Growing up I was a 44mag nut, rifles, revolvers, automag, Desert Eagle, the works. And a Dan Wesson 445sm. But like all kids I found a new toy. Mine was 45-70 ssk Contender. So I got to be a 45 fan and went to the 45lc and started hot loading it. Now as a Big Kid I have a 500 S&W 12" Encore.
Ok now my need for help, I want a backpacking Encore (Yes I have a 4 5/8" Blackhawk 45lc for that but I want an Encore, the big kid thing again)and I am going to put a 8",maybe 6" barrel on my encore in one of two rounds. Seeing as I have the stuff for a 454 or a 445. And tons of reloading data, brass, bullets, dies every thing for both. I just can't pick the 454 or the 445.
Which do you think is the better. 445 or the 454? I love them both and can't make up my mind! They both have there high points and I can't find a low point for the two. So here I sit hoping you can help.

Bigger holes hurt more, but the 445 is such a classic. If you can load the 454 you can also load the 460. Tough choice, but for nostalgia I say 445.

I don't want a 460 at all. To much for that short of a barrel, a 454 will do all you can get out of that barrel. I don't think you could gain but maybe 200fps with the 460 in a 6". And wow what a flame.
I know what you are talking about I do love the 445. I was thinking in the 454 you can get cowboy loads for the 45lc and plink but you know in the 445 you can shoot the 44sp. for plinking. And lots of people are going to the 44sp.

Agree the 460 is overkill, but it is all the "rage" after all. The 454 is plenty, and you don't get penalized as badly with shorter 45LC as would the 460. You can shoot 44 mags in the 445 as well so neither is lacking in versatility.

How about .475 Linebaugh, and 480R for light stuff.

What about the 480 Ruger??

At first the idea was 475l/480 but I would have to buy every thing. I have all for the other two from bullets down so I want to keep it between those two.
And I have a T-Rex killer anyway.

.445

I have a 454 Casull MGM barrel on an encore, 10 inch I think and it shoots very good. It has a muzzle break. I hav'nt shot it in a couple of years but it makes a fine rig.

Joe W

If you like 45's I'll have another 458Win barrel fixed up after the first of the year.

What are you trying to tell me? I don't understand. Fixing you one for yourself or fixing one to sell? And what you make it like?

I was going to go with out a break. I have there barrel in 500 S&W 12" with break and love it. But I want a shorter barrel with no break in 6" or 8". Thanks.

I was just joking, if you want a short barrel you wouldn't want the 458. I have one I built for myself but it's on a 15" 45-70 pistol barrel with a 2" brake and muzzle blast is still intense. I built my barrel for two reasons, one to see how feasable it was to build one on a factory barrel and second to use as a hammer on larger animals. For me I hunt elk in brutal country and they often don't have to go very far to end up in a place that takes what could have been a two hour recovery into a two day recovery. I've purchased some Bergara 45-70 rifle barrels and will be cutting them back and rechambering them and putting them up for sale. They have the full profile and use the muzzleloader forend. The heavier barrel and forend along with the brake will make the barrel more controlable but it will still be a beast.

Will a full bull forearm fit? that is what my 500 is.....tell me (and PM me if you wish) what would you have to have for one with 15" or 16" with a break? And if my forearm fits drilled for handgun forearm..? I have always wanted one!!!!! I had a 45-70 from ssk when they first came out, back when ssk was just talk around range when I was busting chickens, pigs, turkeys, and rams. Loaded it hotter than I should have and loved it. But to have a 458mag. WOW but I don't know how many dishes I would have to wash or if there is enough to wash to get it.....lol!! But I would want iron sights too. It is a bucket list gun! Do you make other barrels?

I haven't figured the price yet but I will and send you a pm. I just do rechambering of factory barrels and I'm still in the process of trying to come up with calibers that are more rare or haven't even been chambered in the Encore. I am working on getting set up with someone to over drill barrels to different calibers and Mike Bellm is helping me to get set up on some more stuff. The big thing is getting the reamers, some I can make myself but some I have to order. I will eventually be set up to do all the 444 Marlin based calibers and I'm looking at stuff bigger than the 458 Win but I need to do some testing to see if the gains are worth the extra recoil and powder. I'm looking at the 458 Lott as one as well as some of the old rimmed double rifle cartridges and Sharps cartridges. I'll get a price figured and get back to you within a day or two. I almost forgot I'm not positive on the forend I'll have to double check. Mike has the barrels at his shop and I'm picking them up when I go down there next month.

wapitirod Love to hear what all you have come up with and are looking at doing. This is just what I love the odd stuff. So send me a list of what you are doing and one of what you may do. Thanks. And if you ever need a test bed I'm your man.
ButcheN

Will do

check you PM if you have check it again had an edit