Author Topic: FA 83 Cylinder Length Question (Read 1041 times)

redleg99 · « **on:** May 21, 2006, 10:57:31 AM »

Im considering getting an FA 83 in 41 Magnum.
However, I have heard that the FA cylinder is shorter than those found on Rugers or Dan Wessons.
So, Im wondering if the FA cylinder is too short to allow the use of very heavy (270 300 grn) bullets in the 41 Magnum.
Can anyone tell me what the actual cylinder length is on the Model 83?

SJPrice · « **Reply #1 on:** May 21, 2006, 03:37:01 PM »

1.75 inches is the length of a Model 83 cylinder. I can not help you with the 41 Mag question however. Mine is a 475 Linebaugh.

redleg99 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 21, 2006, 06:08:34 PM »

Thanks SJPrice!

Well, lets see
In a 41 Magnum, I believe 1.75 would allow for a 270 grn bullet, but Im not so sure about a 300.

Anyone have experience with heavy bullets in an FA 41 Magnum?

MarkH · « **Reply #3 on:** May 25, 2006, 10:41:58 AM »

Are you sure you are not thinking of the Model 97, with its shorter cylinder?

I do not have a 41 on the 83 frame - but shoot 300's and bigger out of the 83 454's with plenty of room (generally).

WL44 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 25, 2006, 10:35:32 PM »

Red,

I asked a similar question (regarding both throat dia and cylinder length) because I wanted to order a .44 mould and don't have an FA .44 yet.

I don't have a .41 either, but I recall seeing elsewhere - either cast bullet or Veral Smith's forum elsewhere here on Greybeard that a 270 gr didn't work in a FA .41 (I'm not sure it was just nose length). Was it Lloyd who replied? I'm not sure. Becaues I don't have a .41 I didn't pay it too much attention and could be wrong in what I recall seeing.

Do a search in those forums for ".41" in the subject. I've seen a few posts there, so there should be someone to reply.

I've got a .357 Mod 83 though and I measured from the front of the cylinder face to the mouth of an empty sized case and found that a .45" nose length seemed do-able, assuming that's all that you are asking.

The FA cylinders have recessed case heads. Using the 1.75" cylinder, less the 1.285" to 1.290" of the .357, .41 and .44 cases you are left with at least .46", which agrees with my measurement.

What weight that will handle should depend on the design, but if I look at the LBT catalogue elsewhere on the site you see that the largest listed is a 250gr at a .45 length.

With throat diameter in the very wide nose profiles it may not be as easy as just doing the maths on the nose length? I'm not experienced enough to comment more that what I've said.

I hope that helps a bit.

WL

WL44 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 25, 2006, 11:02:02 PM »

Red,

My recollection wasn't perfect....

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/about88227.html

I was bothered, so went back to search. Veral's forum - 26 March 2006.

This may be useful.

Wim

Bob Baker · « **Reply #6 on:** May 26, 2006, 08:17:09 AM »

Pardon the slow response, I don't get on the internet very often.

The longest cartridge length for the M83 is 1.765 which is the length of the 454 Casull. Basically if you subtract the .41 Mag. case length of 1.290 from the 1.765 you end up with an allowable bullet nose length of .475 for the .41 Mag.

redleg99 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 29, 2006, 01:29:24 PM »

Thanks to all who responded!

The lengths quoted by WL44 and Mr Bob Baker would seem to allow for a 300 grain bullet, but it would have to be designed just right.

This was confirmed by a post by RJM where he describes using a 300 grain bullet from Penn Bullets.

So, I guess that about settles it - a FA 83 in 41 Magnum is definitely in my future!

SJPrice · « **Reply #8 on:** June 01, 2006, 03:47:34 AM »

Quote from: redleg99

So, I guess that about settles it - a FA 83 in 41 Magnum is definitely in my future!

I bet Bob is smiling now! :lol: