

Wow, so your son shoots loads that eclipse 65,000psi in a gun proven to come apart at 80,000psi??? Pretty sure that's the definition of stupidity.

I've always preferred hot 357 over 44 mag.

And moderate big bore loads will do everything even the hottest .357 will do and more, without making your ears bleed.

 

[firesky101]

Another vote for .44mag. I have never found any .45colt lying around at my local shooting spots, but sometimes come across piles of .44mag. There is someone who leaves all their .500s&w brass behind, I do not have one yet but I always pick it up.

 

[[email protected]]

This is a lot of fun. Factory conversion Remington 1858 in 45 Colt

 

[skidder]

This is a lot of fun. Factory conversion Remington 1858 in 45 Colt

That does look fun!

 

[jp9mm]

Thanks everyone!

I'm now leaning toward something in .44 or 45colt.
I only thought of .460 because it can fire 3 calibers, i would mostly shoot 45colt out of it but it would be nice to be able to fire a couple .460/454's now and then. It seems S&W is the only one making a .460 at the moment.