475 Linebaugh

Historical Notes:

The 475 Linebaugh is the creation of John Linebaugh of Maryville, MO. It is the current favorite in the contest to develop the world's most powerful revolver cartridge, a role that it fills rather well. The cartridge is based on the 45-70 Government case cut off at 1.5 inches and loaded with .475 inch diameter bullets weighing from 320 grains to 440 grains. The gun used is a modified, large frame Ruger Bisley revolver fitted with a five shot cylinder and 5.5 inch barrel. Longer barrels are available is so desired.

Cutting off the 45-70 case to a length of 1.5 inches is not a new idea, Frank C. Barnes did this back in 1984 to make the 45 Silhouette. However, adapting the 1.5 inch rimmed case to handle 475 caliber bullets is definitely an innovative move.

The 475 Linebaugh was first announced in an article written by Ross Seyfried appearing in  the May 1988 issue of Guns & Ammo magazine, a publication that has always featured information on new wildcat cartridge developments. Loading dies are available from RCBS.

General Comments:

The 475 Linebaugh, like all other super-magnum handgun cartridges, is intended primarily for hunting big game or as a backup when confronting dangerous animals. A 370 grain bullet starting out at 1495 fps develops 1840 fpe, and a 440 grain bullet at 1360 fps develops 1800 fpe. This is 108 foot pounds greater energy than the top 454 Casull loading, so we can accept the claim that the 475 Linebaugh is the world's most powerful revolver cartridge. However, there are other factors that would probably make it even more effective, because the top energy load for the 454 Casull is a 260 grain bullet at 2323 fps muzzle velocity.

If we compare the 300 grain 454 bullet at 1353 fps and 1220 fpe with the 370 grain 475 bullet at1495 fps and 1840 fpe, the difference is even more pronounced on favor of the 475. In fact, this works out to be 620 foot pounds greater energy on the side of the 475 Linebaugh. On the other hand, if we are talking about handgun cartridges in general, there are a number of silhouette cartridges fired in single shot pistols that will beat the 475 in terms of power. In any event, the 475 Linebaugh should make a very fine big game revolver cartridge for those who insist on the biggest or the most.

Source: Cartridges of the World

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