The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: MikeBjerum on December 19, 2018, 10:11:27 PM

Title: Remington RCP
Post by: MikeBjerum on December 19, 2018, 10:11:27 PM
Saw a show discussing the Remington Rifle Caliber Pistol (RCP) tonight.  Like so many things, it looks like fun.  I can even think of several things to do with it.  However, what is the value of putting a large round, like a .308, in a short barreled firearm?

If a person reloads their own rounds, and enjoys research and testing, I can see using a fast burning powder in a lighter charge to maximize the firearm.  But, how much powder, and power, is wasted by burning after the bullet has left the barrel?
Title: Re: Remington RCP
Post by: PegLeg45 on December 20, 2018, 02:20:41 PM
I watched a video of it in action...... I know it is a totally new chassis design, but I couldn't help but visualize the old XP-100 in new modular "tacticool" clothing.

Of the three calibers mentioned in the video, .223 REM, .300BLK, and .308 WIN, the .300BLK makes the most sense for a short barreled bolt action, followed by the .223 and then the .308.

It might have a place in target range shooting and even in the field in certain situations like back-packing, but I wouldn't want it in a condition where a second follow-up shot might be needed in a hurry..... pistol grip and bolt action doesn't promote fast shooting.

It's probably a fun gun, but for the price, if I wanted another rifle caliber pistol, I'd still lean toward an AR based gun.

Just my 2ยข worth.

Title: Re: Remington RCP
Post by: Timothy on December 20, 2018, 02:41:10 PM
It's a firearm and that's good..

Other than that, it looks pretty silly...  Never be allowed where I reside so I'll stick to a pointy stick for the time being.

CT is a pain the ass for concealed carry...haven't even begun the process!
Title: Re: Remington RCP
Post by: Rastus on December 20, 2018, 08:25:26 PM
Yeah...not something I see a lot of utility in for what I do.  I got the XP-100 just because I've wanted one for 50 years...I really won't use it to predator hunt and I don't think I'll use those RCP's for anything either. 

However....if someone wants one they oughta' get it!!!
Title: Re: Remington RCP
Post by: Big Frank on December 20, 2018, 09:50:54 PM
I like pistol caliber rifles and rifle caliber pistols. I'm just weird that way. But I'd much rather have a 6 pound rifle than a 6 pound pistol of the same caliber. It might be fun to shoot but in the field I would need a gunbearer to carry it.
Title: Re: Remington RCP
Post by: MikeBjerum on December 22, 2018, 08:53:05 AM
I agree with the thought that if you want it, get it, enjoy it.  I have some that way.  Some people think my 500 is stupid, but I enjoy it.  In Minnesota, at least where we were, you can't rifle hunt deer.  But, during slug season I can use a handgun.  The 500 shoots flat and true past 200 yards, and I took a buck at just over 150 yards with the handgun.

One thing I am looking forward to is reloading for the big handgun.  Even with rounds developed for a short barrel thumper, it still wastes a lot of energy.  I think that with the right powder, in the right proportions, I can get the same energy without the recoil.  It works in my 2011 and 1911, so why not a cannon?

By the way, on the subject of guns people don't understand, I am still looking for a mare's leg in .357 with a loading gate (not a Henry).  Not that Henry does not make a great gun, but I just want it my way.
Title: Re: Remington RCP
Post by: robert69 on December 22, 2018, 09:36:18 AM
In regards to the last post, I know that if you send the same weight bullet at a given velocity, and a given powder charge, and the same weapon (weight of firearm), the energy created is the same.  That is, the recoil is the same.  I don't know how you can get the same energy (?) by reducing the loads.  I really enjoy hand loading, in that I can tune loads to the fire arm, but for every action, there is an opposite reaction.
With a 50 Smith, or for most big bore handguns, H110 or 296 works very well, but with large amounts of any slow powder you can get a flame thrower.
Title: Re: Remington RCP
Post by: Big Frank on December 22, 2018, 04:56:55 PM
You can load a lighter bullet to a higher velocity to get the same energy. It will have less recoil because the bullet is lighter. The same bullet weight at the same velocity will have the same amount of recoil but the recoil impulse may feel different.

Or you can man up and get 500 S&W Magnum 700 Grain loads. If they were just a tiny bit longer you couldn't close the cylinder on these monsters.

https://www.underwoodammo.com/products/500-s-w-magnum-700-grain-lead-wide-flat-nose-gas-check?variant=7865931825209

ETA: 700 grains is 1.6 ounces. That's too close to the weight of a 10 gauge slug for me. That's about the same weight as a .50 BMG bullet.
Title: Re: Remington RCP
Post by: MikeBjerum on December 22, 2018, 06:38:16 PM
Robert69,

With my .45acp loads I have done a lot of experimenting.  Today I run two different handloads:  One for the 1911, and one for the 2011 and revolver.

A couple of pro shooters gave me advice that has proven true for me, just as it did for them.  Fast burning powder!  The idea is to burn the powder as quick as possible, so that no energy is lost by having unburnt propellant left when the bullet clears the muzzle.  By getting full benefit of the powder, you can drop the charge of powder back and still get the full velocity.  Also, the sharp felt recoil of fast burning does not affect you the same as the long slow push of a slower powder.

The evidence that less felt recoil is present, for me and others that explained it to me, is proven by less fatigue after a long day of shooting, and by quicker sights on target.  I also noticed much tighter groups with equal or quicker times (better scores!).
Title: Re: Remington RCP
Post by: Big Frank on December 22, 2018, 09:51:54 PM
The way I understand it, robert69 is right that the amount of recoil energy is the same, but your perception of it is different. That would be the short sharp recoil vs. long slow push. You're still taking the hit but at a different speed. And the weight of the powder may seem insignificant but anything leaving the muzzle is causing recoil even unburned powder.