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American Hunter First Look new Ruger .454 and .480

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09 August 2015, 21:08
newfrontier45
American Hunter First Look new Ruger .454 and .480
Ruger has finally listened to big bore revolver fans and is now offering a Bisley Super Blackhawk in the .454Casull and .480Ruger chamberings!!! Both guns will have five shot cylinders of Carpenter Custom 465 stainless steel with recessed case heads. They will have 6½" barrels and the long ejector from the 10" Super Blackhawk and Hunter models. They are a distributor special, only available only through Lipsey's. Read more about it below:

http://www.americanhunter.org/...er-super-blackhawks/

https://www.facebook.com/AmericanHunter?fref=ts


09 August 2015, 21:32
r_p_narramore
Came here to post this. That .480 sounds nice.
http://ruger.com/products/newM...ckhawkDE/models.html
10 August 2015, 19:39
Whitworth
I tested both models rather thoroughly and am impressed overall. Both are very accurate.



"Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP

If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming.

Semper Fidelis

"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"
10 August 2015, 19:55
OLBIKER
I wonder what the street price will be?
10 August 2015, 20:09
bobmn
"The cylinders are a tad bit longer than standard..." Max: What is the length of the cylinder?
10 August 2015, 21:01
LovesLevers
Fantastic review on Gun Blast. Looks like a very good revolver at a decent price once the mad rush is over to see who can buy the first one's. My best guess is they will settle in at around $800 after thy been out for a month or two.
10 August 2015, 23:23
Whitworth
quote:
Originally posted by bobmn:
"The cylinders are a tad bit longer than standard..." Max: What is the length of the cylinder?


60 - 70 thousandths -- but to the rear to accommodate the counter boring.



"Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP

If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming.

Semper Fidelis

"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"
11 August 2015, 22:10
Ken Cline
quote:
Originally posted by LovesLevers:
Fantastic review on Gun Blast. Looks like a very good revolver at a decent price once the mad rush is over to see who can buy the first one's. My best guess is they will settle in at around $800 after thy been out for a month or two.


Didn't take that long. A bunch of them on Gunbroker now, and some have sold for $729
12 August 2015, 01:54
Big Wonderful Wyoming
They look rather spectacular.

I bet they are ouchy in the 454 at full house loads.
12 August 2015, 03:42
Les Staley
I see several 454s but no 480s yet.
12 August 2015, 04:56
Whitworth
quote:
Originally posted by Big Wonderful Wyoming:
They look rather spectacular.

I bet they are ouchy in the 454 at full house loads.


A bit..... Big Grin



"Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP

If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming.

Semper Fidelis

"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"
12 August 2015, 22:18
Big Wonderful Wyoming
Aren't you the one that wrote the book on big bore revolvers?

Maybe two books? I can't remember, but I think I have them both in my library, as well as Keith's book, and Taffin's book.

Good reading all!

Do you reckon they will build 500 JHR/Lindbaugh or other?
13 August 2015, 00:00
Whitworth
quote:
Originally posted by Big Wonderful Wyoming:
Aren't you the one that wrote the book on big bore revolvers?

Maybe two books? I can't remember, but I think I have them both in my library, as well as Keith's book, and Taffin's book.

Good reading all!

Do you reckon they will build 500 JHR/Lindbaugh or other?


Guilty as charged! Thanks for the kind words!

I wouldn't look to Ruger to build anything bigger in the near future. Took them a long time to actually go down this road.



"Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP

If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming.

Semper Fidelis

"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"
13 August 2015, 18:36
Big Wonderful Wyoming
I have read both of them cover to cover a couple of times.

You are the reason I got into big bore handguns. I hate you, but just a little bit!
13 August 2015, 18:55
Whitworth
quote:
Originally posted by Big Wonderful Wyoming:
I have read both of them cover to cover a couple of times.

You are the reason I got into big bore handguns. I hate you, but just a little bit!


Haha! Misery loves company! Glad to have you in the fold!

I'm actually in the process of writing book number three.....



"Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP

If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming.

Semper Fidelis

"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"
15 August 2015, 10:31
Lefteris Vassiliadis
Why not in .475 Linebaugh as well?
15 August 2015, 20:41
bobmn
Left: A few possible reasons. The cylinder length is 1.78" according to the review on www.gunblast.com. SAAMI specifications on overall cartridge length of the 480 Ruger is 1.650" and the 475 Linebaugh is 1.765" which equates to less possible margin if bullets jump the grip before it ties up the cylinder. The maximum average pressure is 48,000 psi for the 480 Ruger and 50,000 psi for the 473 Linebaugh. In the past Ruger had an issue with brass sticking in the cylinder of the 480 Ruger Super Redhawk. The last reason may be that the Hornady website shows 475 Linebaugh suspended but 480 Ruger ammunition as available.
15 August 2015, 22:42
BlackHawk1
Errr...I bought a 5.5" Ruger Bisley 45 Colt/45 ACP Convertible a couple of months ago, now they bring out these to join my other various BH, SBH, RH & SRHs. I would have waited. Ruger you are going to suck my future retirement fund dry! On the other hand, it's about time Cool!


BH1

There are no flies on 6.5s!
17 August 2015, 17:09
Whitworth
quote:
Originally posted by Lefteris Vassiliadis:
Why not in .475 Linebaugh as well?


The .480 makes sense as it is actually Ruger's cartridge. Having owned and hunted with a number of .475 Linebaughs, the .480 really isn't giving up much.



"Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP

If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming.

Semper Fidelis

"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"
20 August 2015, 06:31
mr.pepper
Even though I have the 480 SRH I still want one of these.


''People should say what they mean and mean what they say. Life is too short to be lead down the wrong path.''
22 August 2015, 13:14
DCS Member
Is the .454 still that stout compared to .480 or others? I've always liked it.


I meant to be DSC Member...bad typing skills.

Marcus Cady

DRSS
22 August 2015, 19:22
MS Hitman
It and the .45 Colt, properly loaded, are both stout rounds.



If ignorance is bliss; there are some blissful sonofaguns around here. We know who you are, so no reason to point yourselves out.
01 September 2015, 19:03
Whitworth
Took my new Ruger Super Blackhawks in .480 Ruger and .454 Casull for a spin in North Carolina a few weeks ago, and got lucky......





There's pork in the freezer......



"Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP

If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming.

Semper Fidelis

"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"
03 September 2015, 05:42
Peter
quote:
and got lucky

You got laid, or you shot something???
Peter.


Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright, that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong;
06 September 2015, 18:21
drewhenrytnt
I sure hope they haven't handicapped the 454 with smaller than caliber cylinder mouths the way they do all the 45 Colt guns. Anyone have a chance to set gage pins in the cylinder mouths yet?

Andy B


We Band of Bubbas
N.R.A Life Member
TDR Cummins Power All The Way
Certified member of the Whompers Club
08 September 2015, 17:29
Whitworth
quote:
Originally posted by drewhenrytnt:
I sure hope they haven't handicapped the 454 with smaller than caliber cylinder mouths the way they do all the 45 Colt guns. Anyone have a chance to set gage pins in the cylinder mouths yet?

Andy B


I haven't measured mine yet, but it shoots everything I have fed it well. Shot this five-shot group at 50 yards with Double Tap's 360 grain .45 Colt +P load. I am very happy with the accuracy.





"Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP

If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming.

Semper Fidelis

"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"
08 September 2015, 17:49
Peter
What optics do you have on that gun Whitworth?
peter.


Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright, that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong;
08 September 2015, 18:32
Whitworth
A red dot -- Ultradot 4 -- no magnification.



"Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP

If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming.

Semper Fidelis

"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"
08 September 2015, 21:13
Peter
Hmmm! That second photo of yours with the BIG hog makes the red dot look pretty large. Perhaps it is the Ultra Dot 4? Tried any reflex sights?
peter


Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright, that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong;
08 September 2015, 21:40
Whitworth
quote:
Originally posted by Peter:
Hmmm! That second photo of yours with the BIG hog makes the red dot look pretty large. Perhaps it is the Ultra Dot 4? Tried any reflex sights?
peter


Peter, that's an Ultradot 4. They're a bit on the big side but they're not heavy and they're tough. I'm in the process of testing a JPoint reflexive site, but even the smallest MOA dot is pretty big with that one.



"Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP

If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming.

Semper Fidelis

"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"
11 October 2015, 03:36
England
Max, you sure have cost me money. A friend recommended your Big-Bore Revolvers book, which is excellent and I've read it through twice. Then I picked up a FA .454 Casull at auction. I handload, so I have a couple boxes each of interesting, exciting, and Katy-bar-the-door rounds. I'm not getting younger and have some hand arthritis, but those Pro-Aim gloves you recommend are wonderful.

I read your review of the the new Ruger and loved its looks. I'd already broken my rule of no new cartridges for the reloading/supply chain with the FA, so I found one for $729. I enjoy it so much, I'd almost look for the .480 Ruger version, but I really shouldn't add yet another cartridge! I usually shoot autoloaders, typically the 1911. But if I'm going to shoot a revolver, it might as well be a serious revolver.

Thanks for a great book and the review on the Ruger SBH, sir.
12 October 2015, 17:51
Whitworth
quote:
Originally posted by England:
Max, you sure have cost me money. A friend recommended your Big-Bore Revolvers book, which is excellent and I've read it through twice. Then I picked up a FA .454 Casull at auction. I handload, so I have a couple boxes each of interesting, exciting, and Katy-bar-the-door rounds. I'm not getting younger and have some hand arthritis, but those Pro-Aim gloves you recommend are wonderful.

I read your review of the the new Ruger and loved its looks. I'd already broken my rule of no new cartridges for the reloading/supply chain with the FA, so I found one for $729. I enjoy it so much, I'd almost look for the .480 Ruger version, but I really shouldn't add yet another cartridge! I usually shoot autoloaders, typically the 1911. But if I'm going to shoot a revolver, it might as well be a serious revolver.

Thanks for a great book and the review on the Ruger SBH, sir.


And thank you for the kind words! They're much appreciated! I think a .480 SBH is in your future..... Big Grin



"Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP

If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming.

Semper Fidelis

"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"
01 November 2015, 02:13
Bill/Oregon
Wow, a five-shot Blackhawk in .480! Never thought I would see the day!


There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.
– John Green, author
01 November 2015, 22:10
Bill/Oregon
Max, I am going to have to look up the Pro-Aim gloves that England mentioned, as I am in the same boat.


There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.
– John Green, author
02 November 2015, 17:13
Whitworth
quote:
Originally posted by Bill/Oregon:
Max, I am going to have to look up the Pro-Aim gloves that England mentioned, as I am in the same boat.


Bill, they are well worth it. I have had mine for years and I finally split a seem while testing the .480 Ruger SBH. However, they are fixable.



"Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP

If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming.

Semper Fidelis

"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"
13 November 2015, 10:56
drewhenrytnt
Any chance you know what the cylinder gap is?

I have a BlackHawk Hunter 45Colt and it is around .010". My model 83 is less than .0015"

Wanna guess which one shoots better? :-)


We Band of Bubbas
N.R.A Life Member
TDR Cummins Power All The Way
Certified member of the Whompers Club
27 November 2015, 19:53
Woodrow S
TNT, wanna guess which one is LESS reliable? I have Rugers and FA's...plenty of both and plenty of full custom revolvers. The .0015 tolerance is best suited for target revolvers and not serious hunting revolvers. Just a speck of dirt or a granule of powder can and will tie up the cylinder on that near zero tolerance bbl/cyl gap. Ruger could make that tolerance much smaller if they wanted too..but they don't because they want reliability over extreme accuracy...you know, the kind of extreme accuracy 99% of handgunners can't utilize anyway. No hunting revolver needs to shoot one hole groups at 25 yards. Yep, nice but not necessary...and it helps in marketing them FA's at 2K+. Who wouldn't be impressed?
29 November 2015, 18:31
Whitworth
quote:
Originally posted by drewhenrytnt:
Any chance you know what the cylinder gap is?

I have a BlackHawk Hunter 45Colt and it is around .010". My model 83 is less than .0015"

Wanna guess which one shoots better? :-)


I will measure the cylinder gap. That said, my .454 FA83 shoots well, but my SBH in .454 will shoot circles around it. I too feel that Rugers make for better field revolvers than FAs. Plus, you can safely carry them with a full cylinder.



"Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP

If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming.

Semper Fidelis

"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"
03 December 2015, 07:15
LRx
How's the recoil on that 480?
05 December 2015, 00:48
Whitworth
quote:
Originally posted by LRx:
How's the recoil on that 480?


It's not so bad with some loads like the 325 grain loads from Speer and Hornady. Recoil is fairly "lively" with the 370 and 410 grain Buffalo Bore loads. These revolvers are pretty light.



"Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP

If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming.

Semper Fidelis

"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"