Bought a Freedom Arms .475 Linebaugh (6” ported barrel) back in early August and posted initial questions/impressions here
http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,123002.0.html .
As of yesterday, I broke the 2,000 round mark. Most of these were 400gr cast at 1,100 fps. Shot a few 325gr at around 900 fps, a box and a half of 20 round factory 400 XTPs (1,225 fps from my 6” ported barrel) and some 400/420grainers at 1,250 to 1,280 fps.
Up to 1,100 fps with 400 grainers, recoil is not uncomfortable for me (remember my gun is magnaported) – can easily shoot 50 rounds per session before fatigue really starts to set in. Keeping velocity at 1,100 fps or below and reducing bullet weight (I’ve mostly used 370s and 355s) reduces fatigue and increases shooting enjoyment. The 325/330s at about 900 fps are pure fun.
Obviously, the lighter bullets shoot lower than the heavier ones, so for the most part I stick with the 400 gr stuff. In my gun, at 50 yards, the 420s at 1,250fps shoot pretty close to the same poi as the 400s at 1,100fps. Either of these loads will handle anything I’m likely to encounter. Will probably use the 420/1,250 combo for elk hunting starting next week -- my gun shots the 420 WFNGC better than any of the 400s I’ve tried.
I mostly shoot offhand at 50 to 100 yds (steel plates, rocks, cans, cardboard). I have only shot about 50 rnds from any kind of rested position (no sandbags, just sitting on folding char with arms rested over 18” shelf about 20” off the ground). The best 50 yd, 5 shot group was right at 3” with the rest averaging 4 ½”. A lot of the rested groups will have 3 or 4 shots real tight, then I’ll throw one. For example, the 420gr WFNGC -- 3 in ¾”, 4 in 2 ½”, with the 5th shot opening the group up to 4”. I haven’t spent a lot of time with load development, and I’m sure the gun is capable of better with proper load development, and a better rest.
I bought this gun on Gunsamerica. After making the offer, and before it was accepted, I was suffering buyers remorse – the thought that I really didn’t need this gun kept running thru my mind. As it turns out, this has been one of the more enjoyable guns I have owned. I look forward to shooting it every time out. Just can’t seem to set it down -- keep saying, just 5 more rounds.
Reasonably priced .475 Components (Especially Cast Bullets) are sometimes hard to find. Here are some vendors that I have used with complete satisfaction.
Leadhead Bullets
http://www.proshootpro.com/Cast Performance Bullets
http://www.castperformance.com/StoreFront.bokMontana Bullet Works
http://www.montanabulletworks.com/Mastercast Bullets
http://www.mastercastbullets.com/Starline Brass
http://starlinebrass.com/FWIW,
Paul
