drfatguy

I was looking at the H&R1871 web site and noticed the handi-rifle is being chambered in .50S&W. If we extrapolate the ballistics from the revolver to the rifle we can have a 440 grain bullet at 2000 to 2100 fps. This gives almost 4200 ft/lbs of energy. These are my figures and could be wrong but this puts a handi-rifles in useful for anything which walks or crawls anywhere on earth. Am I figuring this right? I am also wondering about monster recoil.

Dr Fatguy

pyral

You're not the first to be interested in this rig. I posted the same question on here a few months ago. After a few chimed in, I do believe I would still rather have the .45-70. True, the .500 would fit the bill you described above, but so does the .45-70, and the .45-70 will do it much cheaper than the .500 probably ever will. Either way, you will still end up with a very nice, compact and fast handling gun that probably couldn't be beat in the woods. What ever floats your boat!!!

oldelkhunter

You'll have some deer waving the white flag if they see their brethren get pancaked by that. Holy Cow. Not sure if a Handi rifle can handle that sort of energy and distribute it well. I think I would want a 9 lb handi rifle for sure

drfatguy

The .50 S&W is in the 60,000 psi range, from what I've read. If this is true could one use ruger #1, Browning 1885 reloading info for the H&R? This puts a 500 grain bullet at 1800 fps. This is in the nasty area when recoiling in a 7 lb rifle. I am not bothered by recoil, I've shot some guns which would smack hard and fast, but why take unnecessary punishment? Obviously I am deciding which I want to purchase.

Dr Fatguy

etothepii

Who would have thought the day would come when a handgun round in a rifle would cause excessive recoil!?!?

oldelkhunter

Drfatguy if that is the PSI I didn't think the HR could take that pressure since they aren't chambered for any magnum calibers... Am I wrong?

drfatguy

Oldelkhunter,
I am remebering the psi from the Guns and Ammo article I read. If I remember correctly the .50S&W had similar pressures as the .454 Casul, which is in the nieghborhood of 60,000 psi. I could be wrong, wouldn't be the first time and won't be the last. The reason I remember this is someone had asked if the .50S&W could be chambered in a Marlin 94 and this was the reason given for not seeing the .454 and .50 in lever action form except for the Legacy by Puma is chambered for the .454. I am asking because I didn't have any info to lead me anywhere.

Dr Fatguy

drfatguy

Ok, I was wrong. I just checked a reloading manual on line and it was 52,000-53,000 psi for the 500 S&W and 454 Casul. Still this puts the 45/70 in Ruger#1 and Browning 1885 range for the H&R1871 single shot. We're talking Africa levels in a 7 lb rifle. I guess it will but one or the other for the deer/bear hunts in the UP of Mi this year.

Dr Fatguy

frizzellr

You won't want to go above Marlin load data in 45-70 Govt for the H&R, and be careful with that. The pressure can cause the action to open, and while you might think automatic ejection is a good thing, it isn't on a single-shot rifle. Besides, heavy loads+light rifle= torn rotator cuff. Been there, done that.

Jeep4x4

I think it would be a good idea. Why? Because rifle companies seem to be chambering handgun calibers in all sorts of rifles and rifle calibers in handguns.