I need a revolver and one more T/C barrel. Looking for recommendations. Here is what I currently have:

Contender 375 JDJ
Encore 460 S&W
Contender 45/410 (POS) but it shouldn't factor in. Won't ever use it lol.
Revolver 44MAG

I hunt just about everything and travel alot during hunting season. So would like to round out the long barrels and also "step up" in the wheel gun department.

Hit me with it Gents

I think you would enjoy an Encore barrel in 416 JDJ or 416 Barnes. Both could be chambered in the contender, but the added weight in the Encore would help to tone down the recoil.

I would think a .475 or .500 of some type would fit in with the natural progression up in size, perhaps a BFR -- good bang for the buck.

But, a .45 Colt wheelgun would also serve you well, particularly one you can load heavier like a Ruger.

375-06 JDJ for the encore is cool. Makes for a very strong "handgun". I'm with whit on the 45 colt or one of the 475/500 type sixguns. BFR would be a cost effective way into that part of the game. Next would probably be a used FA in 475 prisewise. Of cours the 480 would suffice if you find a super RH or something along those line also.

My favorite TC barrel is the 309 JDJ and then the 6.5 jdj. Both are very mild recoiling but do a tremendous job on the killing end. Very accurate also!!!

depends on what you want the cartridge for in the T/C barrel. The Encore has endless options, alot of guys don't like belted mags in the T/C's but I've chambered several 300WM's that were all tack drivers and run a 180gr Accubond between 2700 and 2800fps and with a brake on it they are a pussy cat. If elephant is on your list I've chambered a few 458 Lott's and some 458 Win mags, you'll get up to 2300fps with a 400gr bullet. There have been other smiths chamber them up to 500 Nitro Express. If you want to go more traditional I think the two best all around cartridges are the 270 and 30-06.

Revolver is going to depend on your tolerance for recoil as anything over the 44 is getting stout. If the 44 is near the top for you I'd go with a 480 Ruger otherwise the 454 is also available in factory guns. In FA's or custom revolvers the 475 Linebaugh is a good mix of the 454 and 500, it's faster than the 500 but makes a bigger hole than the 454. If we knew more about what they would be used for it would help. Also do you want a massive X Frame or do you want something easy to carry like an FA or custom Ruger, do you prefer DA in which case there is also the SRH although it too is rather large and heavy.

Im with Whit on the 45 colt. I also like the 44 so if I was you I`d get both...lol. I really like the 6.5 JDJ or the 358 JDJ OR there again both or all four. Glad I could help you narrow it down.

The 44mag doesn't bother me at all in the recoil department. Even when shooting the 300gr loads. Could do it all day long. I LOVE the 45 COLT but also interested in going bigger. I would use it as a field back up and occassionally primary gun for hogs.

For the T/C I was leaning toward the 309 JDJ or 6.8..or.....maybe I need two more barrels lol.

DOA will you be reloading or wanting to use factory ammo?

I really like the Colt but since you've already got the 44 I would make a bigger step for now. I'd suggest either an FA or Custom Ruger in 475, just choose your builder carefully. Jack Huntington, Linebaugh, and Bowen would be my top 3 but there are other good ones out there.

I will be reloading for sure.

Based on what you have already I think a 6.5 jdj would fit nicely in your arsenal. Its a tested and proven caliber and since you'll be reloading that knocks out its only drawback (if there is any). Mild recoil and excellent accuracy. IMO

My Encore 25.06 and 7mm08 are sure fun to shoot and accurate as all get out, so there's my .02. I noticed you didn't mention an XP-100 for consideration--shame on you! (G)

How far up do ya want to go and why? For a wheelgun i see little point to limiting a 45 colt as there are plenty of factory ready 454's that offer everything and more from a 45 colt. 475's are nice but not sure what all u gain above the 454. I think something to the extreme if the 454 doesnt float your boat, since ya have a portable 44 id consider a 460 to seriously extend the wheelgun range or try a smith 500. The half lug 6.5" barreled smith balances about as nice as any x frame and just seem to bulky

Man, I tell ya what. I vote for the 45 Colt as well, and in a beefy girl at that! Reason being-- I got my Colt Anaconda in a 45 Colt, and since I got her home, I have shot that revolver ten times as much as the rest of my guns. What a blast to shoot!!! Accurate as all hell, VERY friendly, and can also be reloaded heavy enough to make a 44mag bow out.

I love mine, and am going lion hunting with it before the end of March. Just gotta find an outfitter.... or a place to try to call one in.

You are pretty good on the thumper side of things, but a SRH in 480R would be a worthwile addition. Since you are light on the looong range stuff how about an Encore tube in 280 Rem, or something in that realm.

Another great suggestion.

DOA,

I'd suggest a 'tender/Encore barrel in the 6-7mm range...lots of versatility out there on deer-sized animals. Like some of the others before me in this thread, I have some factory barrels that shoot lights out, but I'm also partial to the SSK barrels. (6.5 JDJ, 6.5/270 JDJ, 6.5 Grendel - have a couple of other 6.5's in other platforms...kinda like em). Almost forgot about the 257JDJ too...

If you want to size up in diameter a bit, the 30 cal offerings aren't too shabby either with the .309 JDJ and .300 Whisper coming to mind. Or a 308 on the Encore frame.

On the wheelgun front, I think you gotten some good advice - 45 Colt loaded HOT brings it up on the heels of the Casull, and the 475/480 choices let you go single or double action depending on your preferences. Good options in the "smaller" framed 500's (WE/JRH) for SA and the X-framed S&W's.

And but the way, ignore the post about the XP's - that is a sickness that can cripple a man in a hurry!! Santa got me a 338/284 for Christmas that should be a hammer!

You need something smaller...like a .260 Remington or 7mm-08 on the Encore frame. Those are two excellent varmint, deer, antelope cartridges. And since you seem to be a traveling hunter, I'd maybe suggest keeping your choice on the "factory" side of things in case your ammo would get lost in flight. But if you drive everywhere then that may not be an issue.



And since they are no longer in production, you would only cut down on the number available for us to fight over!!

True that...the XP's are terrible. Don't give them a second thought...

(Was that convincing enough, Dan?)

Maybe the Ruger Alaskan in 480 Ruger might make a great back up gun. I am kind of itching for one myself since Ruger is making or going to make them again now.

I'm with Rod on the Encore 30-06, I picked one up and have been wringing it out. The available factory stuff is endless and still in good supply, I'd like to hear other's experience with the 270 and 280.

That is the other thing about the 06, every general store in rural areas will have ammo for it and it will take anything in the lower 48.

There is something VERY vital missing in your collection. A nice 22 handgun. A nice 22 is so much fun and wont break the bank in ammo. Every guy should have a nice 22 handgun


Ruger single-six
S&W 617
Browning buckmark
Ruger MK II/III ...
Smith and Wesson 41 try one they are.....nice..... A friend of mine has a a half dozen

Guess I'm old fashioned. I'd get a:
45 Colt Ruger
223 Tender
7-30 Waters Tender

Seems you're already loaded for bear, just need some fun calibers to hunt with

Gents

Thanks for the suggestions. I am keeping the 460 S&W. Not sure I will keep the 375JDJ. Seems the 460 will kill anything the 375 will so need to work on another barrel for sure.

Here is what I am thinking:

45 Colt in a wheel gun. Just a must have in my book.

6.8 SPC or 280??? Also, looking at one of those XP's you guys are talking about. Figure if you tell me to ignore them then I better buy one and join the craze lol.

I absolutely agree. You can never go wrong with the .45 Colt.