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.475 Linebaugh Ammo
Professionally Reviewed by:
Nathaniel Boos
Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.
Credentials:
- • 2x Team Safari Competitor
- • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
- • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
- • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified
.475 Linebaugh: At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Revolver |
| Primer Type | Large Rifle |
| Used For | Hunting Large Game, Self-Defense against Dangerous Animals |
| Case Design | Rimmed, Straight |
| Year Introduced | 1988 |
.475 Linebaugh: At a Glance: Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Extremely powerful for big game hunting
- ✔ Excellent stopping power for dangerous game
- ✔ Versatile for handloading various bullet weights
- ✔ Manageable recoil compared to similar large-bore cartridges
- ✔ Suitable for hunting in thick brush conditions
Cons
- ✘ Limited firearm options available
- ✘ Expensive ammunition
- ✘ Heavy recoil compared to smaller calibers
- ✘ Not suitable for small game or target shooting
- ✘ Requires significant practice for proficiency
.475 Linebaugh: The Powerful Handgun Cartridge
The .475 Linebaugh is a large-bore handgun cartridge known for its impressive power and stopping capability. Developed by John Linebaugh in 1988, this cartridge was designed to be one of the most powerful commercial handgun rounds available. It's primarily used for hunting large and dangerous game, as well as for protection against large predators in wilderness areas.
Development and Characteristics
The .475 Linebaugh was created by John Linebaugh, a custom gunsmith from Wyoming, who sought to develop a cartridge that could reliably take down large game animals with a handgun. He based the design on the .45-70 Government case, trimming it to 1.4 inches and expanding the rim diameter to .610 inches. This resulted in a cartridge capable of propelling heavy bullets at high velocities, generating substantial muzzle energy.
Typically, the .475 Linebaugh launches bullets weighing between 380 and 440 grains at velocities ranging from 1,300 to 1,500 feet per second. This combination results in muzzle energies exceeding 2,000 foot-pounds, placing it among the most powerful handgun cartridges in the world. The cartridge's performance is comparable to that of some rifle cartridges, making it suitable for hunting large game such as elk, moose, and even brown bears.
Applications and Usage
The primary application of the .475 Linebaugh is for hunting large and dangerous game. Its power and penetration make it effective against thick-skinned animals and those with dense bone structures. The cartridge is also used by some individuals for wilderness protection against large predators like grizzly bears.
While the .475 Linebaugh offers tremendous power, it also comes with significant recoil. This limits its practicality for many shooters and confines its use primarily to experienced handgun hunters and enthusiasts. The cartridge is typically chambered in large-frame revolvers, with custom-built guns being common due to the specialized nature of the round.
Timeline of .475 Linebaugh Development:
.475 Linebaugh Performance Characteristics
Key performance metrics of the .475 Linebaugh cartridge:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Bullet Weight | 380-440 grains Heavier bullets are common for large game hunting |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1,300-1,500 fps Varies based on load and barrel length |
| Muzzle Energy | 2,000+ ft-lbs Comparable to some rifle cartridges |
| Effective Range | 100-150 yards Optimal for close-range hunting scenarios |
| Recoil | Very high Requires significant experience to handle effectively |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .475 Linebaugh loads.
.475 Linebaugh: Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for .475 Linebaugh ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hunting (Large Game) | 0-100 | Powerful enough for the largest game animals at close range |
| Self-Defense | 0-25 | Extremely potent at close range, but significant recoil |
| Target Shooting | 0-50 | Limited by handgun accuracy and significant bullet drop |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .475 Linebaugh is known for its extreme power and is primarily used for hunting large and dangerous game at close ranges. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for .475 Linebaugh
The .475 Linebaugh's powerful performance profile makes it suitable for specific applications:
Caliber Comparisons
To understand the .475 Linebaugh's place in the handgun world, it's helpful to compare it to similar large-bore cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .475 Linebaugh with other large-bore handgun cartridges. (Based on a 4 lb handgun)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .475 Linebaugh with other large-bore handgun cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .475 Linebaugh with other large-bore handgun cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .475 Linebaugh with other large-bore handgun cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density Comparison for .475 Linebaugh
The .475 Linebaugh is a powerful handgun cartridge known for its high sectional density, which contributes to excellent penetration and energy transfer.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| .475 Linebaugh | 400 | 0.341 |
| .475 Linebaugh | 420 | 0.358 |
| .475 Linebaugh | 440 | 0.375 |
Note: The .475 Linebaugh typically uses heavy bullets ranging from 400 to 440 grains, resulting in high sectional densities. This contributes to its reputation for deep penetration and excellent performance on large game. The cartridge's large diameter of 0.475 inches combined with these heavy bullets results in sectional densities that are among the highest for handgun cartridges.