Search found 135 matches

by Bearskinner
Fri Mar 22, 2024 10:47 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: one shot with a 44 or 45 lever, whats you load
Replies: 29
Views: 686

Re: one shot with a 44 or 45 lever, whats you load

Bears are not harder to kill than large bison, or range bulls, but they have ATTITUDE. They kill for a Living, and get good at it. I do not like shooting bears when there looking at you…..sometimes you have NO choice, they usually go where there looking. If there already coming, and looking right at...
by Bearskinner
Thu Mar 21, 2024 10:16 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: one shot with a 44 or 45 lever, whats you load
Replies: 29
Views: 686

Re: one shot with a 44 or 45 lever, whats you load

For many years I carried a 454 with 300 grain Sierra Soft Points. They are extremely hard SP bullets, and the most accurate 45 caliber bullet. In a 45, 21.0 grains of 2400, with the Sierra 8830. That and a stouter version in 454 has taken over 200 head of game for me. That’s at revolver velocity, ad...
by Bearskinner
Sun Mar 17, 2024 1:01 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: The Term "pistol" ....
Replies: 19
Views: 487

Re: The Term "pistol" ....

I generally classify my handguns as either:
Revolvers, single shots, and pistols. There’s exceptions to everything, but that just about covers it all
by Bearskinner
Sun Mar 03, 2024 10:16 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Nickel brass
Replies: 15
Views: 757

Re: Nickel brass

While on the subject of Nickel brass, has any company ever made 50 Alaskan in Nickel?
by Bearskinner
Sun Feb 25, 2024 10:54 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Drones as a carcass-finding aid ...
Replies: 7
Views: 914

Re: Drones as a carcass-finding aid ...

In Africa last year, my 2 PH’s used a drone to view my Cape Buffalo after being shot. He stumbled off dragging a front leg, into some of the heaviest brush around. They deployed the drone after a very long wait, as we couldn’t see in to the brush, but by viewing aerial footage, we could see he was d...
by Bearskinner
Sun Feb 25, 2024 9:55 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: 1876 for Brown Bear
Replies: 22
Views: 1511

Re: 1876 for Brown Bear

After shooting my family (original 1876, built in 1876) centennial 45/75 in Raton last year, with Trailboss loads, I felt it was pretty anemic. I’m working on a SR4759 load for it. I’m powder coating and gas checking some 350 grain .459’s. I’ll bring it up slowly, as the Rifle is perfect, and after ...
by Bearskinner
Fri Jan 26, 2024 11:21 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: I love old model Rugers
Replies: 64
Views: 3498

Re: I love old model Rugers

I used to have a vaquero in the PPP pile, but passed it along due to my eyes and the sights. Not it’s two Blackhawks. A 5 shot 4 3/4 an early build by John, and 5” stainless octagon with aluminum RW bearskinner Bisley grip frame, which is a dandy carry piece. Both balance wonderfully in hand. IMG_22...
by Bearskinner
Mon Jan 08, 2024 7:49 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: The Power of the .454 Casull
Replies: 17
Views: 960

Re: The Power of the .454 Casull

My favorite hunting revolver FA83 in .454. It just kills better that it looks like it should on paper too. I’ve had the confidence to hunt everything on earth with it. So accurate it makes me look like I can shoot well.
by Bearskinner
Sun Nov 19, 2023 3:26 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Ruger-Marlin SS45-70 trapper sale Bass Pro Cabelas
Replies: 10
Views: 691

Re: Ruger-Marlin SS45-70 trapper sale Bass Pro Cabelas

I agree with that, buy it if you can. You never know when it’s all gonna end, and if you leave too much $$$ to your kids, they will just buy stupid sh!+ with it.
by Bearskinner
Sun Nov 19, 2023 8:38 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Ruger-Marlin SS45-70 trapper sale Bass Pro Cabelas
Replies: 10
Views: 691

Ruger-Marlin SS45-70 trapper sale Bass Pro Cabelas

I have wanted one, as I really like the trapper size lever guns, and prefer the pistol grip stock. I went to town to play with one, and the fit and finish appears really nice. Apparently Bass Pro, Cabela’s bought them all up, as they have a bunch of them in stock. Regular sale price $1,199.00, BUT M...
by Bearskinner
Sun Nov 12, 2023 9:57 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Northern Lights ? ? ?
Replies: 5
Views: 453

Re: Northern Lights ? ? ?

I had a place on the Kenai Peninsula for almost 40 years, and spent a lot of time star gazing. No pictures or video will come near the shear beauty, and overall heavenly feeling of experiencing the aurora in person. I’ve sat for hours on cold clear evenings watching heavens natural show.
by Bearskinner
Wed Nov 08, 2023 7:50 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Binoculars
Replies: 30
Views: 23390

Re: Binoculars

I will wear a small pair in a chest holder while out stalking in cover, where it’s nice to be able to look into brush and pick up all aspects of an animal. I have had a large set of Zeiss night Owl’s for 30 years. There heavy and not an easy carry, but for long distance clarity, Especially under low...
by Bearskinner
Mon Nov 06, 2023 5:01 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Let's See Your... Deer Rifles
Replies: 38
Views: 7515

Re: Let's See Your... Deer Rifles

First deer I shot, was actually with a Marlin in 30-30. I was a kid and didn’t own a handgun yet. First and only deer with a rifle, all handguns ever since. Here’s my two favorites.

IMG_4704.jpeg
IMG_4705.jpeg
by Bearskinner
Thu Nov 02, 2023 7:56 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Lever Action shotgun ?
Replies: 12
Views: 1500

Re: Lever Action shotgun ?

I might be wrong, but didn’t Henry come out with a .410 lever action for a while too?
by Bearskinner
Thu Oct 12, 2023 7:50 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Cuttin' Firewood
Replies: 11
Views: 358

Re: Cuttin' Firewood

I have found it’s easier to have a semi log truck delivery about every 3-4 years to deliver extra logs off the landing to my yard. I have a “log Yard” area and a log grapple to handle the chores. Put a saw buck in front of the Wood shed ( about 2 car garage in size) spend a day or two cutting rounds...
by Bearskinner
Fri Oct 06, 2023 8:17 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: The 500 S&W BHA Levergun
Replies: 2
Views: 197

Re: The 500 S&W BHA Levergun

Their advertising worked on me! A couple years ago I was visiting with John, and went by the new BHA facility being built in Cody. Even with equipment piled up, and machinery not up and working yet, I got an enthusiastic Byron, the sales associate setting up an office, who happily took me to a coupl...
by Bearskinner
Wed Sep 27, 2023 9:09 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Alaskan Adventure
Replies: 23
Views: 945

Re: Alaskan Adventure

Back in the 80’s I purchased my place in Alaska, on the Kenai. It made for a great way to prepare for fly out and waterway hunts and fishing trips all over the state. Years later once I retired, I had the time and destination, so I made many trips back and forth driving the Alcan. One particular tri...
by Bearskinner
Fri Sep 15, 2023 9:33 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: My Loading Bench
Replies: 13
Views: 598

Re: My Loading Bench

I know I can spend hours organizing the bench, and it still looks like nothing got done. A few months back, while recovering from a hernia fix, I spent days building little shelf’s in between large metal shelving, so I could attempt to lay all my tools and supplies out, easy to find and use.
by Bearskinner
Thu Sep 14, 2023 12:56 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Big Horn Armory Model 89
Replies: 13
Views: 808

Re: Big Horn Armory Model 89

I can sure see distance easily with this 2.75 Burris scout scope on it! It doesn’t quite look right, but it should help 100 yard groupings. I’ve got a mess of H110 loads (BHA recommendation) and I made up some SR4759 loads
by Bearskinner
Thu Sep 14, 2023 12:34 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Big Horn Armory Model 89
Replies: 13
Views: 808

Re: Big Horn Armory Model 89

As I use Single Actions for most things, I prefer shorter Lever guns as well. There’s something just very cool about antiques with long Octagon barrels and full length tubes, but these handy .500+ calibers in carbine length just make me grin.

IMG_3939.jpeg
IMG_3940.jpeg
by Bearskinner
Thu Sep 14, 2023 8:32 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Big Horn Armory Model 89
Replies: 13
Views: 808

Re: Big Horn Armory Model 89

I’ve only fired a few rounds, no bench rest shooting, and I’m thinking of having a scout scope QD set up for precise longer shots. The peep and green fiber optic bead are phenomenal . I cast 400’s ( mainly for the 500JRH’s I hunt with) and a 460 grain LFN GC that should be dandy in a carbine length...
by Bearskinner
Fri Sep 08, 2023 7:47 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Big Horn Armory Model 89
Replies: 13
Views: 808

Re: Big Horn Armory Model 89

I just received mine (500S&W) with a 16” barrel. Ordered it just over a year ago. It feels and balances perfectly in the hand. I have a few different load to try this weekend. Like all the big bore Leverguns and revolvers, they will have NO problem as a large game hunting primary tool. I truly l...
by Bearskinner
Wed Sep 06, 2023 7:55 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Smith & Wesson 329PD
Replies: 17
Views: 612

Re: Smith & Wesson 329PD

The super light S&W’s are made to be carried. They shoot well, but physics takes over under recoil, and their light weight lets you feel the full potential of the cartridge you are firing. Certainly a joy to carry over the same sized stainless steel revolver. You can always shoot mostly Specials...
by Bearskinner
Tue Sep 05, 2023 7:47 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Ammunition supplies.
Replies: 10
Views: 526

Re: Ammunition supplies.

Brass, copper and lead are all valuable commodities, it would benefit everyone to keep quality supplies at hand.
by Bearskinner
Thu Aug 31, 2023 9:15 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Building a garden shed
Replies: 20
Views: 795

Re: Building a garden shed

Another thing you may want to consider, if you have the option, do these structures come on skids? In other words, 2 or 3, 6”x6” pressure treated, full length beams. If you ever wanted to move it, you could easily “skid” it across the yard to another location. It also makes for a very strong Frame t...
by Bearskinner
Wed Aug 30, 2023 8:00 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Building a garden shed
Replies: 20
Views: 795

Re: Building a garden shed

That would be very easy to wire the interior, insulate and add A/C, plywood, OSB or drywall. If you go that route, start with a good solid dry base to set it on.
by Bearskinner
Tue Aug 29, 2023 7:52 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Building a garden shed
Replies: 20
Views: 795

Re: Building a garden shed

You need to see if you have building codes to contend with before anything gets started. If you build off the back or side your existing garage, you start with a solid first wall. You probably have electrical in your garage already, so it’s much simpler ( also cheaper) to extend it into the addition...
by Bearskinner
Thu Aug 24, 2023 10:15 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: What is your most useful levergun?
Replies: 77
Views: 3957

Re: What is your most useful levergun?

Absolutely. Accuracy is paramount to full power. A .480 with standard weight bullets (300-370) will cleanly take anything in the lower 48, and do great on most everything in Africa. I think the ability to shoot accurately and put your shot exactly where you want to, is much better than firing a howi...
by Bearskinner
Thu Aug 24, 2023 8:56 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: What is your most useful levergun?
Replies: 77
Views: 3957

Re: What is your most useful levergun?

The nice thing is it’s powerful enough to shoot at range, or hunt with, but not so nasty a few rounds thru a revolver, and you’re done for the day. It shoots well in short and long barrels. Nice strong, but mild load.
by Bearskinner
Fri Aug 18, 2023 10:27 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Combos?
Replies: 18
Views: 748

Re: Combos?

For me personally I just have a love of Leverguns and Single Actions. DA’s are pretty nice as well. My Single actions are capable of taking any animal in the world, and have, literally. I pretty much just play with lever guns, so it makes sense to use something I already load for, and cast bullets f...
by Bearskinner
Tue Aug 15, 2023 7:46 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: 500 Linebaugh combo
Replies: 3
Views: 201

500 Linebaugh combo

Here’s a pair of 500L’s a well worn Ruger Bisley 5 shot and “the Reason” 500L 1895 marlin. John hated that marlin, he called it the reason he just liked revolvers, and would never build another.

IMG_3420.jpeg
IMG_3421.jpeg
by Bearskinner
Thu Aug 10, 2023 8:18 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Does anyone here cast buckshot?
Replies: 11
Views: 585

Re: Does anyone here cast buckshot?

I cast a lot of OO shot. Get a pair of Tie-wrap cutters. (HF for $3.00) They cut the spru right at the base a lot cleaner than regular side cutters. Then just load them up
by Bearskinner
Sun Aug 06, 2023 8:12 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: This is a pretty cool shooter
Replies: 21
Views: 909

Re: This is a pretty cool shooter

It’s a great gun and supplies shop, but there’s not really a store front. Locals knock on the door and go in, one of the friendly folks that are sitting in front of a computer, will happily go thru their warehouse type location (99% of there business is on line) and gather up your items. You will ha...
by Bearskinner
Fri Aug 04, 2023 8:07 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: This is a pretty cool shooter
Replies: 21
Views: 909

Re: This is a pretty cool shooter

I was just at buffalo arms yesterday. I like to stop by and pick up supplies when heading to town.
by Bearskinner
Mon Jun 26, 2023 9:00 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Lee Liquid Alox
Replies: 26
Views: 969

Re: Lee Liquid Alox

I use Alox on my rifle type cartridges, in single shot pistols, that are powder coated, gas checked. Once I run them thru (usually) a Lee sizer, I’ll lay them out on wax paper, lightly warm up the Lee Alox, and using a model brush, brush it on the lube grooves, then push thru the sizer die again. I’...
by Bearskinner
Wed May 17, 2023 6:40 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Speaking of Handloading . . .
Replies: 7
Views: 349

Re: Speaking of Handloading . . .

I hit the reloading bench for relaxation, and like the OP, during this past loooong winter. Lots of loaded ammo ready to play and hunt
by Bearskinner
Thu May 11, 2023 8:47 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: shipping ammo
Replies: 5
Views: 366

Re: shipping ammo

UPS ground. It helps to cut down a small box so the ammo boxes just fit inside, and tape it up solid. They measure WxLxH plus weight to come to their shipping cost.
by Bearskinner
Wed Mar 15, 2023 7:32 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Shorter Barreled Leverguns
Replies: 38
Views: 1376

Re: Shorter Barreled Leverguns

A Johnson built Kenai 50 Alaskan lever gun, cut back to a handy size. You need to be able to turn around in the heavy willows and alders. A handy size helps. All these are .510’s of various lengths (all under 17”). 500LINEBAUGH, 50ALASKAN, 50-110EXPRESS 924769F9-BF11-476F-A186-00ECF7CFCE07.jpeg 8686...
by Bearskinner
Fri Mar 03, 2023 8:11 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Winchester 71, 348Winchester lovers?
Replies: 47
Views: 1838

Re: Winchester 71, 348Winchester lovers?

I have one second year (4 digit serial number) deluxe, in .348, and a newer Browning 71 converted to 50-110 and shortened to 16.5” very handy.

DA2848F8-54E7-49BF-8378-4E7FCAEB7193.png
by Bearskinner
Mon Jan 23, 2023 9:03 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: New acquisition - Winchester 71 - Target results added
Replies: 35
Views: 1348

Re: New acquisition - Winchester 71 - Target results added

I just got my Accurate bullet mold yesterday, so I cast a couple hundred 250 grain gas check bullets for my M 71. I’ll Powder coat them, size and gas check in a couple days.
21AEBE26-3E02-4A5D-B79E-7B8B38620399.jpeg
3E76FC51-A371-440C-A5C3-D3606B4B9596.jpeg
by Bearskinner
Sun Jan 15, 2023 9:04 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: BIG 50, 50-110 on a Model 71
Replies: 22
Views: 1666

Re: BIG 50, 50-110 on a Model 71

I took it to Wayne York at “Oregunsmithing” in Pendleton Oregon. I have played with a couple levers he has done for a friend, and was very pleased with his work, and how well my buddies guns shot. I do not know the rifling twist, but he did the re bore and re chamber as well as recoil pad(took 1” of...
by Bearskinner
Sun Jan 15, 2023 12:05 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: BIG 50, 50-110 on a Model 71
Replies: 22
Views: 1666

Re: BIG 50, 50-110 on a Model 71

Only 3+1, but you only need the first one.
by Bearskinner
Sat Jan 14, 2023 9:11 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: BIG 50, 50-110 on a Model 71
Replies: 22
Views: 1666

Re: BIG 50, 50-110 on a Model 71

That’s what got me casting in the first place. In .510 alone, I cast 345 RFN, 350LFN, 435 WFN, 450RFN, 500HP, 525LFN, and the monster 620LFN. Lots to choose from!
by Bearskinner
Sat Jan 14, 2023 8:32 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: BIG 50, 50-110 on a Model 71
Replies: 22
Views: 1666

Re: BIG 50, 50-110 on a Model 71

Got my 50-110 project back in a brown truck delivery last night. I’m not only impressed with the work, it came home in just under 2 months! The shortened 16.5” barrel with NEGC front Fiber optic sight set up, balances great, snd what a handy size! Filled the tube and they cycled flawlessly. (snowing...
by Bearskinner
Tue Jan 03, 2023 7:59 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: 16.5” R92 Octagon from full sized
Replies: 11
Views: 555

Re: 16.5” R92 Octagon from full sized

I have not had time to do much more than cycle it a few times, and look it over. I did stick a pendulum in there, and it did not shave wood, so I lightly put my little finger in there, it wasn’t bad. I’ll sand the loading gate area for sure, and with all the wood off lightly remove the sharp areas. ...
by Bearskinner
Tue Jan 03, 2023 9:16 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: 16.5” R92 Octagon from full sized
Replies: 11
Views: 555

Re: 16.5” R92 Octagon from full sized

I’m pleasantly surprised at the balance and feel of the little R92, even at 24”. Cycling the action, it is very light, although the trigger has some creep. The wood to metal fit is also pleasantly acceptable, and the dark wood against the stainless is nice. This example is a much nicer specimens tha...
by Bearskinner
Mon Jan 02, 2023 10:42 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: 16.5” R92 Octagon from full sized
Replies: 11
Views: 555

Re: 16.5” R92 Octagon from full sized

Heading into town today, to my FFL to pick it up. I’ll play with it with the 24 inch barrel before any alterations are considered. I’m curious what kind of “clean up” may be needed on the action and loading gate. I’m sure the velocity and accuracy will be substantially enhanced with the long barrel.
by Bearskinner
Sun Jan 01, 2023 11:16 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: 16.5” R92 Octagon from full sized
Replies: 11
Views: 555

16.5” R92 Octagon from full sized

I picked up a 24” Stainless Steel Octagon 357 Rossi R92, but really like the shorter handier length barrels. Should be pretty simple to cut it back, ( and mag tube) and have the dovetail re-cut. Anyone have one like this? I’m just wondering how much nicer it handles. I’ll find out soon. Also wonderi...
by Bearskinner
Tue Dec 06, 2022 8:23 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Trial No. 2 with powder coat
Replies: 24
Views: 1078

Re: Trial No. 2 with powder coat

I have found I can use a softer lead, air drop, and when I powder coat, I water drop. Size and gas check if a GC bullet. The coating is extremely hard, and I have not leaded a barrel at any speeds. I also do the wet powder method, as I live in a high humidity area, with wet colder seasons. Simple on...
by Bearskinner
Mon Dec 05, 2022 9:49 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Trial No. 2 with powder coat
Replies: 24
Views: 1078

Re: Trial No. 2 with powder coat

After powder coating for a couple years now, I find by using different colors with similar looking bullets, it’s easy to “color code” by weight and/or power. It is also very nice to handle clean, painted bullets. No lube no dirty lead, etc, and clean hands when loading. Your bullets look great, and ...