Shot a BH .480 Ruger yesterday

[Pistolero]

Ran into an acquaintance at the range, and he let me see and shoot a few rounds
through his new pistol.

Not too bad, even with a 400 gr loaded to about top level, 1300ish. Snappy for sure, but
no big deal, really. First time shooting Bisley grips on a Ruger, I think I like them.

"Pocket" .45-70, basically, if you have big pockets . Put four shots (two each of two
different loads) into about 2" at 15 yds standing. No big test, but plenty accurate for what
it would be used for.

Bill

 

[Glen]

I just mounted a taller (.385") new front sight on mine to get it to shoot the 400s to point of aim.

 

[Rick]

Did somebody say 480 Ruger?

The .480 Ruger, in Perspective By: Glen E. Fryxell

 

[Pistolero]

Glen,

Yes, this one's owner had added a few layers of tape on top of the front sight, working out
how much he needed for POA=POI with 400 gr bullets. Looks just like your picture, but
maybe a bit longer barrel. Do they come in two lengths, or just my imagination?

Rick, I really enjoy reading reports from that particular author, too!

Bill

 

[Glen]

Bill -- I do not know. The only ones I have seen (and that's a small number) have been 6.5".

 

[Pistolero]

Checked Lipsey's site, only 6.5" shown, so just seemed a bit longer.

Bill

 

[Missionary]

Greetings
I shoot far more 480 Ruger power loads in a 475 Linebaugh BFR than full throttle loads. A 400 grainer moving at 1250-1350 fps is just like the old 45-70 BP loads that leveled more vege eating critters than we will ever know. I think that load would go through 5 deer and still cut down a 6 inch pine.
Mike in Peru

 

[gman]

10 grains of unique or 13.5 grains of HS6 work well. My molds drop bullets at 388 grains. Not blazing but will shoot through most anything. Still need to finish fitting my taller front sight.

 

[Pistolero]

Yes, Mike. That's my take on it, too. Now all I need is to find enough freezer space for
a buffalo! Ha, not likely, but no doubt the gun would be up to the task.

Bill

 

[KHornet]

I carried a Super Blackhawk when I hunted Kodiak, my rifle was a 375H&H Browning. Had Kieth loads in the Blackhawk, never pulled it out of the holster. I still remember when the 44Mag was the most powerful handgun, and doubt I will ever go after dangerous game again, so will, in all probability never carry anything bigger than my Super Blackhawk. Good luck to those shooting the bigger ones!

 

[Missionary]

The 375 H&H is a very good cartridge / rifle to be hauling about. A well placed .375 250-300 grainer is going to be more than most beasties can receiver and keep going very far with.
Sadly in ILLinois we are not trusted to carry center fire rifles for corn crunchers. The river bottoms I hunt are well suited to revolvers so when I am up north there for "firearms" deer hunting I use all sorts of calibers to help stem the population of the local vehicle remodelers. The .475 /480 simple do a dandy job punching through at any angle. The exit holes leak out nicely. Being over 65 I now find little enjoyment crawling about on my knees looking under leaves or branches for any sign of red trickle. I am a firm advocate of "Bigger holes are always better".
Mike in Peru till June

 

[9.3X62AL]

As a handgun crank of the first degree, I can appreciate calibers like the 480 Ruger--the Linebaughs--and the Casull. I don't mind saying that while they are excellent game field chamberings, they are more beast than I want to herd. The 44 Magnum/Mtn Gun combo is about perfect with Keith-level loads on board--his 240 grain SWC at 1200 FPS; the Redhawk at about a pound heavier gets the 240 x 1450 FPS taskings (and not a large number of those, any more). There comes a time (and a comfort level) at which it is appropriate to holster the side-iron and sling up a rifle. Where each of us draws that line may differ, but I do know that my handgun recoil preferences have moderated considerably as my misspent youth slips further down-calendar.

 

[Missionary]

Howdy 9.3x62
I agree. When I am scurrying about the river bottoms a 44 Special, or a 41 mag or a 45 colt generally are with me. Actually any one of those with a heavy cast FN bullet are plenty for the average deer that gets popped by me. Past deer season there are no heavy critters in east ILLinois. Yotes and fat coons or groundhogs are all there is. May one day get a shot at a cougar but again they are not "hardened targets".
But until ILLinois deems we hunters can be trusted with center fire rifles for hand held or muzzle loaders and shotguns are all we have. If I could this year use a center fire rifle it would probably be a repro 50-95 first followed by a 38-50 Marlin/Ballard. But being realistic the way things go in Lincoln Land I will be long past be able to walk river bottoms any longer. So I dream of the day and use some interesting caliber revolvers to maybe duplicate what a fine old BP cartridge rifle would do. Coming up will be a 414 Supermag Dan Wesson to fill my desire to "thwap" a corn cruncher with a 40-65.

 

[KHornet]

Well stated Mike!
Paul