480 Hunting Loads
#161323
08/06/2015 7:23 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 58
4MAG4
OP
journeyman
|
OP
journeyman
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 58 |
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
"Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands."
|
|
|
Re: 480 Hunting Loads
[Re: 4MAG4]
#161324
08/06/2015 7:38 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
|
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836 |
First of all, great choice! Secondly, what do you plan on hunting??
Check your PMs.
|
|
|
Re: 480 Hunting Loads
[Re: Whitworth]
#161326
08/06/2015 8:09 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 58
4MAG4
OP
journeyman
|
OP
journeyman
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 58 |
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.).
"Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands."
|
|
|
Re: 480 Hunting Loads
[Re: 4MAG4]
#161327
08/06/2015 11:10 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
Shootist
|
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608 |
Hornady XTP's H110 Starline Hodgdon
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
|
|
|
Re: 480 Hunting Loads
[Re: s4s4u]
#161328
08/06/2015 11:42 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,669
Chance Weldon
Distinguished Expert
|
Distinguished Expert
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,669 |
Formerly TN Lone Wolf
"We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided." - J.K. Rowling
|
|
|
Re: 480 Hunting Loads
[Re: Chance Weldon]
#161336
08/07/2015 12:58 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
|
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836 |
For bear and moose, I would be more inclined to use a heavy hard cast bullet with a big meplat.
|
|
|
Re: 480 Hunting Loads
[Re: Whitworth]
#161346
08/07/2015 3:42 AM
|
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 58
4MAG4
OP
journeyman
|
OP
journeyman
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 58 |
Thank you all for the feedback. I really appreciate it.
"Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands."
|
|
|
Re: 480 Hunting Loads
[Re: 4MAG4]
#161350
08/07/2015 12:50 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,725
500WE
Pooh-Bah
|
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,725 |
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.
|
|
|
Re: 480 Hunting Loads
[Re: 500WE]
#161355
08/07/2015 3:03 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
|
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836 |
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?
|
|
|
Re: 480 Hunting Loads
[Re: Whitworth]
#161359
08/07/2015 5:38 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 818
sixshot
old hand
|
old hand
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 818 |
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
|
|
|
Re: 480 Hunting Loads
[Re: sixshot]
#161361
08/07/2015 7:42 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,048
wvhitman
old hand
|
old hand
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,048 |
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
|
|
|
Re: 480 Hunting Loads
[Re: Whitworth]
#161363
08/07/2015 9:36 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,725
500WE
Pooh-Bah
|
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,725 |
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? 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.
|
|
|
Re: 480 Hunting Loads
[Re: wvhitman]
#161371
08/08/2015 4:34 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 58
4MAG4
OP
journeyman
|
OP
journeyman
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 58 |
What caliber were you using? Nice cat!!
"Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands."
|
|
|
Re: 480 Hunting Loads
[Re: sixshot]
#161372
08/08/2015 5:17 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 228
Ramjet-SS
enthusiast
|
enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 228 |
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.
You can't fix stupid!
|
|
|
Re: 480 Hunting Loads
[Re: wvhitman]
#161399
08/09/2015 11:26 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
|
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836 |
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 Can't argue with that! Thanks Doc!
|
|
|
Re: 480 Hunting Loads
[Re: Whitworth]
#161403
08/09/2015 2:05 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,048
wvhitman
old hand
|
old hand
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,048 |
Cat: 3 weeks ago, .475 Linebaugh FA, 22 yards. Love those Xs.
|
|
|
Re: 480 Hunting Loads
[Re: wvhitman]
#161412
08/09/2015 4:04 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
|
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836 |
|
|
|
Re: 480 Hunting Loads
[Re: wvhitman]
#161416
08/09/2015 4:19 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
Shootist
|
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608 |
Hoorah. Up close and personal ;-)
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
|
|
|
Re: 480 Hunting Loads
[Re: s4s4u]
#161431
08/09/2015 5:38 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 329
Mech 8
enthusiast
|
enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 329 |
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.
|
|
|
Re: 480 Hunting Loads
[Re: Mech 8]
#161444
08/09/2015 6:32 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey
Shootist
|
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715 |
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....
Life member-NRA-SCI Member-HHI #2900-HHASA #067 Colt-Ruger-Freedom Arms-and S&W Collector Assoc.s "I have more guns then I need but not as many as I want" "Handgun hunters HAVE to be good"
|
|
|
Re: 480 Hunting Loads
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#161446
08/09/2015 6:40 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey
Shootist
|
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715 |
Doc, You son of a gun...... Darn nice cat......
Life member-NRA-SCI Member-HHI #2900-HHASA #067 Colt-Ruger-Freedom Arms-and S&W Collector Assoc.s "I have more guns then I need but not as many as I want" "Handgun hunters HAVE to be good"
|
|
|
Re: 480 Hunting Loads
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#161447
08/09/2015 6:41 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey
Shootist
|
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715 |
500 WE, I wonder if you and I are the only one`s here to use to .475 cal. 400gn XTp....
Life member-NRA-SCI Member-HHI #2900-HHASA #067 Colt-Ruger-Freedom Arms-and S&W Collector Assoc.s "I have more guns then I need but not as many as I want" "Handgun hunters HAVE to be good"
|
|
|
Re: 480 Hunting Loads
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#161451
08/09/2015 7:31 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 58
4MAG4
OP
journeyman
|
OP
journeyman
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 58 |
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.
"Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands."
|
|
|
Re: 480 Hunting Loads
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#161459
08/09/2015 11:15 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,048
wvhitman
old hand
|
old hand
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,048 |
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.
Last edited by wvhitman; 08/09/2015 11:17 PM.
|
|
|
Re: 480 Hunting Loads
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#161463
08/09/2015 11:59 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 607
nytracker
addict
|
addict
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 607 |
With the release of the new 480 bisley ... maybe just maybe hornady will fo back into production of 325 grn xtp bullets.
Save liberals from them selves, stich their sphincter closed so they cant talk out their arse
|
|
|
Re: 480 Hunting Loads
[Re: nytracker]
#161472
08/10/2015 10:06 AM
|
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,596
racksmasher1
veteran
|
veteran
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,596 |
Lee 325 gr. cast,20 gr. 2400.
|
|
|
Re: 480 Hunting Loads
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#161474
08/10/2015 1:02 PM
|
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,502
reflex264
Gun Slinger
|
Gun Slinger
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,502 |
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.
"A quiet hit in the right place is better than a loud miss in the wrong place followed by 10 more shots on the run"
I was a handgun hunter, when handgun wasn't cool.....
|
|
|
Re: 480 Hunting Loads
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#161477
08/10/2015 3:07 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,725
500WE
Pooh-Bah
|
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,725 |
500 WE, I wonder if you and I are the only one`s here to use to .475 cal. 400gn XTp.... I don't know, James, but we're happy, so ....
|
|
|
Re: 480 Hunting Loads
[Re: 500WE]
#161478
08/10/2015 4:46 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 818
sixshot
old hand
|
old hand
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 818 |
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
|
|
|
Re: 480 Hunting Loads
[Re: sixshot]
#161493
08/11/2015 3:19 AM
|
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 228
Ramjet-SS
enthusiast
|
enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 228 |
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.
You can't fix stupid!
|
|
|
|
0 registered members (),
122
guests, and 0
spiders. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|