Has anyone used their .480 Ruger to kill any big game yet? Deer ,hogs ,bear etc. And what bullet did you use? Anyone try the speer 275 grain bullet on deer?

Kward,

I've used the 275gr speer gold dot hollow point on two deer. I handload them and get 1711fps out of a 9.5 inch barrel. I've taken two deer at about 60yds each and both pretty much dropped at the shot. Complete pass throughs on both. I really like this caliber and bullet for deer. The .480 has a lot to offer over the 44 mag, but without the unpleasantness of the 454 or 500. Too bad its not being marketed much anymore.

Jeff

quote:

Too bad its not being marketed much anymore.

smart hunters don't need advertising

just good hunting reports from a.r.

thanks for sharing

p.s. why the 480 over the 475 linebaugh?

That's kind of what I have expected, I have used a .44 mag for a long time but last year I got the .480 Redhawk too late for deer season used a .41 and a .44mad for deer. Bit since then I have jsut come to love the .480. Just back from the range and working several loads. Tried the first 275 grainers as well as continued my loads with the hardcast 375 grain bullet from cast performance, great bullet as well.

Hey boom stick,

I'm a poor medical student and can't afford anything that comes in the 475. Also, I think the 480 is about the limit of what can be shot and enjoyed. No doubt the 454 475 and 500 provide more punch, but also more unpleasant recoil. I really have a good time shooting the ruger.

its too late now but the bfr 475 linebaugh is moderately priced and it shoots 480 as well, dont wory about money and having evrything right now, just know what you want and know what is important the 480 is no small potatoes but the 475 linebaugh can be loaded down and can have lower preasure usualy in a bigger heavier package to tame it. you would be suprised how much a big cal 4lb gun plus scope can be a pussycat. so when you hunt with that scope and full loads it wont be so bad. but as clint eastwood said " a man has got to know his limitations" in a lot of ways and i am sure many here would aggree the 475 linebaugh is the perfect big bad boy of a beltgun. shoot straight and you will have no problems, the 480 is great. the experiences are the most important thing. good times and post pics of your game you bag

Boom stick has it right, the .480 is a great caliber but the .475 is even better. I disagree with you that the .480 is the limit. It is amazing how fast you get used to the larger calibers and grow to love them. Most of my guns sit in the safe while I shoot the .475 BFR. I have the .45, .44 and 45-70 revolvers. However the .475 is the one I grab to shoot for fun anymore. Yeah, it goes through lead faster, but what the heck!

quote:

Originally posted by jpothof:
Hey boom stick,

I'm a poor medical student and can't afford anything that comes in the 475. Also, I think the 480 is about the limit of what can be shot and enjoyed. No doubt the 454 475 and 500 provide more punch, but also more unpleasant recoil. I really have a good time shooting the ruger.

Dittos, that's why I like the 480 as well, true big bore, w/o the same level of recoil as a 475 or 500. I've shot plenty of 475's and 500's, and their recoil is an order of magnitude beyond the 44 mag, 45 colt and 480. To those that can put in the time to master them, great. To those of us that can't, the 480 is a good option, and me thinks 400 gr @ 1200 fps is enough for most if not all NA animals.

I've got a .475 BFR but find myself perfectly content to stick with .480 level loads. Of Course there is some satisfaction in knowing that if I take it elk hunting the horsepower can be stepped up a notch or two.

I like my 15" Encore 460 S&W. Fun to shoot with Corbon 45 +P loads, gets a little stouter with the 454 Casull....460 is close to it on recoil.

I also hunted with my SRH in .480 a few years ago (was it that long ago?) using Gold Dot 325 grn factory loads and took to hogs with it. One 250 pounder at 60 yards behind the shoulder. Took both lungs out and broke the offside shoulder on exit. Very pleased with its performance. Can't wait to try my Buffalo Bore 410 grn loads on game.

I have owned numerous 44s 45LCs a 445 SuperMag and I liked them all. I now own and shoot primarily a Raging Bull 6 1/2" 480 Ruger and I have found my round. I use a gas checked 370 grain wide flat nose bullet from Mountain moulds on top of 25 gr. H-110 for my hunting. I have shot through 2 1/2ft. of hog with it and not recoverd bullets. The only one that seemed to complain were the hogs. It is very accurate with the 325 grain to 405 grain bullets so you can find something you will like. Very easy to load for and for a heavy caliber revolver, very easy to learn to shoot well. I keep it scoped during deer season and cary it along with my 45-90 Sharps for shots with bad light and iron sights. Really a great caliber.

Good shooting,
Dave

Sharps make the West safe for Winchester!

Hello,
I have not shot the .480 but the .475 linebaugh loaded down is not bad to shoot. A few times at the range is all that you need. Just do not go crazy with the number times you shoot in the begining. For me it is the most accurate round and revolver that I have shot. It does not seem to matter what load you use.
John