Just Ordered a .480 Ruger. Any tips/loads?

21 November 2003, 09:01

I just placed an order for a RSR in .480 ruger. I got it for $541 out the door. Anyways, anyone have some load data they can throw my way. I plan to handload exclusively. I'll start with Speers 325 and 400gr slugs and might move on to cast bullets once I learn something about them. I was thinking Lil'gun or maybe H110. Anyone have a favorite primer?

I also plan on scoping this thing at first. I don't see much use for anything over 2x, so what are your opinions on Burris, Leupold, Nikon, or the Bushnell 3200 and Trophy?

It took me about 2 months to decide on a .454 or .480. After much agonizing and reading just about every comment on the internet and talking to people I know that have them I think the .480 is just going to be a better all around caliber for me. 90% of the time I'll be chasing deer, however I would like to someday (after medical school and residency) go after bigger game.

So... any information about this caliber and handgun would be much appreciated.

Thanks

21 November 2003, 10:01

Hcliff

I like the Leupold 2x. I habe a Bushnell 2x6 on mine right now (Only have 100 rounds through it with the scope)

Here is some info

375 LBT LFN-GS 23.0 H110 1239fps
425 LBT LFN-GS 18.0 H110 1070fps
390 LBT LFN-PB 21.0 H110 1128fps
390 LBT LFN-PB 20.0 H110 1090fps

These were cast performance bullets

325 gold Dot 27.0 H110 1280fps
325 XTP 25.6 H110 1200fps
325 XTP factory 1310fps
375 LBT GC 23.0 H110 1240fps more recoil than 20.0 gra H110 390 LBT
375 Lbt 24.0 H110 1287fps

370lbt PB 24.0 H110
325 XTP 23.0-27.0 H110
425 LBT 18-18.0 H110
370 LBT PB 9.0 Win 231
390 PB 16.0 2400 Not a good load for me stopped that powder
400 Lee (from BBT bullets) 7.0 - 8.0 Titegroup powder
390 LBT 7.0-8.0 Titegroup

Titgroup is a great fun powder I loaded a box yesterday
375 10.0 Titegroup

400 Lee 19.0-21.0 Lil Gun
390 LBT 21.0 Lil Gun

This is Hornady load data

400 XTP 9 1/24 SRH 1.630 length

1000 1100 1150 1200 1250fps
Vith V110 15.3 16.7 17.3
2400 14.8 16.6 17.5
AA#9 15.2 17.0 18.0
Lil gun 15.30 16.8 17.7 18.6 19.6
H110 17.4 19.2 20.1 21.0
Win 296 17.9 19.7 20.6 21.5

325 XTP 1100 1200 1300 1400 1450fps 1500
Vh N110 17.00 18.6 20.3 21.9
2400 16.6 18.5 20.5 22.5
AA#9 16.4 18.6 20.8 23.0
Lil Gun 16.1 18.6 21.2 23.7 24.9
H 110 19.8 21.7 23.6 25.5 26.4 27.3
Win 296 20.1 22.3 24.4 26.6 27.7
IMR 4227 22.1 23.5 25.4

Kelly Brost from Cast performance gave me this data

390 grain H4227 17.0-19.0 grains 1012fps
370 grain H4227 17.0-20.00 805- 1032fps

findarticles.com http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0BTT/154_25/77824414/p1/article.jhtml?term=480+ruger this is the john taffin article with lots of data

Hope this is helpful

you can email me at scms@netnet.net if you need any other info or need any advice. I have been using this a lot. The hornady dies is what I have been using on my Dillon 550

Hope I didn't give you information overload

I will be leaving in 2 hour with mine to go hunting.

Hcliff

21 November 2003, 10:15

<EricH>

I have not had my 480 for a long time but I know you will not be disapointed. It is a fun gun to shoot. It has a fair amount of recoil but it doesn't take long to get used to.
As of yet I have not started handloading for it yet so I don't have any numbers for you.
I have new bushell 2x-6x, I don't think I needed the 6x but what the heck. It has held together so far and the optics are good enough for me.
The only issue I ran into was the mounts for the rings are a bit loose when you put them on so pay a little extra attention when you mount your scope. I was in a rush and wasn't paying close attention and when I went to shoot it I was shooting way to the right, much further then I had adjustment for. I pulled the scope off with the mounts and put it on a flat surface which revealed the mounts slightly out of line with each other. With that fixed it has been shooting great.

21 November 2003, 10:55

DavidReed

PaulH has some pretty extensive .480 data under one of his posts in the favorite loads forum.

21 November 2003, 11:08

DavidReed

Here's the link.

http://www.nookhill.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=25;t=000222

21 November 2003, 15:57

jpothof

Hey guys, thanks for all the help already. Seems like I got about 75 different loadings from all of you suggestions already.

Anyone have any experience with the Nikon 2x20. It has a greater FOV and eye releif than the leupold, and if the optics are as good as other monarchs I've looked through it should be a good scope.

Also, does anyone know if the .480 takes a Lee #5 auto prime shellholder. I couldn't get through to the company today.

Thanks,
Jeff

21 November 2003, 16:02

Greg K

quote:
Originally posted by jpothof:

Anyone have any experience with the Nikon 2x20. It has a greater FOV and eye releif than the leupold, and if the optics are as good as other monarchs I've looked through it should be a good scope.
Thanks,
Jeff

I have two Nikons, one mounted on a 44 Mag TC Contender and one on a 357 Max. I had a Leupold 2X and sold it in favor of the Nikon. Like you said, a bigger FOV and brighter than the Leupold.

23 November 2003, 04:25

Mingbogo

Congratulations! I have also bought one not too long ago out of curiosity and my 480 SRH has not disappointed me yet. It looks as it already got an action job from the factory. If you desire a lighter trigger pull then install a 12-lb TRIGGER spring from Wolff. DO NOT change the mainspring, as it does little to improve the trigger pull and it can create problems. As for handgun scope, I have not been disappointed with the Bushnell 2X Trophy scope and I have used this scope with my 500 Linebaugh and 475 Linebaugh with complete satisfaction. Good luck and have fun with your new toy.