Jump to content
SASS Wire Forum

High power short barrel....Why?


Chili Ron

Recommended Posts

Howdy,

While looking into the 44  vs 45 question,,

I got looking at short barrel powerful revolvers.

My experience with these is that they make a big fireball

that leaves me with a sort of sunburned or fireburn?? feeling.

Then I saw the 454 casull two inch barrel revolver.

Wow.

What is one of these for?

Doenst alll the powder just burn up without adding to bullet speed?

Are these a good idea at all??

Is it just a novelty?

Best

CR

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The short barrel makes it easier to pack and carry when you are in bear country. 

AND ...

If something does happen ... and you actually manage to get off a shot ... you will likely miss.

BUT ...

The noise and the fireball setting the bear on fire is the backup plan. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Howdy,

Im not against the .454. Thats up to the individual.

It just seems the gain of the caliber is lost with the short barrel.

I guess it should be compared to a 38 or 9 mm to justify the

much higher price.

A tool should have a purpose. It should be really good for something.

Best

CR

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Short barrels are easier to carry, but lose velocity and accuracy potential.  Longer barrels utilize more of the available power but are harder to carry.  

 

Weigh out which is more important to your and choose accordingly.  I have a J frame 357 magnum as a backup gun.  It don't get shot very much, but when it does, it carries full house 357 magnum ammo.  Yeah, it hurts to shoot it, but not near as much as it's gonna hurt the target.  

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My neighbor sold his 454 to his brother, replaced it with the 460.
65,000 psi is far too much for me.
I understand the norm is closer to 56-57k psi.


Using the Hodgdon loads, it looks like maybe 20% of the powder is still burning after the bullet leaves the muzzle... hence the Big Flash.
In the Smith 460V 5" the recoil of 454 loads is 29-37 ft. lbs... WOOF!
460 loads are much higher.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have found that, for me, a 3" bbl revolver is pretty much ideal for carry. It conceals better than a 4" and has the edge in velocity and accuracy over the 2". That's why I like My King Cobra so much.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

17 hours ago, Patagonia Pete said:

The short barrel makes it easier to pack and carry when you are in bear country. 

AND ...

If something does happen ... and you actually manage to get off a shot ... you will likely miss.

BUT ...

The noise and the fireball setting the bear on fire is the backup plan. 

Not to mention your eyebrows. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

8 hours ago, Chili Ron said:

Howdy,

Im not against the .454. Thats up to the individual.

It just seems the gain of the caliber is lost with the short barrel.

I guess it should be compared to a 38 or 9 mm to justify the

much higher price.

A tool should have a purpose. It should be really good for something.

Best

CR

 

 

My FA .454 crono's 325gn bullets at 1500 fps at 10' from the muzzle. 

Compare that to several modern day rifle calibers.

OLG 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

with the likelihood of needing ill not carry one but i do understand the concept - i still think a well placed 22 at close range is good for most of our needs but i dont live in an area with other worries right now , might feel different in another location , 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Try the fireball with a short barrel 410 shot load!

I have a double barrel hangun that is impressive at night. 

The barrel is about a 1/2 longer than a 2 1/2" shell !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have an 8 shot S&W 327 Night Guard .357 Magnum. It puts out quite a fireball. I mostly shoot .38s in it and keep it loaded with .38 home defense ammo but mostly because it’s the bedroom gun and my wife can / will use it if necessary. 
 

Here is a photo of her firing it with .38 Special at the range. 
 

C64664B0-AD52-4DE7-A1DA-7E482CC1CB44.thumb.jpeg.9aae6244ac006bb387ab88bca8742eb8.jpeg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.