Great news! I talked with Ruger customer service today, and the problem wasn't me. It wasn't ammo. It wasn't copper fouling. It was the barrel. Without further explanation, they said they are going to rebarrel the rifle and send it back. In a private e-mail, this is what Ray told me was most likely the problem. Thanks to all of you for your help.

Ruger just called again. They changed their mind, they are going to scrape the old gun and send me a new one. They'll completely go through it, make ceratin the firing pin spring is strong, replace the factory pad with my decelerator, put on my NECG front blade, and make sure it has a smooth trigger. Guess I can't ask for more, other than I'll have to get a new 4457 and break in a new barrel. All in all, a stand up company.

Scot,

Sounds like great customer service. I hope it is a one holer.

Regards,

Mark