Gun nuts and gun writers are an interesting bunch. When you here the big bore hunting revolver round discussed, you see an interesting flip flop of what is great, and what is not.

In 44 caliber, the 44 special garners hardly any mention, yeah you can use it for whitetails, but little else. Step up to the 44 mag, and depending on who you listen to, you are ready to take on the world, or at least elk size critters. So what does the 44 mag offer, 300-320 gr hardcast at 1300 fps.

Now step up to the 45 colt, and 454. Some folks love the 454, but there is a large contingent that says the 454 offers nothing over the 45 colt, and in a custom 5 shooter, the 45 colt can be loaded to the same levels. Even w/o the custom 5 shooters, a bisley or redhawk can be loaded to push 330 gr 1300 fps. The 454 can push 360's 1500 fps.

The mighty 475 Linebaugh, used by some for elephants and cape buffalo. This mighty round can push a 400 gr bullet 1500 fps, and a 440 gr 1350 fps. Now the ruger 480 is the new kid on the block, and many are calling it anemic, and senseless. That said, if you look at Hodgdon's reloading data, they are pushing 400 gr cast bullets 1300 fps, and I'd imagine 440's at 1100 fps are not unreasonable.

Next is the 500 linebaugh, the biggest revolver round, and one you hear little about. It's balistics are about the same as the 475, 400 gr @ 1500 fps and 440 gr @ 1300 fps. The thing with the 50 is you don't get the same penetration as the 475, well, unless you find some 500 gr bullets.

The real problem with the 500, and one you don't see mentioned, is that if you load it to its potential with the 500 gr bullets, then no one can handle the recoil. To the same degree, darn few folks can handle the 475 top loads, and to a lesser degree, the same holds true with the 454.

Check out sixgunner.com and read the write up on the penetration tests conducted at the linebaugh seminar. What they found was, bullet weight is of much greater importance in penetration then velocity.

After limited shooting of my buddies 480, I've been amazed at the relatively mild recoil. I've fired several 454's, 475's and 500's, and the recoil is fierce, not so with the 480. So, my premise is that the 480 with heavy cast bullets offers tremendous real world killing power by driving heavy cast bullets deep, but without the wrenching recoil of the "magnums".

I hope the 480 lives up to my expectations, but I have a feeling, that it will exceed them. Yes, it is no 475 linebaugh, isn't intended to be, and should never tried to be made into one. It is a true big bore, and unlike the customs, can be afforded by the average Joe.

Paulie's got a girl friend, Paulie's got a girl friend. Her name is Ruger 480. Hope you are real happy together.

LOVE THOSE .41s'

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Handgun Hunter

[This message has been edited by Crawfish (edited 07-18-2001).]

I was at the Linebaugh seminar 15 ft. from the double rifles, Linebaughs, Casulls, and yes...even a 480. No one I talked to was especially impressed with the .480 cartridge. Before you think that I don't like the round let me stop you...I think it's interesting as long as you keep its design parameters in mind. As you said, it's not a Linebaugh type cartridge. You can't get something for nothing ballistically. The Linebaugh seminar reinforced the theories of bullet weight and caliber as constants...velocity is not nearly the star that most people think it is. A large caliber with a moderate velocity, heavy for caliber bullet will do neat things if it's placed well. The .480 is interesting but it's not magical...it's just an example of big bore and heavy caliber bullets at moderate speed. It's nothing the .45-.500 calibers haven't done. Actually the old .45 colt is probably the star of the show.