My barrel in 475/350 Rem Mag has finally shipped and is on it's way to me

after 4 gestational periods, it's about time!!! This should be one serious powerhouse. I will be pushing a 400 gr. bullet at roughly 1900 fps. The guys at Competitor suggested I used the 400 gr. XTP. They said the 475 version of the XTP was the best to use for this round. I even called the techs at Hornady and they said the bullet should still maintain it's integrity even at the increased velocity. I can't wait to test this round out on game! A belted rifle case with a heavy handgun bullet....spells fun to me!

Nice.

What is the state of Competitors business??

I think they are on top of sending out parts, but I think more than anything it is basically a one man show. If one was looking to get a new barrel from them, I would get one that was already made. This goes for dies also. I ordered my barrel & die set March of 2010. I have NO doubt though that when I receive the barrel, it will be exactly what I want.

Here's a little food for thought - in the June 2000 issue of The Sixgunner - JD Jones discusses the 400 gr XTP in his 475 JDJ. He pushed the bullet at a little over 1600 fps & this bullet only showed slight signs of expansion. I would not use this bullet for Cape Buffalo, but for Brown Bear, Moose, or any other NA large game, this bullet should work great.

That barrel will be a beast...I know what my 475 JDJ feels like in a light platform, and 300 more fps will come at a cost

(I flinched thumb-typing this!)

Don't worry buddy, I'll bring plenty of ammo for you to squeee off a few shots.

I wonder how fast you could run the 500gr. Woodleigh Weldcore SPs from it? I've shot a few of them through my Encore .470 NE pistol just for "fun" but haven't had a chance to try them on any animals just yet... I'm hoping I can use them on a few pigs over the holidays to see if they'll expand from a 15" barrel.

Bob, from what I've heard the 500 gr Woodleigh is the only "heavyweight" that will expand reliably at pistol/hand cannon velocities. If I can get my loads worked out, I plan on testing the 475/350 on Jan. 11 th on a big boar. Keep me up to date on how you do on your hunt.

James may shoot all your ammo! I hear he loves those big stompers

The XTP should do really well. I have some 325 SP somewhere I think that would be like a grenade on vermin. I'll have to see if I can find that box. Don't forget pics of barrel and ammo. I want to see it!

Glenn, as soon as the barrel comes out of the box, pics will follow! I had to get a .475 of my own, you know, to see what the "craze" is all about. Mine will just be traveling a little bit faster than some of the others. I can't wait!