I've done some relatively extensive testing, that is still ongoing, with LBT style bullets in the Ruger .480, both LFN, some LFN/WFN 1/2 breeds, and soon a WFN. From that experience, as well as work a buddy has done with a 45 bullet that has a very large meplat, my take is, you'll simply have to test the bullet and see how it behaves. Just because Veral and Pierce said it won't work doesn't mean it won't, test and learn for yourself!

The only way I've been able to learn as much as I have about the 480 is by pouring powder, seating bullets, and punching lots of paper, as well as taking chrony readings.

It kinda ticks me off when folks post a question, don't get the answer(s) they're after, and complain about the forumn. Always, the best bet is to find out how your gun and bullets behave, no one on the net can answer that. The time you spend finding out will make you a better shot, and a more knowledgable re-loader.

You might want to try sixgunner.com, find the link to the campfire, and post questions there. You'll likely get a response from John Taffin, Tim Sundles of Buffaloe Bore, maybe Paco Kelley or Lee Juras. Then again, maybe not. If you whine about not getting the answers you want, you just may get several not so kind replies.

I do not know of any forumn geared specifically towards LBT handgun bullets, it is simply too limited of a subjet to warrant a forumn dedicated to it.

I've read your posts in regard to the 260 gr WFN in the 44 mag, and whether it'll tumble if launched at less than 1200 fps. I haven't seen anybody post a specific answer that they have thoroughly tested those parameters.

I have corresponded with many, many folks who shoot LBT style bullets, in 44's, 45's, 475's and 500's. It is my impression that the statement that WFN's tumble below 1200 fps is based more on opinion then thorough testing. Maybe somebody shot a 300, or 320 WFN at 1000 fps, and it tumbled, does that mean all WFN's tumble at this speed? Does it mean that the paticular gun had a barrel with a twist too slow to stabalize it? Gun writers like to propogate myths and "common gun knowledge". I don't buy the WFN's have to be driven 1200 fps line, just doesn't jive with my experience.

There is plenty of published data for loading cast bullets in the 44, the LBT designs don't require anything special. Try from 7-10 gr unique, 17-21 gr 2400, and 24-25 gr H110. Posting questions on the net won't answer the question as to whether or not the bullet will shoot accurately at sube 1200 fps, only you testing your bullets in your gun will.

As I mentioned, go to sixgunner.com, look up the archived articles by John Taffin and Paco Kelley, lots of good load data for the 44 and 45.

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Originally posted by changeling:
It appears your testing is for you alone . . . Now, why don't you post your findings? That way guys like me could read and you wouldn't have to take up your valuable time with ballistic dribble about me!

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changeling,

Paul has posted his findings. Had you taken the time to do a little reading before you started whining again, you might have found his 480 Ruger thread in the "Favorite Loads" forum.

The tone of your first post was rude and sarcastic, and totally uncalled for. Paul's comments were right on the money -- and considerably more polite than mine would have been. Your response to him was just childish. These are the best shooting forums on the net, but we don't have much tolerance for rudeness. Show some manners, and you will find that the members here share a tremendous wealth of knowledge.

[This message has been edited by Cannon (edited 09-26-2001).]

If you can't get an answer that satisfies you there, you certainly won't find it on the net, likely anywhere. Some of the folks there are in contact with Veral through his wife.

I just don't understand your reluctance to test the bullet in your gun, or the assumption that someone else can give you a definative answer as to whether or not it'll work in your gun. Seems like the energy you are using to ask the questions could be focussed for testing, and then you could share your results with others.

What set me off is, you ask a question, then when you don't get the answer you like, you make a posting saying you must be in the wrong place. There are lots of good folks here, if you don't get the answers you want, perhaps you should re-state your question. If you, being new, decide you would rather insult the folks here, that is your decision. I gave you many tips to help you out, if you don't want to follow them, that is up to you.

I think what we have here is, failure to communicate.

One last thing, I'm sure you think I'm a jerk, but if you use the same tone over on the campfire, where you'll find hands down the most experienced cast bullet wheelgun shooters in the world, they will rip you a new one.

[This message has been edited by Paul H (edited 09-27-2001).]

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LSF/375