I am actually half expecting crickets on this post. I've not heard much here regarding this cartridge and it seems a rare bird (dead stick) in general.

But, it's an inexpensive way to get to .475 cal out of a revolver. Seeing as how I'm kinda inching my way up the handgun scale.

So, regardless of ownership..........anyone have thoughts on this cartridge? The only gun I see available is the Super Redhawk.

Barrel length?

7.5"
9.5"

I've no interest in the 2.5" barrel.

It is an excellent cartridge, stepping right on the heels of the .475 Linebaugh. The 7 1/2" barrel is plenty.

Crickets? Why? It is back now in the Super Redhawk with a vengeance. Mine is one of the most accurate revolvers I have laid my hands upon, and I have killed a pile of game with it this year. I did a full test in the current issue of Gun Digest magazine. It is an awesome hunting round as far as I am concerned.

That's the enablement I need to hear. Thanks.

Glad to help, hahaha!

A 480 Ruger will be my next hunting handgun.

Zee,

The Freedom '83, 475L. can be purchased with an extra 480R cylinder or a BFR in 475L will handle it, if you hanker for a single action.

Doc

You know, I prefer a single action and I'd not considered the BFR. Honestly, I thought they only made guns with that long cylinder..........which.......honestly.......yeah no. No thanks.

But, at your mention.......I just googled them and realized they make standard length cylinders!!! Woohoo!

so, I learned something new today and opened up my available options.

Next question, though. Are there standard single action grip panels (like the Super Blackhawk) that will fit the BFR? I hate those rubber ones and any of the finger groove ones I've seen. I'd want regular grip panels.

Are they an option? Do Ruger grips fit the BFR?

No they are not really compatible. I would just have Jack Huntington reshape the handle and make grips for it. The factory handle sucks, IMO

I like an honest man!

There is much suck in life. Shame so many are afraid to point it out.

;-)

I'm sure you can get them still with the Micarta grips like the one below. They look a world better than the rubber, but they don't really belong on a revolver that kicks hard. As s4s4u suggested, send the gun off to Jack Huntington and he will make it not only right, but it'll look a thousand times better.

Now THAT.........is a good looking revolver.

Just a BFR with the micarta grips. They look pretty good without the rubber grips.

I know, and it looks nice! I'd own that one. Not the rubber grips or long cylinder, though. The one you posted is what I'm after.

Well said!

I have the 7 1/2 Super Redhawk in .480 and like it very well. With the load it likes it also shoots very well.I like the Pachmayr Decelerator grips on mine. All my using Guns have Pachmayr or Hogue grips except for the Bisley and they don't make one for it.Pretty is as pretty does and my guns are pretty to me with the rubber grips ,as they work for me.J.M.H.O.

Mine"s a 9.5, I shoot a Lee 325 cast bullet in it, Tamer grips, It"s a great round.

Stick around Zee, you will learn a lot here.

And you will probably spend more money while you are at it!

Ha ha!

I figured on both.

:-)

Zee,,,,,,,,,,,,I have a picture on the bragging board [page#4] of my BFR 475 laying on a cowhorn buck. The grip frame and grips were made by JRH. I think this is what your looking for.

Yes! That is exactly what I'm looking for.

What are the stats on that gun? Barrel Length? What all did you have JRH do and what is the cost of doing it?

Thanks much.

You guys have me saving pennies now.

The grip reshape and custom grips cost roughly $325.00 if I can correctly recall. Worth every penny as far as I am concerned. You should just call him and talk to him at (775) 355-6898.

We have been playing .475 vs. .480. Out of my 7.5" Super Red it is neck and neck with a 5.5" .475. I have a new batch of bullets comming to try this week. After I get everything worked up I will post. I am playing with 300MP powder. So far so good and it is much easier to get than 110 or 296 right now.

Hi Zee,,,,,,,My BFR is the standard magnum research 7 1/2" actually more like 8". I have a FA front sight base for interchangeable front sights, action tune, grip frame altered, and custom grips of rosewood. JRH had me measure my hand so, the grip fits me perfect and is very comfortable. [cost wise approx. $650 and worth every penny] I later added the ultradot 30 and it proved a good decision for hunting also. You probably have your own ideas of the way you want the revolver to be. I'm going to say what whit said----you really should discuss this with JRH and I believe you will be satisfied also.

Can a .480 Super Redhawk cylinder be opened up to accept the Linebaugh cartridge? Or, is it not long enough or something?

I passed on a Linebaugh built 475 Super Red earlier this year on one of the forums - it is possible

Having this done had also crossed my mind, but when you look at the numbers the Linebaugh is only going to net about 100 fps over the 480R. I decided it really isn't worth the trouble for the cost of the conversion nor extra powder burned and additional punishment. The 480R is a sweetheart to shoot relative to performance.

Oh. This, I was unaware of. That being the menial 100 +/- fps difference.

That may even make the BFR purchase not worth the extra $300-400 cost over a Super Redhawk. And then an additional $300-500 cost to have the BfR modified.

At that rate, it seems I might be best served just sticking with the SR in .480 Ruger. Not that I wouldn't love a modified BFR in the Linebaugh cartridge. But, the end (performance) doesn't justify the means (cost) in my mind. That being........I don't have +/- $1500 extra laying around.

More thought is needed.

I don't think you will find the .480 lacking from a terminal standpoint. The .480 can't really reach the upper end .475 velocities, but I would argue that game will never know the difference.

It would be difficult to tell this boar he was shot with a 480 instead of a full blown 475.... Used a handload shooting a Speer 325gr JFP..... If a five shot revolver were chambered for 480 you would have to go to the heavy bullet, high velocity loads to see any difference between the two rounds.

I guess I have experience now. Shot these two does yesterday morning. 20 and 60 yards. DRT

I have a friend who shoots a Super Redhawk in 480 and he loves it. It will shoot both cast and jacket bullets with great accuracy.

He used a 350 grain JHP to take this nice boar.

You boys are assuredly fueling the fire. Much appreciated.

Let me dump some more fuel on......

Shot this big boar on my first outing with my then new .480 (I bought it in 2001). This was the second animal in as many days with the gray SRH......

More fuel.......

.480 SRH stoked with 400 grain XTPs......

Nice.

The 400gr bullet is my "target" weight for the .480 Ruger. That's what I'm after. My .44s/.454 can cover everything under that.

The 480R will handle that, no problem. If you plan to delve much heavier then the Linebaugh really comes into light.

Excellent thread. Answered some questions I've had about the .480, now to decide the platform.

Thanks too, Whitworth for your input earlier today.

Great hog pics, guys.