All,

I am in the process of acquiring a Ruger 480 for the upcoming hunting season and I was hoping all of you could help me out with some of the following questions.

- Who makes a good quality and reasonable priced bullet? I have talked to the big bullet manufacturers, but looking for other alternatives.
- What type of powder are you using?
- Where do you buy your brass from?
- Is there a good source for load data?

Thank you

First of all, great choice! Secondly, what do you plan on hunting??

Check your PMs.

I plan on hunting mule deer and elk this season. I live in Colorado, so I will be utilizing this handgun for various game species in the upcoming years (bear, moose, etc.).

Hornady XTP's
H110
Starline
Hodgdon

X2

For bear and moose, I would be more inclined to use a heavy hard cast bullet with a big meplat.

Thank you all for the feedback. I really appreciate it.

I have used the 400 gr. XTP for elk, and even larger game, to my complete satisfaction. That bullet has been discontinued, but I have a stash to last me for a while.

I know you have and that you have had much success with this bullet. Every time I have used it, it hasn't opened for me. That said, I haven't used it at .475 Linebaugh velocities where I would imagine it's hell-on-wheels. How fast are you pushing it typically, Ken?

When in Africa I used a 370 gr. cast slug in my Freedom Arms 475 with a heavy dose of H110, this load will shoot though about any plains game from any angle. I'm guessing Ken's 400 XTP's react about the same. Switching to my 2 different 480's & a 385 gr. HP I'm still getting complete penetration on elk & moose & friends are driving them completely through mature Bison bulls & large feral hogs. With big cast slugs you don't have to worry about angles. With jacketed slugs sometimes you do have to worry about taking an angle shot because of expansion. Only you can decide.

Dick

Don't forget 275 gr. Xs. I've had super results from them. Hit this one a little high, but knocked her down HARD each time

Depending upon barrel length of the 3 guns, and the loads, between 1150-1200 fps (which is within the capabilities of the .480), up to as much as 1375 fps, which exceeds sensible .480 capability. As I've always used it on heavier game, I've seen expansion on all the bullets I've recovered. Many bullets have fully penetrated, and were not recovered.
For whitetail deer, a 325 would serve better IMO.

What caliber were you using? Nice cat!!

My favorite load is a Laser Cast 355 Grain WFN GC over 13.0 grains of Unique it has accounted for several Elk and many White Tailed deer. Both in the handgun and rifle.

I bought a Accurate 4 cavity mould so I know cast my own version of this bullet.

Can't argue with that! Thanks Doc!

Cat: 3 weeks ago, .475 Linebaugh FA, 22 yards. Love those Xs.

Congratulations Doc!

Hoorah. Up close and personal ;-)

Anybody using or tried the Speer 275gr Gold Dots? They seem to be a little more available. I only need them for deer and pigs.

I have used the 400gr XTP in 475 cal. to great effect on all the game I have shot with this bullet. Never failed me....

Doc, You son of a gun...... Darn nice cat......

500 WE, I wonder if you and I are the only one`s here to use to .475 cal. 400gn XTp....

When I look through the reloading books, everything is in terms of bullet weight, powder in grains and velocity. If I go out to the range with a new batch of reloads and it falls within the specs outlined for that particular load, my assumption is everything is fine. However, I have read on more than one occasion, never assume. With that being said, I always check my brass for tall tale signs.

Knowing that each particular gun has a maximum pressure level for a load, how do you measure pressure levels? I would like to make sure that I am within the range of what the gun can handle. Please educate me.

I've used 325 gr. Gold Dots a lot in my .475. Does a much better job on thin skinned game than the 400s. Only 275 I've ever used are the Xs. The 400s act like FMJs on light stuff. Extra velocity of 275 and 325s help create more damage.
Yes, James I've used a lot of 400s on groundhogs and deer. Not impressive results. Too heavy. Doesn't create much damage at handgun velocities. Heck of a penetrator.

With the release of the new 480 bisley ... maybe just maybe hornady will fo back into production of 325 grn xtp bullets.

Lee 325 gr. cast,20 gr. 2400.

I have used 370gr cast and 412 gr cast both with good results. I am going to try out some 355grs next. Should shoot very flat. Deer hit with the 370gr at 1500fps never moved.

I don't know, James, but we're happy, so ....

reflex264, you stated that deer hit with the 370 gr. bullet at 1500 fps didn't even move & I'll bet you are absolutely right! Yikes, thats a bunch of horsepower, good job!

Dick

Hawk also makes bullets they do nice job of expanding on this skinned game and no need to drive them crazy fast though. Did that in My Ruger Number 1 you could put your fist through the hole without any meat touching it ....... yikes.