.480 Ruger load data

[89yj]

I bought some 340 grain SWC-Keith style bullets for my .480 Ruger and I'm looking for some help with load data. I'd like to run them around 950 fps. Preferably with Unique or 2400 powder.

Most of the load data, in my manuals, is for cup and core bullets at full power. The closest cast bullet data I have, is for a 325 grain bullet and starts at over 1100 fps. Searching the internet doesn't seem to come up with any data for this weight.

The bullet is from Montana Bullet Works and from the description, I assume it is a LBT produced mold.

Any help would be appreciated.

[Wheelguns 1961]

You can use data for a heavier bullet, but not for a lighter bullet. I shoot a 386gn cast hp in my 480’s, with 18.0gns of 2400. This is max load data for a 400gn bullet according to my lyman cast bullet handbook #4. 17.5gns is the starting load for a 325gn bullet with 2400. The velocity is 1110fps for the 325gn bullet. My suggestion would be to start around there and work your way up, checking for pressure signs, and for your preferred velocity. Hs-6 also works very well in the 480. I would suggest to start at 13.0-13.5 with hs-6. Welcome to the forum.

[R-71]

10 grains of unique should be close, i shoot that bullet as well. HS-6 is another powder that’s pretty good and 12-14 grains should get you in the same territory.

[R-71]

I can’t take credit for this data, it was worked up by someone here. I can’t find the original thread it was posted in.

[89yj]

I wanted to follow up with my results and say thanks again.

.480 Ruger Blackhawk 6.5" barrel
Montana Bullet Works 340 gr SWC-K (non gas-check version)
10.0 grains Unique
Hornady case
Wolf large pistol primer

Average of 8 shots = 997 fps (approximately 10 feet from Chronograph)

[Wheelguns 1961]

How does that gun shoot? Mine is an absolute laser. It seems to shoot every load good.

[Gobeyond]

I wanted to follow up with my results and say thanks again.

.480 Ruger Blackhawk 6.5" barrel
Montana Bullet Works 340 gr SWC-K (non gas-check version)
10.0 grains Unique
Hornady case
Wolf large pistol primer

Average of 8 shots = 997 fps (approximately 10 feet from Chronograph)

About 10 gr of hs-6, n-350 or universal and work up. I shot fairly light in my Srh, accurate as heck, got my data on the internet.

[nawagner]

How does that gun shoot? Mine is an absolute laser. It seems to shoot every load good.

Mine is too. I was doing a load workup so I did 5 rounds each of 5 powder levels of Unique with a 412gr cast. I got to the range and realized I hadn't brought any loads to sight. Turns out it wasn't an issue. They all shot really well. Had a hard time finding the best load! 9 grains ended up being the best, or at least the one I picked and loaded.

[Three44s]

10 grains of unique should be close, i shoot that bullet as well. HS-6 is another powder that’s pretty good and 12-14 grains should get you in the same territory.

Another vote for HS6!

Three44s