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.480 Ruger bullet recommendations. #181887 07/08/2017 3:59 AM
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Zee Offline OP
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I'll be getting my Ruger SBH Bisley in .480 Ruger out of Purgatory soon and have already acquired the brass (Starline), dies (RCBS), and powder (H110) I'll be using to load her with.

All that's missing is my final decision on Bullets. So, I'm looking for bullet and weight recommendations for said cartridge.

I'll be hunting deer/pig sized game with the revolver. Nothing larger than that in a realistic future.

I already load 325gr WFN-GC in my .44 Mag heavies and 350gr RFN-GC in my .454 Casulls. So, I was looking to go for the 400s in weight. But, economy and need may kick in as well.

Basically, I can get:
340gr RFN-PB Coated Bullets (300 count) from MO Bullet Company for about the same price as 400gr WFN-GC Bullets (100 count) from Montana Bullet Co.

Which would you recommend or is there another bullet and weight I should look at?

Much grats.


"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
Re: .480 Ruger bullet recommendations. [Re: Zee] #181900 07/08/2017 2:59 PM
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Mech 8 Offline
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I have been trying to standardize on one bullet weight for my FA 83 in 475 Linebaugh. For my Texas Hill Country hunting of deer and hogs, I think I found one in Leadheads 355 grain LFNGC. I know it is less than your 400 grain criteria, but since the bullet isn't going to expand, you shouldn't need a lot of weight/SD to punch through your porkers. The nose length is about .380 and so is the meplat. I'm using AA9 and moving it out at just under 1400 fps. Very accurate, but still haven't used it on flesh yet. Too many other things to test! Just giving you my thoughts on the matter. I expect a full write up on whatever you choose.

Re: .480 Ruger bullet recommendations. [Re: Mech 8] #181902 07/08/2017 3:34 PM
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Zee Offline OP
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I mean, I'd LIKE to go 400gr just out of principle. I absolutely KNOW I don't need one for my critters. In fact, I might be better served with the lighter 340 and a higher velocity. But then, who knows until you try?

I know I like the price of the 340s much mo betta!


"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
Re: .480 Ruger bullet recommendations. [Re: Zee] #181903 07/08/2017 3:36 PM
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Zee Offline OP
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I put a 325gr LFN-GC out of my .44 Mag Redhawk through both shoulders and spine of a boar at 80 yards and he just fell over.

So yeah, more weight isn't really needed in my case.


"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
Re: .480 Ruger bullet recommendations. [Re: Zee] #181904 07/08/2017 3:39 PM
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Mech 8 Offline
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"There's no buffalo where I'm going". If I had the money to spend on hunting big critters, I'd blow it on a new/another firearm first. Just me I guess.

Re: .480 Ruger bullet recommendations. [Re: Mech 8] #181913 07/08/2017 6:31 PM
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junebug Offline
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Penn bullets has a 355 gr Thunderhead and a 420 gr Thunderhead plain base that look good .Don't know how they would do at distance as they have a very wide meplat. The cast performance 355 shot very well in my Super Red hawk . They are pricey though.


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Re: .480 Ruger bullet recommendations. [Re: junebug] #181924 07/09/2017 1:03 AM
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tradmark Offline
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Look at rimrock bullets. Reasonable and great bullets. Ive been shooting the 440's putta mine but they have lotsa good weights for the 480

Re: .480 Ruger bullet recommendations. [Re: tradmark] #181925 07/09/2017 1:40 AM
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Zee Offline OP
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I only see two.

380gr GC
440gr GC

Edit: Found a third.
410gr PB


"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
Re: .480 Ruger bullet recommendations. [Re: Zee] #181927 07/09/2017 1:45 AM
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wvhitman Offline
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The 275 X has been a pleasant surprise. Creates a lot of damage, very accurate, penetrates well, and has recoil the the 400s. I've taken groundhogs, deer, a lion, and a Cape buffalo with it. Worked everytime.

Re: .480 Ruger bullet recommendations. [Re: wvhitman] #181932 07/09/2017 12:55 PM
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Zee Offline OP
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Well, @ 300 bullets for $50, these may win out.

http://missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=377&category=5&secondary=&keywords=

The price is assuredly enticing.


"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
Re: .480 Ruger bullet recommendations. [Re: Zee] #181946 07/10/2017 2:52 AM
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Brenden Offline
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I shoot a lot of Missouri Bullets. You can't go wrong with them. The price is also nice.

Re: .480 Ruger bullet recommendations. [Re: Brenden] #181948 07/10/2017 12:44 PM
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Whitworth Offline
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Cast Performance has a 425 grain WFN that's really good. I've used the various CEB offerings in this caliber as well from the 220s on hogs and the 340 grain solid I used on my water buffalo in Argentina. These bullets have returned exceptional accuracy. However, they are a bit costly.


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Re: .480 Ruger bullet recommendations. [Re: Whitworth] #182173 07/26/2017 2:45 PM
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Bob Roach Offline
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You can't beat the price on the Missouri Bullets. I shoot thousand of the Missouri Bullets a year in 38 Special. Never a problem with them. So far I have not tried any of the Hi-Tec Coated bullets. Lots of my fellow shooters at the range are using the coated bullets with no complaints at all.

I would like to see a little bigger meplat for perfect, but they would probably work fine for most applications. They should fly well at longer range with the overall bullet shape.

I bought some Cast Performance 355's years ago. They are a very impressive bullet. Just a little pricey.

I now have a Mountain Mold that casts 375 WFN-GC bullets that I am totally happy with for hunting. The 325 Lee Mold casts a very good looking bullet also. I need to cast up a few 325's for plinking loads for my Alaskan. Per what I have read the Huge Meplat on the 325 Lee causes accuracy issues at longer ranges. I have also read that it shoots just fine. I guess I should try a few in my hunting 480 and see for myself how they perform.

Keep us posted on your reloading efforts.

Bob


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Re: .480 Ruger bullet recommendations. [Re: Bob Roach] #182224 07/28/2017 11:43 PM
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Sawfish Offline
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I use a 410 gr WFNGC bullet loaded at 1100 fps. Good performer on game, and does not beat you up.


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Re: .480 Ruger bullet recommendations. [Re: Sawfish] #182228 07/29/2017 1:52 AM
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Zee Offline OP
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I am honestly still torn between the 340gr RFN-PB Fromm Missouri Bullets or the 400gr WFN-GC from Montana Bullets.

The 340gr get the price nod.
The 400gr get the no lead/target weight nod.


"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
Re: .480 Ruger bullet recommendations. [Re: Zee] #182231 07/29/2017 12:24 PM
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dhom Offline
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I have used the 410 WFNGC from cast performance in my 475L and it shoots extremely well. I used the Montana 400 WFNGC on an elk and it worked perfectly. IMHO the 355 gr cast from Leadheads will suite your needs with a reasonable price tag.

Re: .480 Ruger bullet recommendations. [Re: Zee] #182233 07/29/2017 12:28 PM
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Whitworth Offline
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 Originally Posted By: Zee
I am honestly still torn between the 340gr RFN-PB Fromm Missouri Bullets or the 400gr WFN-GC from Montana Bullets.

The 340gr get the price nod.
The 400gr get the no lead/target weight nod.


I would try them both but would lean towards the heavier bullet with the bigger meplat.


Max Prasac

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BIG IRON: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6aXjMH5C30

Gun Digest TV's Modern Shooter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGo-KMpXPpA&t=7s

Re: .480 Ruger bullet recommendations. [Re: Whitworth] #182238 07/30/2017 12:32 AM
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Zee Offline OP
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I am nearing the release from Purgatory for my Bisley. I have everything I need except the bullets.

I'm about to have to poop or get off the pot with my decision.


"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
Re: .480 Ruger bullet recommendations. [Re: Zee] #182245 07/31/2017 7:56 PM
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Sawfish Offline
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The last batch of Montana bullets that I ordered was a tad heavier than the advertised weight. Not complaining, just an FYI. The 400 grainers weighed 405 grains and the 410 grainers weighed 412 grains. Both were very accurate. I am making the 400 grainer my go to bullet in my .475/.480 BFR.


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