Just looking for some opinions, pros and cons on an idea I have. I've been shooting a 5-shot 45 LC Bisley with 5" barrel now for some years. It is a great packin pistol and I got it before the advent of the 480 Ruger. Since I have a Dave Clements 7.5" Redhawk (6 shot) in 45 LC I've often thought of having the Bisley rechambered/rebored to 480 Ruger. Being a 5-shot already I wouldn't have to go to the expense of a new cylinder being made (as would be the case if I went to a 475L or 500L). In all reality my Redhawk 45 7.5" gives me about the same performance as my shorter barreled 5-shot 45 and because it can be scoped without removing the rear sight it makes a really nice all around, versatile hunting revolver. The 480 has always intrigued me and I think it would make a great holster gun for bear and elk. I guess it all boils down to is can the 480 surpass the 45 LC 5-shot performance in a packing pistol with heavy bullets. Let's here from you all....RW

480ruger will shoot a lot heavier bullets at decent velocity.-375gr @1350-400gr @1200-
425gr @1200-460gr @1100 I have both but like the 475 cal better (check name) If you decide to get the 480 email me I will send you plenty of load data for handloading any weight bullet.

475/480, thank you for the offer. If I go this route I will most certainly contact you. Thanks again...RW

Here is a link to my 480 data http://www.nookhill.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=25;t=000222

I'm quite fond of the 480, and if it weren't for the high cost of the FA, or a converted bisley, I'd likely have one in a single action.

As 475/480 indicated, the 480 is ideal for slingin heavy slugs at decent speeds, and what is also nice about the round is it doesn't burn alot of powder to do so, nor generate nasty levels of recoil.

With all that said though, I think you're still looking at a signifigant sum of money for the new barrel and the re-bore, likely enough to get a spankin new SRH, and you could get it cut down to 5" for a minimal sum ~$100.

I just resently bought a 45LC new model. I shoot the 240gr bullet at 1450fps and the 250 at 1400fps and have on order a S&W 500.