I've been working with my .480 Ruger in a 5" RB for a while now. I've used the Speer GD bullets, the Hornady's, and some CP bullets...as per the data from Speer, Hornady, and Hodgdon.

I'm interested in anyone's experiences withe 420gr BTB LFN in the .480. The cylinder length is 1.735", plus the rim thickness of .070", should equal a ctg oal ( in a perfect world) of 1.805". The case length of 1.285" would indicate that any of the BTB bullets in the 420gr class would work with ease, and a bit of margin to spare. Have any of you worked with this bullet? I'm mainly looking for loading data...start and end points. I'd be happy to take this info in a PM if you don't feel comfortable sharing the info in a public manner.

Thanks,

Steven

For those offering well-meaning advice to just get a .500 S&W...I'll pass. I like the handy package of the 5" RB and am quite happy with it. Besides, you'll never shoot anything of the power level of this compact revolver with the comfort afforded by it's grip and porting. The ultimate power-god it's not, but it's got enough for me at present.

Keep us updated. I like the idea of a big-bore in a handy revolver like that. Sure wish Ruger would put it in a 5.5" Redhawk.....

And I wish Ruger would have made it in a five shooter. Their metal may be good, but I like to see a little more of it around the cartridges when dealing with nearly 50K PSI. This round is a pussycat in factory guise when compared to the rounds that are loaded to spec...which the factory rounds are not...not even close.

As a side note, the RB has better sights and a vastly superior trigger than any SRH or RH I've ever had in hand when in factory form.

As to the .480, it creates a very large amount of power when loaded with heavy cast bullets. If light bullets and high velocity are your game...the .454 is the answer, but the .480 doesn't give up much or anything when the weight goes up to 370-405grs. All at a bit less pressure.

I'm still hoping there is a forum member out there who can give me some guidance as to load levels with the BTB 420's. I really don't want to have to buy an Encore barrel and defile it's blueing with a Oehler strain guage in order to do it on my own....well, at least my wife doesn't want me to. :)

I have not used your 420 gr. slug but I am shooting a 410 gr. cast from cast performance using 18.5 grs. of H110 and a fed 155 primer in a ruger 7.5 in. super redhawk. It shows no signs of pressure and recoil is not as harsh as the 325 gr. factory's. I have some 375 gr. to try yet .I know it's not exactly what your asking about but maybe a starting point. Hope it helps.

hoeram

hoeram,
have you seen Hodgdon's data for the bullet you're using? It looks like a their start data is just a little above what you're using. Have you had a chance to shoot any of those loads over a chronograph?

Here is the link to Hodgdons data if you don't already have it: http://www.hodgdon.com/data/pistol/480ruger.php

Thanks for the info.

Steven,

I've got several people shooting both of the 420g GC versions of our bullet in their .480 Ruger revolvers. I'll have to admit to mixed reviews. I've not had any complaints of accuracy issues, they've been shooting splendidly, but recoil has been the main contention with a few folks shooting this combination. It's certainly not a load for the faint of heart, to be sure.

I'll check into loads being used if you are interested. WE don't have any data we have developed as of yet for this combination.

Hope this helps!

God Bless,

Marshall,
I would greatly appreciate it if you could find some info on this matter. I've done a little work with the CP bullets, but I don't think the quality is all that it could be. A good bullet to be sure, but I would like to try something else. The recoil with the 370gr+ cast bullets will get your attention, no doubt, but it's not THAT bad. I've been quite impressed with the recoil handling qulaities of the RB, as compared to the SRH, especially when considering it's a short revolver.

Thanks,

Steven