I've handled both handguns, but have not gotten to shoot them. Personally, I like the look of the full lug barrel on the Taurus. I know the ports will make it louder, but I don't plan to shoot either without hearing protection. (i.e. even a walker's game ear for hunting).

Which revolver do you think is better? Are there any quality differences I should consider?

Thanks,
QD

This is a PURELY PERSONAL thing. For every argument against one their is another pointing back. If you like the OLD west look the ruger wins.
If you are a Modern type of guy you get the Bull.

Both great guns just to many Chevy vs Ford Opinions.

fireball

Hi

You will get differnce of opinions. I personally like the SRH. I have shot both. (The RB in a 454) I like the grip on the SRH better. The SRH feels much more beefy. The RB is more traditional looking. I don't like the locking system on the RB. I decided on the SuperRedhawk and have been very happy. I don't like the finish on the SRH athough.

Paul H has been a pioneer on this board with this cartridge. His work and post have helped me so much. (By the way thanks Paul!!)

His loads are listed here http://www.serveroptions.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=25;t=000222#000000 in the favorite loads section. I have did some load development also and have been impressed to say the least. The factory ammo is very accurate out of the box. But that is just the start if you are a handloader!!!

If you handle each of the revolvers you will get a feel what you perfer. Remember get which one make you happy!!

Have Fun

Hcliff

Buy them both and then keep the one that you like most. Good luck!

Unfortunately I've never had a chance to shoot a raging bull, so can't comment on the gun. Despite the fact that folks like to bash Taurus products, I've been pleased with the Taurus guns I have.

I am, as others have noted, very fond of the SRH 480. Downsides I can think of are the factory trigger needs some work, and the factory grips have caused me two problems. I actually split my thumb open above the rear knuckle, as the top of the grip doesn't cover the top most ~1/8" of steel on the grip. I guess I've leanred how to hold the gun, as that hasn't been a problem. The other problem is with heavy loads, if you aren't real careful how you grip the gun, your second finger gets mashed by the trigger guard.

Asside from that, the gun as been extremely accurate, and has functioned well with the 2000 odd rounds I've put through it.

Oh yeah, one other probem, occasionally a shell will fall inside the star extractor due to the small dia rim, I think I've had it happen 3 times.

I really wish Ruger offered one in 5 1/2". The nice thing about the 480 is it is a relatively light gun for its size, due to all the metal that has to be removed in the cylinder and bore

Get a mess of cast bullets, some unique and H 110 and you'll be set.

The difference in feel, to me, is like the difference between the SRH in 44 mag and the Colt Anaconda. I like the latter.

My bull (454) is still going strong after two seasons of silhouette and plinking. Judging by how many primers I've gone through, it has over 4000 rounds in it, and maybe halfway through 5000. Its still more accurate than I am out to 200, not anything spectacular I assure you, but someday I assume I'll hit its limitations and move to a TC or something. I would expect the Ruger to last at least as long, and perform at least as well.

Paul H

Didn't you put on Pachmayr grips on yours? I have the finger pinching by the trigger guard also with heavy loads (although I get that on by Bisley too. Fat hands with short fingers). Did that help over the factory grips? Did you do any work to your trigger? I have been thinking about putting in different springs (as I did with my Bisley I used Wolff Springs). I must say that the 390 grains with H110 are turning into my favorite load. Thanks for the load info.

Quickdraw,

Paul made a good point. The trigger is not the best out of the box you have ever shot. My GP 100 smoothed up by shooting and shooting it (I was young and didn't know any better). The other thing I personally don't like is the red ramp front sight. I have taken black marker and colored the front. I have been looking into the fiber optic front blades, or just ot change to something else. As for the grip the SRH fits my hand better than the RB. I didn't get pinched with the 454 RB but I didn't shoot it with real hot loads or heavy weight bullets and it was just a short session.

Hcliff

I haven't had a chance to try the packmeyer's yet. I did put a buddies hogue grips on once, but didn't like them. They place your hand much lower on the frame, and muzzle whip is greatly enhanced.

I believe that either the RB or the SRH will do you a fine job. Myself I would select the SRH as I don't think that there is stronger Revolver out there. I have hunted for about 8 years with my SRH and no telling how many full house hunting loads that has been shot through it and it still is as accurate as the day I bought it. I'm not saying anything good or bad about the RB as I do not own one, I have shot them a few times but that's about it. If I were you I would try them both out and purchase the one you like the best, My preference just happens to be the SRH but I'm kind of a Ruger type guy.

[ 12-16-2002, 23:23: Message edited by: Handloader ]

Taurus places a max load in the RB as a 300gr @ 1600fps, for warranty purposes. I generally stay below that level, but I also mainly load for target work.

Like I said, I bet the Ruger is at least as good or probably better, in every respect, except look and feel, which are personal criteria.

I would choose either one over the Freedom Arms, personally.

Thanks for all of your replies! I hope to get my hands on a 480 soon. Right now I'm too busy with deer/bear/duck season to play with anything else! I definitely want to have one ready to go for next year.

I've shot both and consider the fit and finish of the Ruger to be much better than that of the Taurus.

Lee Martin
www.singleactions.com

Longevity with hot loads, the SRH is the only choice. My RB 454 shaves copper off the top as it enters the forcing cone, leaving a piece between the cylinder and barrel, locking the cylinder up now, it's loosened up from hotter loads. The cast bullets are all I can shoot in it now.

My brother has beaten 475 Linebaugh cases out of his SRH with a sledgehammer and punch on more than SEVERAL occaisions and his is STILL tight. It's trigger sucks and so does the recoil, compared to the RB, and the 4 5/8" FA 475LB he has is sweeter than BOTH by far! Both his are more accurate than my RB.