Ruger Alaskan 454

Hello all,

I have been a member sneaking around here but haven't posted in a bit. Guess I didn't have much to say. But, I do now. I recently acquired a brand new ruger alaskan in 454 and I am not sure that I like it. Its not that I think that it totally butt ugly but I would think that it would be without a date at the prom. That aside, I am hearing things about light strikes due to the new position of the transfer bar. Hmmm. I have no issues yet but I have only fired 20 rds of full house 454 through it and 50 45 colts. Is this an issue that I need to keep an eye on?
The cases seem very stiff coming out of the chambers and I know that it is a very high pressure cartridge with a slight bulge to them. Is that normal? Also, I am not recoil sensitive, or I wasn't, until now. This thing hates me as much as my ex wives. Yes, there are more than one.
Finally, what is general opinion on the Alaskan? Are they worthy of high quality defense in Alaska to go along with my double rifle or should I look elsewhere and let this thing go?

Thank you all for the time!
Lucien

If you have to use it to protect yourself, chances are you won't remember recoil.

I like 'em and think they pack a lot of punch in a little package. You don't have to go crazy with heavy loads for them to be effective.

Whitt is saying you dont need a heavy load. Must be melowing out some.

Not mellowing -- just being considerate of others!

Just trying to get my facts straight

Are you two related? Kinda like the odd couple here bfr and Whit. LOL. Yeah, I would think that the 454 would work quite well but there is something that I am trying to figure out and have no dies yet so I can't try it out on my own at the moment, and that is can I load heavy 400 grainers in the 454 at modest velocities to not have killer recoil but keep the heavy penetration? I have read the usual internet crap and people say that its too heavy a bullet and others say it is perfect. Any thoughts guys? As always, thanks

Ross Seyfried wrote of trying 412 gr. bullets in a heavy loaded 45 Colt and surmised that the bullet was possibly too long for the caliber. He came to that conclusion when the slug did not penetrate as well as he had anticipated. He thought it may have "wobbled more after they hit, reducing penetration". (Guns & Ammo Jan 1995)

Dan

Can't offer much input on the specifics you mentioned, but I agree that it is an ugly beast :-)

I have one and would like another if ya decide ya dont like yours. That said mine is great and im plenty good withit out to 50 yards and just need a diff front sight fir anything further. Ya dont need Huge bellets just a 300 to 360 gr hardcast and use a powder like hs6. Not bad recoil and youll stop anything ya need to provided you do your part

it you dont like it ill give ya 50$ for it