Ep. 182 - Ultimate Hunting Revolvers

Published on May 22, 2025
Duration: 66:41

This episode features Mike "Whitey" Jensen, a 50-year veteran at Hornady, discussing his custom-built Freedom Arms Model 83 .454 Casull revolver, optimized for hunting. He details its history, accuracy potential (1-1.5 inch groups at 100 yards), and modifications including custom grips for recoil management and a forward-mounted scope mount for better shooting ergonomics. The discussion also touches on the development of Hornady's XTP bullet, which originated from the need for a robust hunting bullet for high-pressure cartridges like the .454 Casull.

Quick Summary

The Freedom Arms Model 83 .454 Casull, customized by Hornady's Mike "Whitey" Jensen, achieves remarkable hunting accuracy with 1-1.5 inch groups at 100 yards. Modifications include custom grips for recoil, a forward scope mount for ergonomics, and a unique Arca Swiss shooting rest, all designed to enhance its performance in the field.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction with Joyce Tornady
  2. 00:16Host Seth Werzik and Guests Preston Lentford & Mike "Whitey" Jensen
  3. 01:42Whitey's Journey into Revolvers
  4. 02:03Silhouette Shooting and IHMSA
  5. 03:54Advantage of Larger Calibers in Silhouette
  6. 04:46Freedom Arms Model 83 .454 Casull Introduction
  7. 06:04Origin Story of the .454 Casull Revolver
  8. 07:06Acquisition of the Freedom Arms Model 83
  9. 07:31Accuracy and Group Sizes
  10. 08:00Preferred Ammunition: 240gr XTP Mag
  11. 08:31Development of Hornady XTP Bullet
  12. 11:45The First XTP Bullet and the .454 Casull
  13. 12:06Field Use and Grip Modifications
  14. 13:16Custom Polymer Grips for Recoil Management
  15. 13:31Mounting a Scope for Hunting
  16. 13:49Custom Scope Mount Design
  17. 15:42Scope Mount Stability and Zero Retention
  18. 17:00Silhouette Shooting Styles
  19. 19:09Hornady Handgun Hunter Ammunition
  20. 19:32Trigger Characteristics
  21. 20:21Unique Grip Shaping and Materials
  22. 21:42Kangaroo Scrotum Shooting Rest
  23. 22:27Filling the Shooting Rest
  24. 23:40Shooting Off the Grip Considerations
  25. 24:35Narwhal Tusk Grips and Hunting Story
  26. 25:50Hunting Scenario and Pistol Weight

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Freedom Arms Model 83 .454 Casull suitable for hunting?

The Freedom Arms Model 83 .454 Casull is highly suitable for hunting due to its exceptional accuracy, capable of 1-1.5 inch groups at 100 yards. It's also been modified with custom grips for recoil management and a forward-mounted scope for better field ergonomics, ensuring reliable performance on game.

How did the Hornady XTP bullet develop?

The Hornady XTP (eXtreme Terminal Performance) bullet line was developed to meet the demands of high-pressure handgun cartridges like the .454 Casull. The first XTP bullet was created by Hornady engineers to provide a robust and accurate projectile for hunting applications, addressing limitations of existing handgun bullets.

What are the key modifications on Whitey Jensen's custom hunting revolver?

Whitey Jensen's custom Freedom Arms Model 83 features custom polymer grips designed to absorb recoil, a forward-mounted scope mount for improved shooting posture, and a unique Arca Swiss compatible shooting rest made from a kangaroo scrotum. These modifications enhance its usability and accuracy for hunting.

What is the accuracy potential of the Freedom Arms Model 83 .454 Casull?

With the right ammunition, such as the 240-grain Hornady XTP Mag, the Freedom Arms Model 83 can achieve impressive accuracy, consistently shooting groups around 1 to 1.5 inches at 100 yards. This level of precision is comparable to many rifles.

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