Has anyone used a Taurus Raging Bull in 454/45 for hunting? If so, what type of load were you using? What was the length of the barrel? How much recoil reduction did you experience with the ported barrel?

I had one for a year or two. The porting did not seem to reduce recoil much but it did change it from a gun that flipped up to one that pushed straight back. The straight back recoil made my hand hurt between my thumb and finger after a few shots.

I tried 240 gr hornady factory loads that were so hot that I had to push the used brass out of the cylinder with a screw driver. I tried some Winchester loads that I think were 260 gr that were not nearly as hot and did not hurt my hand.

I am 6' 2" 260 pounds but I have a friend who makes me look small. He wanted my 454 and I wanted his super blackhawk 44 mag so we traded.

I have not looked back since. The 44 mag fits me much better. I did sell the super Blackhawk after killing one buck with it and bought a 44 mag Redhawk which I like even better. I have killed more deer with that pistol than any other pistol I own.

Not a fan as they are typically hit or miss in my experience. For a similar price point, you can get a Ruger SRH in .454 that is a stronger, more reliable piece.

Max,

Do you port your revolvers at all?

I have Taurus Raging Bulls in .41, .454, and .500 S&W. I love them all. Never had problems with them. The porting works great. The grips are a joy to use.
Done deer and groundhogs with the .41 and .454 (5"). Have used 260 Speers, 260 Barnes (old style), 265 Swifts all without problems. The 300 gr. bullets recoil a little more so they're used in my .454 SuperRed.
Did a brown bear with the .500 in AK at 129 yds. with one 375 gr. X. No problems with it.
My Raging Bulls have been good to me.

Had 2 of em. Two broke, sent em to be fixed and they broke again, then traded them off on freedom arms and rugers and bfr's and never looked back.

Thanks for the feedback.

I never had a problem with my Raging Bull in 454. It was very accurate and a breeze to shoot, even with gorilla loads.

How was the recoil Franchise?

Not bad at all....the recoil is a little sharper and faster than the 44, but nothing that would bother you

I have two Raging Bulls in 454 Casull and one in 480 Ruger. No problems with any of them, and all are good shooters.