480 Ruger Shooters

[white eagle]

what is your boolit weight of choice ??
Do ya'll go with the factory givens or do you use something else??
What do you use for powder and do you follow book guidelines for powder charge or do you push it ?
p/b or gas check ??
seems as though there are not a bunch of choices as far as boolit styles and weights ...

[white eagle]

guess not many chute the 480

[tek4260]

I just cast a few of the Mihec HP's and am about to weigh some and figure out how much H-110 to use. My load will be in my 5 shot Vaquero so it may be heavy for a SRH.

Those Mihecs look long, but a quick check beside my LBT and Lee boolits show they won't seat much deeper if any at all(plus they have 2 crimp grooves).

[castblast]

I have a 9.5 SRH and shoot a 410 gr LBT LFN. 21 gr of 296 gives me 1150 fps. Most accurate load I've come across so far.

[warf73]

So far I just use a 400gr boolit, as for powder I got a nice plinking load using Red Dot and still working with the winny 296 powder for my serious stuffs.

[tek4260]

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm35/tk3945/DSCN0579.jpg

387gr from straight WW

Hodgdon shows 24-26 for a 370 cast, and 20-22 for a 405 cast using H110.

I'll probably start with 22-23 grains of H110 and a CCI-350, if that isn't a compressed load. All depends on how long I can seat it since my Vaquero has a regular length cylinder.

[white eagle]

so far I have only used 19 gr of H110 and it is very accurate (my huntin' load)
and speaking of Accurate I am using one of Tom's 420 gr'r
in the p/b for now have one of the same in a g/c coming see which one is mo betta

[DLCTEX]

Lee 400 gr. FP over 21 gr. H-110. Very accurate in Tarus Raging Bull scoped.

[tek4260]

Ended up loading them at 23.0gr of H110 at the longest groove. Only loaded 15 as they don't have much room to pull without tying up the revolver. I'll run one a couple times around and measure for any pull.

[Steel185]

I have the Lee 400gr mold and its "ok".

if you and anyone else interested go to http://www.ranchdogoutdoors.com/ and down on the left under "important links" there is one called "have an idea for a product" and check ruger 480. he is thinking of doing a bullet for two for us and he always has great molds, for a great price.

There aren't many of us 480 shooters and even less casters, lets try to help out.

[Pepe Ray]

As we all know, John Linebaugh is the recognized daddy of the .475 Linebaugh and kin.
When he was finally successful in convincing Ross Seyfried to try it out a path to public exposure was made.
Among the published accounts and recommendations we find that both gentlemen agreed on the single most efficient (effective? ) bullet weight was the 385 gr. produced ATT by LBT.

Boolet wgt.,not being the most important factor in producing accuracy, was of importance in the game taking aspect of their discussions.

It's in the records.
Pepe Ray

[birddog]

Still in the playing stages with my SRH and so far have had excellent luck with the 400gr boolits. I'm on the list for the GC 400+ by Miha and looking forward to that mold and have shown my interest towards the RD 480 project also. Recently ordered a .411" mold from Mike and want to shoot this through the BH soon.
Charlie:Fire:

[whelenshooter]

I've shot 3 bullets in the 480. A 370 grain Cast Performance LFN with 25 grains H110, a 400 grain Lee with 19.0 grains of AA #9 or AA 4100 and a 285 grain CBE with usually 23 grains AA#9 or the same of AA 4100. Originally I was shooting a 7.5" SRH (which I stupidly traded for a 454 Casull). Now I'm only shooting an H&R Handi rifle that was re-bored for 480 (it was before any 480 rifles were out and I was impatient). These loads were accurate in the SRH, but I have never gotten the Handi where I wanted it accuracy wise.

Without looking it up my recollection is that all these loads are within the parameters in the published loading manuals. However user beware. They were safe in my gun, your mileage may vary.

With the SRH I shot a large doe at about 18 paces using the 400 Lee. I shot her headon just to the left of her sternum kind of high in the chest. The bullet took out several ribs on entry and as it went down her side, then punched a huge hole in her lungs and liver, shatter her left side ham bone and came to rest just under the hide. The bullet had mushroomed very well (as if it needed to) and retained probably 95% of it's weight.

It was my first kill with a handgun and with a bullet I cast. Needless to say I kept the bullet and case. I hope you enjoy the 480 as much as I do. Anybody have a 480 SRH to trade for a 454 SRH :razz:?


David

[41 mag fan]

The 480 Ruger is my handgun of choice. When I bought mine 1 1/2 yrs ago or so, all I could find at the time was the Laser Cast 355gr. Then I came across 1k or so of 355gr boolits. I bought them for $50. I'm guessing they're from Laser Cast also, but am not for sure as the boxes weren't the same.
I loved my 41 mags till I bought this SRH 9.5".
I believe without going out into the shop and looking, I have mine loaded up with 21.0gr of H110.
Got a couple of questions I'm hoping those on here with more experience with the 480 in the SRH can answer.
I'm wanting to use this gun for deer, hogs, ect.

Has anyone had any problems with their SRH shooting high at 25yrds?
I've tried all the powders Laser Cast published to use, plus what I could find in the manuals.
Still the same problems, 4" high at 25yrds, rear sight bottomed out.

I could see the POA would drop when I stepped it out to 50, 75, 100yrds, but 99.9% of deer killed here, are within 30yrds. Anything further you're flirting with too much undergrowth.

The molds thru Ranch Dog..... Are these made thru Lee? I would much prefer to give my business to the mold makers and other vendors on here, but I have a real hang up with Lee molds. If they are made thru Lee, is the same cheap QC go into these molds, like they are when you buy from somewhere like Midway?
I'm going to look at Ranch Dogs site, on the special interest. I just hate Lees quality.


I've got one Lee mold for the 480 I just cast up some late last week. I believe it's the 325gr GC boolit.
I just went to Ranch Dogs site and thru my interest in on the 480/475 boolit molds

[tek4260]

Measure the height of your front sight and compare it to what is avaliable from say Brownells. You may have a short sight and it is easily changed on the SRH. Also, 21 with a 325 seems a bit light. Check your loading manuals and if you can step up the speed, it will hit lower.

[Whitworth]

As we all know, John Linebaugh is the recognized daddy of the .475 Linebaugh and kin.
When he was finally successful in convincing Ross Seyfried to try it out a path to public exposure was made.
Among the published accounts and recommendations we find that both gentlemen agreed on the single most efficient (effective? ) bullet weight was the 385 gr. produced ATT by LBT.

Boolet wgt.,not being the most important factor in producing accuracy, was of importance in the game taking aspect of their discussions.

It's in the records.
Pepe Ray

But in Ross's testing he came to favor a 430 grain bullet that he hunted all manner of game with.

[41 mag fan]

Measure the height of your front sight and compare it to what is avaliable from say Brownells. You may have a short sight and it is easily changed on the SRH. Also, 21 with a 325 seems a bit light. Check your loading manuals and if you can step up the speed, it will hit lower.

Boolit from Oregon Trail is the 355gr GC. By what they sent 23.5gr is max.
I've loaded to 23.3gr, and my best groups were at 21.0gr.
But all were still 4" high.

I've looked at the front sight issue, and Brownells, if i believe correct, had only the standard height. There was a place over in Ohio I located, about a taller front sight, I just never got around to ordering it.
Thats probably the route I'll go, but I'm also wanting to jump to heavier boolits for it also.

I read somewhere, don't know if its true or not, but SRH are notorious for shooting high. Don't know if it's true, just what I came across one time.

[Viper225]

41MAGFAN

The sight height should be:
SRH 454: 0.310
SRH 44: 0.332
SRH 480: 0.390

You might check and see if you might have a 454 or 44 Mag front sight on yours.

Midway carries Marble Fiber Optic front sights for it. 334-505 is a Green 480 sight.
It is great in the woods. You should be impressed with it.

My loads:
Summer General Purpose Carry Load:
400 gr Lee over 8.0 Unique

#1 Hunting Load:
400 gr WFP Lee cast from wheel weights over 18.0 gr. of AA#9

#2 Hunting Load:
355 Oregan Trail Laser Cast over 20.0 gr. of AA#9

Snake Load:
app 175 gr of #9 or #12 shot over 4.0 gr. of Clays

I also have a Lee 325 GC Mold, My gun does not seem to like it very well. I need to play with it a little more.

I have a 7.5 Super Red Hawk 480 with a Marble Green Fiber Optic front sight, and Hogue Tamer Grip.
I also have a 9.5 Super Redhawk 480 with Marble Green Fiber Optic front sight, Hogue Tamer grip, and a 30mm UltraDot in Ruger rings.
I bagged a Doe and an 11 Point Buck with mine this Missouri deer season. Tagged Out with one Any Deer and One Antlerless Only Tag. Both with the Oregon Trail 355 WFP GC.

Love the 480 Ruger Super Red Hawk.

Bob R

[castblast]

You can get a taller front sight directly from Ruger for under $10 that will fix your problem.

[41 mag fan]

41MAGFAN

The sight height should be:
SRH 454: 0.310
SRH 44: 0.332
SRH 480: 0.390

You might check and see if you might have a 454 or 44 Mag front sight on yours.

Midway carries Marble Fiber Optic front sights for it. 334-505 is a Green 480 sight.
It is great in the woods. You should be impressed with it.

My loads:
Summer General Purpose Carry Load:
400 gr Lee over 8.0 Unique

#1 Hunting Load:
400 gr WFP Lee cast from wheel weights over 18.0 gr. of AA#9

#2 Hunting Load:
355 Oregan Trail Laser Cast over 20.0 gr. of AA#9

Snake Load:
app 175 gr of #9 or #12 shot over 4.0 gr. of Clays

I also have a Lee 325 GC Mold, My gun does not seem to like it very well. I need to play with it a little more.

I have a 7.5 Super Red Hawk 480 with a Marble Green Fiber Optic front sight, and Hogue Tamer Grip.
I also have a 9.5 Super Redhawk 480 with Marble Green Fiber Optic front sight, Hogue Tamer grip, and a 30mm UltraDot in Ruger rings.
I bagged a Doe and an 11 Point Buck with mine this Missouri deer season. Tagged Out with one Any Deer and One Antlerless Only Tag. Both with the Oregon Trail 355 WFP GC.

Love the 480 Ruger Super Red Hawk.

Bob R

Bob, looks like I've got the correct front sight. On that .390, thats taking it from the bottom of the base to top of blade, right?
I tried AA9 and my groups were better with the H110.

I cast a few hundred up on that Lee 325gr GC late last week. I'm waiting for them to fuly cure before I try them out.

I need to really get it back out, I put it up early spring, and started on my 500, 223's, 45's and I think a few other guns I've bought and forgot.

That green fiber optic sight from Midway standard height?



You can get a taller front sight directly from Ruger for under $10 that will fix your problem.


I called Ruger about that back in Jan. They told me they only make standard sights, nothing taller like what I'm needing.

[white eagle]

so fr I have 3 of Tom's Molds (Accurate Molds)
1 more on the way I am using a 420gr pb and gc
and a 400 gr g/c and the one I have coming is a 385 gr g/c
also found that other than h-110 it likes cci 350's

[41 mag fan]

so fr I have 3 of Tom's Molds (Accurate Molds)
1 more on the way I am using a 420gr pb and gc
and a 400 gr g/c and the one I have coming is a 385 gr g/c
also found that other than h-110 it likes cci 350's


With the 355gr. I've got from Oregon Trail, my best groups came with the H110 and Win primers. CCI 350's didn't group as well

[white eagle]

might be the boolit weight
not sure but mine definitely has a preference for the 350's
my 45 colt was like that as well

[41 mag fan]

Where's your hitting at and what yardage? Are you using open sights?

I haven't even started on my 45 Colt in the SRH

[Lefty SRH]

Bowen Classic offers different front and rear sight heights for SRH. I love mine on my .44mag 9 1/2" SRH. They are a huge improvement over factory sights.
My 9 1/2" .480 should be in my hands by the end of the week, can't wait either! What finish is on everyones .480 SRH? I found mine to be NIB but with regular stainless finish like the .44 SRH, NOT "Target Grey".

[Lefty SRH]

I am hoping to settle on a low 400-ish gr cast boolit and something close to that in HP to keep the State happy with me while hunting.

[41 mag fan]

Bowen Classic offers different front and rear sight heights for SRH. I love mine on my .44mag 9 1/2" SRH. They are a huge improvement over factory sights.
My 9 1/2" .480 should be in my hands by the end of the week, can't wait either! What finish is on everyones .480 SRH? I found mine to be NIB but with regular stainless finish like the .44 SRH, NOT "Target Grey".

Lefty,
That Bowen Classic out of Ohio?
Mines got that satin grey finish or whatever they call it.


I am hoping to settle on a low 400-ish gr cast boolit and something close to that in HP to keep the State happy with me while hunting.


There's a couple of group buys going on right now for the 480/475

[Lefty SRH]

No, he's in Louisville TN. I have the Rough Country on my SRH and my .44spl Flat Top Bisley. They are beautiful sights that give a wonderful crisp sight picture.

http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/parts_store/ruger_rough_country_adjustable_rear_sights.html

[Lefty SRH]

I found a 2 cavity LEE 400 gr mold for $18. Is this a good mold to start with? Like I said earlier, I don't even have this cannon in my hands yet.

[Lefty SRH]

Here are his Ruger front sights.
http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/parts_store/front_sights.html

[Lefty SRH]

They will also help you figure out what height front you need. They also offer different size rear blades that will help dial your sights in. They are very helpful! One day all my Ruger sixguns will wear Bowen irons, 2 down and 5 to go!

[41 mag fan]

Thanks Lefty.
I got that site in my favorites, so I can reference it.

[41 mag fan]

They will also help you figure out what height front you need. They also offer different size rear blades that will help dial your sights in. They are very helpful! One day all my Ruger sixguns will wear Bowen rear sights, 2 down and 5 to go!


I talked to the guy over in Ohio, about my front sight. But I never followed up on it. I talked to Ruger and they don't make taller, but they told my to file my rear one down. So I did as much as I dared to. Which brought it down to the 4" high it shoots now.
I'd forgot about that till just now, doing what ruger recommended. I filed just enough to bring it down 1/2"

[Lefty SRH]

You guys have really got me cranked about getting my .480!

[white eagle]

Where's your hitting at and what yardage? Are you using open sights?

I haven't even started on my 45 Colt in the SRH
I am hitting 1.5"high @50 yds
factory iron's

[41 mag fan]

You guys have really got me cranked about getting my .480!

You'll like it when you get it. I was big on the 41 mag, till I got my 480.


I am hitting 1.5"high @50 yds
factory iron's

That might be what i need to look at. i've not taken it to the 50 yrd yet. Always shot it right here at home at my 25 yrd lane.

[white eagle]

my way of thinking that gives me minute of whitetail out to a 100 yds or so
Lefty you are going to really like the 480
check with Tom Accuratemolds he has a 420 gr that is awesome
you can get either checked or not

[Lefty SRH]

I've shot a 7 1/2" SRH .480 a few months ago but felt a light "twinge" in my wrist from recoil and passed on the sale. Since then I have regreted it. I have done a lot more heavy big bore shooting and now feel like I can handle a 9 1/2" .480 since the extra barrel length will help with recoil a little.
A friend sent me a link to one recently that was for sale but I wasn't feeling it. I then stumbled on the 9 1/2" stainless for $600 delivered NIB and I jumped on it. Still need brass and dies that will come in time. I have 1/2 a box of factory ammo for now. Hunting season is in full swing here and my local range is closed for the current water fowl season, opens Feb. 2nd I believe.
Have to get thru Christmas first. Hoping my cannon will be here friday.

[white eagle]

I am hoping to settle on a low 400-ish gr cast boolit and something close to that in HP to keep the State happy with me while hunting.
this is a boolit I shot today
alloy was a 50/50 mix of isotope lead and wheel weight
shot into a dirt berm
retained weight was 397 gr
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/kempobb/a4-1.jpg

[Lefty SRH]

Whats is isotope lead? What mold was it dropped from?

[white eagle]

isotope lead is the stuff that Muddy Creek Sam sells here on this board
swap/sell...... look here.....http://fellingfamily.net/isolead/ ...mold was this one
http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=48-420R-D.png

[Steel185]

The 480 Ruger is my handgun of choice. When I bought mine 1 1/2 yrs ago or so, all I could find at the time was the Laser Cast 355gr. Then I came across 1k or so of 355gr boolits. I bought them for $50. I'm guessing they're from Laser Cast also, but am not for sure as the boxes weren't the same.
I loved my 41 mags till I bought this SRH 9.5".
I believe without going out into the shop and looking, I have mine loaded up with 21.0gr of H110.
Got a couple of questions I'm hoping those on here with more experience with the 480 in the SRH can answer.
I'm wanting to use this gun for deer, hogs, ect.

Has anyone had any problems with their SRH shooting high at 25yrds?
I've tried all the powders Laser Cast published to use, plus what I could find in the manuals.
Still the same problems, 4" high at 25yrds, rear sight bottomed out.

I could see the POA would drop when I stepped it out to 50, 75, 100yrds, but 99.9% of deer killed here, are within 30yrds. Anything further you're flirting with too much undergrowth.

The molds thru Ranch Dog..... Are these made thru Lee? I would much prefer to give my business to the mold makers and other vendors on here, but I have a real hang up with Lee molds. If they are made thru Lee, is the same cheap QC go into these molds, like they are when you buy from somewhere like Midway?
I'm going to look at Ranch Dogs site, on the special interest. I just hate Lees quality.


I've got one Lee mold for the 480 I just cast up some late last week. I believe it's the 325gr GC boolit.
I just went to Ranch Dogs site and thru my interest in on the 480/475 boolit molds


i have 1 of Ranch Dog's molds for my 45-70 (350gr) and it is made by Lee to Ranch Dog's specs. He then checks it out before its sent to you and stands behind them. His 45-70 mold is great, i had an issue with them being too frosted and he emailed me back with tons of help, i had the mold too hot. I cooled it slightly while casting and perfect boolits fell out. These are not the 2 cavity cheepes from Lee you see on midway for $18(have one of those in .475, see below). These are custom made, 6 cavities. I have another custom Lee made from a group buy in 45 acp 6 cavity SWC and it works great.

Not to be confused but i have a 2 cavity Lee mold (cheepe from midway like i mentioned above) and it ...well... puts out "boolits" but it takes some work to get great bullets to come out. In my short experience casting Lee custom molds are in a different catagory than their "standard" offerings.

I like Ranch Dog's molds, he does tons of research and is looking for the best mold for that gun, he doesn't make a ton of different molds for the same size, because he wants the best, most accurate mold. Don't get me wrong, i have other mold makes and they are fine pieces i use often, but if there is a Ranch dog mold for the caliber I'm casting for, i grab it up.

[Steel185]

Anyone with a SRH have any experience with Magn-a-porting?

I have the 7.5 inch (in 480) and was thinking about getting that done to mine. My uncle has the 9.5 inch (in 480) and when shot side by side its difficult to get a feel for the porting because of the different kick just with a longer barrel. (yes the 9.5 kicks a little harder).

[Lefty SRH]

A friend has a Magna Ported .454 SRH 7 1/2" yes it still kicks like a mule. But the muzzle stays down, much to my suprise. I may be comparing apples to oranges.....I didn't find the muzzle rise near as bad as the .454

[tek4260]

My 480 SRH was Magnaported, but I don't know how effective it was since I haven't shot another one to compare it. I know it was a handful with the Hogue grip it was wearing. Looked like this one

http://www.hoguestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=27_61_404&products_id=3574

Dad wimped out and put some rubber on it with the insert.

[castblast]

Bob, looks like I've got the correct front sight. On that .390, thats taking it from the bottom of the base to top of blade, right?
I tried AA9 and my groups were better with the H110.

I cast a few hundred up on that Lee 325gr GC late last week. I'm waiting for them to fuly cure before I try them out.

I need to really get it back out, I put it up early spring, and started on my 500, 223's, 45's and I think a few other guns I've bought and forgot.

That green fiber optic sight from Midway standard height?





I called Ruger about that back in Jan. They told me they only make standard sights, nothing taller like what I'm needing.


I tracked down and measured my 2 front sights. The one that came with the gun is .310 and the extra one Ruger sent me is .390. I was shooting 5" high at 25 yds with the short sight and dead on with the tall one. I think Ruger should have sent me that sight for free!

[41 mag fan]

I've shot a 7 1/2" SRH .480 a few months ago but felt a light "twinge" in my wrist from recoil and passed on the sale. Since then I have regreted it. I have done a lot more heavy big bore shooting and now feel like I can handle a 9 1/2" .480 since the extra barrel length will help with recoil a little.
A friend sent me a link to one recently that was for sale but I wasn't feeling it. I then stumbled on the 9 1/2" stainless for $600 delivered NIB and I jumped on it. Still need brass and dies that will come in time. I have 1/2 a box of factory ammo for now. Hunting season is in full swing here and my local range is closed for the current water fowl season, opens Feb. 2nd I believe.
Have to get thru Christmas first. Hoping my cannon will be here friday.


Good price for the 480 Ruger. I believe I paid $575 NIB for mine. The 480 can be loaded down to compensate for recoil, and you can build up from there.
The mold White eagle used for the 480 picture was from Accurate molds. He's got a thread going there showing the new molds he's gotten in from Accurate molds.




this is a boolit I shot today
alloy was a 50/50 mix of isotope lead and wheel weight
shot into a dirt berm
retained weight was 397 gr


Good retention of weight there. What was the yardage shot from?

[Lefty SRH]

I'm about to order brass. Should I get Starline or Hornady-there's a $12 difference in the two.

And should I even fool with the cheaper Lee 400 gr mold from Midways site?
I want to get this ball Rollin!

[Lefty SRH]

I was planning on RCBS dies. Any better suggestions?

[41 mag fan]

Get starline lefty. I IMHO think they're the best on brass. I've got somewhere in the neighborhood of 1000 pcs. maybe more.
You can go with the Lee mold, but I have several, and to be honest, I get po'd everytime I use them. I just think they're cheap and in this instance...you're getting what you paid for.

you put a Lee from someplace like Midway up against an NOE or Miha mold, you'll throw them Lees off to the side and let them become paperweights.

Now I am going to take Steels advice on this thread and order a mold from Ranch Dog that'll be a Lee custom. I just hope it comes out good.

[41 mag fan]

I was planning on RCBS dies. Any better suggestions?


I actually use a combo of dies.
As much as I procrastinate on Lee molds, I like their presses and dies..to an extent.
I use in my turret an RCBS sizer, Lee expander and RCBS seater.
I like the Lee expander just because I can dump my powder in at the time I flare

[Lefty SRH]

The mold would be to get me by so I can shoot. It just takes awhile to get MiHec molds, I know they are great I have one for my 45 colts.

[41 mag fan]

Same here I got 1 Miha mold. 450gr 500 mold. I like it alot. I've got 4 or 5 NOE molds and am a follower. I think I'm in on about 15 group buys for NOE molds, glad I can write my own paychecks at work, or I'd be in trouble.

I just made some up from a Lee 325gr mold my wife bought me for Christmas last yr.
First time I've used it. It cast ok, guess I'm high maintenance like my wife claims!!
I haven't sized them yet. Probably will start today. I've got 5700 pcs of 223 brass I've been working on, they need sorted , sized, swaged, and trimmed.
Need grandkids, that way i got free help!!

[Lefty SRH]

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm35/tk3945/DSCN0579.jpg

387gr from straight WW

Hodgdon shows 24-26 for a 370 cast, and 20-22 for a 405 cast using H110.

I'll probably start with 22-23 grains of H110 and a CCI-350, if that isn't a compressed load. All depends on how long I can seat it since my Vaquero has a regular length cylinder.

Do you get fill out with straight WW in that mold?

[white eagle]

Good retention of weight there. What was the yardage shot from?
50 yds:Fire:

[41 mag fan]

50 yds:Fire:

Alright White Eagle...I think you wore me down....I think I'm going to go buy me an accurate mold....

You ever shot that at 25yrds? If so how high were you hitting?

[Lefty SRH]

Dies and Lee mold and have been ordered. I'll order brass this evening.

[41 mag fan]

White Eagle....shame on you..your a bad influence!!
I just bought the Accurate #48-420 GC mold.
I couldn't resist :bigsmyl2:

[Lefty SRH]

I'm mold poor 41mag, spread the wealth.

[41 mag fan]

I'm mold poor 41mag, spread the wealth.

LMAO....go read the post on mold maintence, where I posted about accurate mold.

[Lefty SRH]

I like the looks of the 48-400K!

[white eagle]

I had Tom add that one
seemed awful lonely there for awhile in the 48 cal section

[41 mag fan]

I don't think I seen that one in there. But I got that one and the ones from the group buys going on.

[Steel185]

my .475 400gr 2 cavity lee mold was on clearance at midway usa for $12. I figured for that cheap might as well. even at $18 worst case its good practice for those that haven't ever casted something that big, 400gr molds act differently than 160gr molds, i have to get the alloy hot and the mold not quite as hot as the smaller size.

[41 mag fan]

I know on my lee 325 gr mold, I did the same as if I was using it for my 503 450gr miha mold. I kept my pot at 650-675* and I cast 2-3 per minute. I'd run maybe 1/4 pot at a time and take a minutes break, open my sprue plate up but set the mold on my hot plate on low temp. About 1/2 pot I had to adjust my stream to go faster. Other than that my Lee mold did ok.
And I didn't have many rejects. Maybe 10-15 total, so far. I haven't went thru and looked real cloase, but when I spread them out on towels to dry, they overall looked good.

[tek4260]

Do you get fill out with straight WW in that mold?



I guess. I am still using some of my first smelt which was about 5 5gal buckets of WW and a few big rolls of rosin core solder thrown in for good measure(or because I didn't know better).

But, of course it is a Mihec so it casts perfect :) Just keep em hot and run them fast.

[Lefty SRH]

Wow, this cheapo Lee 400gr .480 mold is junk! Oh well....

[Lefty SRH]

Oh, I'll be picking up my new .480 tuesday after work!

[41 mag fan]

Wow, this cheapo Lee 400gr .480 mold is junk! Oh well....


Whats that mold doing to cause you problems?

you'll have to post pics of that 480 when you get it.

[Lefty SRH]

Everything it dropped looked like ****, wrinkled, not filled out....

I'm not very good at posting pics but I'll see what I can do. Brass will be here tomorrow!

[41 mag fan]

Did you preheat it up, clean the cavities, smoke the mold? My lees takes some playing with, but I can get all but one to fill out good. It was my 440gr 501 mold. I put it up and haven't tried anymore on it, but I thought over it alot and think I know why it wasn't filling out.

If you go back and read what gearnasher says about casting and follow his advice, you'll get good boolits. I keep my pot temp at 650*- 675* and let my molds preheat on med/low for about 20 minutes before I start. That gives my pot time to get to temp and my mold heated. Also make sure you flux good.

[Steel185]

on my 400gr lee mold, at first mine were wrinkled, i kept at it and slowly turned up the alloy temp, it got better. Had some issues later with the screw that holds the spruce plate on got loose and some lead got in it. I almost threw it away, but kept at it and cleaned it out, cleaned the threads with a tap, and got a different screw. Found one at the hard ware store with the same thread and length but had an allen head, works better than the phillips screw before. Not it works fine. I'n just not sure if i like the mold design, but for what it was designed for, it puts out decent booits, but 41Mag is right, that one takes a little work to get it going.

[Charlie, AKA The Deacon]

Anyone use the LBT 400gr WFN in there 480 ruger? I just picked my SRH 480 yesterday and was looking at that mold.

[subsonic]

My 400gr Lee works fine for me and I'm one of those "non-smokers". I find that none of my molds need to be "smoked" to drop boolits as long as I get the temps right.

My sprue plate was bent out of the box, but after clamping it in a vice and smacking it with a hunk of 2x4, it works great!

[Lefty SRH]

Anyone use the LBT 400gr WFN in there 480 ruger? I just picked my SRH 480 yesterday and was looking at that mold.

I really like LBT bullets but haven't tried any of the molds yet.

[41 mag fan]

My 400gr Lee works fine for me and I'm one of those "non-smokers". I find that none of my molds need to be "smoked" to drop boolits as long as I get the temps right.

My sprue plate was bent out of the box, but after clamping it in a vice and smacking it with a hunk of 2x4, it works great!

My 501 440gr sprue plate warped within 50 casts. I beat it flat with a rubber mallet. Still not perfect but it works.

Oughta send Lee a bill for $26.70/hr for mold work. Figure if I got to work on their molds right out of the box, or after only a few casts, I might as well charge them what I'd make if I was at work.

[Jbar4Ranch]

400 grainer over AA #9.

Heat your Lee mould up more - aluminum dissipates heat much faster than iron so ya gotta run 'em hotter.

I purchased my first .480 SRH early in 2001 - strangely, most references that come up on google claim the cartridge wasn't invented until 2003 or 2004... weird.

My first box of 50 was headstamped .475 Ruger. Sadly, the box was chucked a decade ago in lieu of an MTM plastic ammo box. The brass turns up every now and then, but I've never seen or heard of another box.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v93/jbar4ranch/475Ruger002.jpg

[Lefty SRH]

Well I picked up my .480 yesterday and everything looks ok so far. Taking gauge pins home tonight to measure the cylinder throats.

[Lefty SRH]

The throats seem to be measuring .475-.4755 between all 6 chamber throats. A 476 pin will NOT go. I think I'm in business.
Right now it needs to be shot/dry fired a lot. The trigger is quite squeaky and heavy. Is the main spring in a .480 the same as the main spring in a .44 SRH?

[Lefty SRH]

Can't wait to shoot it but I want the first boolit to be one of my own cast pills!

[41 mag fan]

Wheres the pics Lefty????

[M4bushy]

http://img.tapatalk.com/47f1d19a-3a28-960c.jpg. This target was shot at 25 yards of of the bench with a lee 400 gr bullet and open sights. This is my plinking load with a mild dose of trail boss.

[41 mag fan]

http://img.tapatalk.com/47f1d19a-3a28-960c.jpg. This target was shot at 25 yards of of the bench with a lee 400 gr bullet and open sights. This is my plinking load with a mild dose of trail boss.

480 Ruger? You got better results than mine. Mines 4" high but dead center with the 355gr Laser Cast.

[Lefty SRH]

Thats a nice group. Has anyone played with Longshot powder in the .480? The loads listed look to be on the mild side.

[white eagle]

although not quite as good as M4's
here is a pic of my 50 yd group
shot with Tom's 385 gr boolit and iron sights
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/kempobb/aa.jpg

[Lefty SRH]

Thats not terrible for 50yds.

[41 mag fan]

Makes me want to get out and put some hole thru in mine. Only problem is I had the use of photobucket last week till thursday, then it wouldn't let me on till Monday. Now it wont let me on again so I couldn't take and post pics if I wanted to....dang computers.

[41 mag fan]

although not quite as good as M4's
here is a pic of my 50 yd group
shot with Tom's 385 gr boolit and iron sights
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/kempobb/aa.jpg

I am going to start seasoning that mold from Tom I got in yesterday.
The 420gr mold in the 480

[warf73]

although not quite as good as M4's
here is a pic of my 50 yd group
shot with Tom's 385 gr boolit and iron sights
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/kempobb/aa.jpg

Thats a good start, hope it comes in for you.

[white eagle]

that is a start
my charging test I had two other groups on the same
backer board I didn't show that were shot just preceding and after
tweeked that charge a bit and loaded some up

[M4bushy]

480 Ruger? You got better results than mine. Mines 4" high but dead center with the 355gr Laser Cast.

Yes, 8.5" barreled super redhawk.....

[warf73]

If all goes well over christmas break I'll get to shoot my 480 test loads with BPR's boolits he sent me. I hope they shoot good, and this will be my first test run with the new grips also.

[Whitworth]

Yes, 8.5" barreled super redhawk.....

8.5? Did you have the barrel shortened?

[41 mag fan]

8.5? Did you have the barrel shortened?

I thought that too, but I figured it was a typo...Lord knows I'm not one to crow about never having a typo senior moment. And I'm not even a senior yet

[Lefty SRH]

What sizing dies are you guys using to size your .480 boolits? Lyman doesn't make a .475 or anything close. RCBS makes a .474 and a .476 die.
I am using a Lyman 4500

Is there someone on this site that makes custom dies for the Lyman sizer.

[41 mag fan]

.476 Lefty. Thats what I use. Will probably be sizing some this evening after supper, from the mold I got from Accurate and cast cast up yesterday

Lathesmith makes dies but only for Saeco or Star sizers, I think.
I wish someone would make dies for the Lyman or RCBS, I'd much rather buy custom made sizers

[white eagle]

I use a .477 made by Buckshot a member on this board
his work I must say is first rate I wish all my dies were as good as the one I got from him

[41 mag fan]

your 480 sizing out to .476?
How much does Buckshot charge for his sizers?

[Lefty SRH]

I use a .477 made by Buckshot a member on this board
his work I must say is first rate I wish all my dies were as good as the one I got from him

What sizer is that sizing die in White Eagle?

[M4bushy]

I thought that too, but I figured it was a typo...Lord knows I'm not one to crow about never having a typo senior moment. And I'm not even a senior yet

Not a senior moment, just a fat fingered iPhone moment....;-) damn keys are to small....

[Lefty SRH]

M4Bushy, so what barrel length do you have? What finish?

[Lefty SRH]

I told a friend tonight that I bought a new .480 Ruger. He asked me if I was gonna lengthen the chambers so a .475L can be chambered. I told him no.

Can this even be done in the SRH platform? Are the cylinder chambers long enough?

[white eagle]

I do believe that would be a definite NO
a 480 is fine where it is if you want a combo gun buy a 475 L
I did hear something mentioned that is one of the reasons they aren't being produced anymoe

[white eagle]

What sizer is that sizing die in White Eagle?
Lyman 450 [smilie=w:

[41 mag fan]

Not a senior moment, just a fat fingered iPhone moment....;-) damn keys are to small....


Gotta be better than my excuse then. I always claim the wife moves the keys around on the keyboard.

[41 mag fan]

Lyman 450 [smilie=w:

White Eagle,
What price does Buckshot sell those sizers for?
Your barrell on your 480 slugging out at .476?

[Lefty SRH]

Exactly what do you use to slug a barrel?

[white eagle]

32.00 or something similar I don't recall for sure
I made a slug and again I believe its .476
however my cylinder throats are .477-.4775

[Lefty SRH]

32.00 or something similar I don't recall for sure
I made a slug and again I believe its .476
however my cylinder throats are .477-.4775

Did you open those throats to .477? Oh boy, I hope I don't have accuracy problems out of mine. I don't know what my bore is yet but the throats are .475-.4755

[Ed K]

Not advocating anyone ream their Ruger for 475L but consider this: can anyone even load their 480R to 48Kpsi max and be sure they are never reaching 50Kpsi of the Linebaugh? I doubt it.

Still I do not see any advantage to doing this. Just cast yourself a custom bullet that places 0.1" more of the lead into the nose area and free up some more powder space.

[Lefty SRH]

Where did you guys buy the bore brush and patch jags for cleaning this .480. I can't find anything.

[white eagle]

I use my 20 ga stuff

[41 mag fan]

Same here, 20ga for my 480, 12 ga for my 500

[M4bushy]

M4Bushy, so what barrel length do you have? What finish?

9.5" stainless with the target gray finish. I'm hoping to get a scope on it over the winter so I can start shooting over 25 yards. I tried 50 yards but with open sights I wasn't proficient enough to try hunting with it.

[M4bushy]

Where did you guys buy the bore brush and patch jags for cleaning this .480. I can't find anything.

Brownells Has .475 bore brushes. For jags, I use a .45 jag with doubled up patches to get a tight fit.

[Lefty SRH]

Anyone know what the groove diameter is supposed to be (in a perfect world) in these .480s?

[M4bushy]

Anyone know what the groove diameter is supposed to be (in a perfect world) in these .480s?

.475 is the mean dim. But manufacturing tolerance should be in the ballpark of .4745-.4755 I would imagine.

[Lefty SRH]

Do WW boolits make good barrel slugging slugs? I have a few .480 boolits I'm not happy with. I could slug the bore before they go back in the pot.

[Lefty SRH]

Who can ream throats out to .476? Cylinder Smith stops at .4525"

[white eagle]

first try the boolits in yer gun
you may be fretting over nada
the cylinder throats on mine are .477
measured with a caliper and a sized boolit
just a slight drag going though the cylinder
I size my boolits to .477 and ll is rite in my gun
no leading and consistent accuracy at 50 yds
I am tweaking a powder charge but am close to where I want to be with
accuracy with the weight of boolit I am using

[warf73]

Where did you guys buy the bore brush and patch jags for cleaning this .480. I can't find anything.

I ended up using 50 cal stuff from the black powder area at walmart. Got all of it for under a few bucks after deer season was over when they red taged it all.

[PatMarlin]

I want to add a 480 caliber to my die catalog in a standard shank and PB version. I wondered if anyone could send me a few samples as cast of both shank and PB so I can design a set of gas check dies for it?

I've been wanting a 480 for a long time, and will get one sooner or later. I wish I would have bought one instead of my 454 Casull at the time.

[41 mag fan]

I'd try shooting several boolits that are sized to .476. If you get leading or poor groups after trying several of the popular powders that seem to work for the 480, then I'd slug the throats and barrell, then go from there.

If you're getting good groups, but poor accuracy.....but no leading, then go to a scope and see how that works out.

[41 mag fan]

I want to add a 480 caliber to my die catalog in a standard shank and PB version. I wondered if anyone could send me a few samples as cast of both shank and PB so I can design a set of gas check dies for it?

I've been wanting a 480 for a long time, and will get one sooner or later. I wish I would have bought one instead of my 454 Casull at the time.

Pat,
Pm Sent

[Lefty SRH]

I slugged the barrel last night and it came out .475". The first inch or 2 at the muzzle were tight and then the slug dropped free all the way to the frame and then got snug again in the frame. A slightly tighter muzzle is good thing. I can't wait to shoot this monster with MY cast boolit.

[white eagle]

I don't know how it happened :mrgreen:
but I now have 4 of Tom's molds [smilie=w:
for the 480 Rug. I even sold one :coffee:
Honest I really don't recall ordering them :bigsmyl2:
350gr,385gr,400gr and 420gr

[41 mag fan]

I don't know how it happened :mrgreen:
but I now have 4 of Tom's molds [smilie=w:
for the 480 Rug. I even sold one :coffee:
Honest I really don't recall ordering them :bigsmyl2:
350gr,385gr,400gr and 420gr

Momentary amnesia??? I have that happen all the time.
Hey post some pics of the 350 and 385gr.

[warf73]

I don't know how it happened :mrgreen:
but I now have 4 of Tom's molds [smilie=w:
for the 480 Rug. I even sold one :coffee:
Honest I really don't recall ordering them :bigsmyl2:
350gr,385gr,400gr and 420gr

Remember that 400gr mold was bought for me as a christmas gift you just need to send my way :)

[white eagle]

try these on for size
http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=48-385B-D.png,
http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=48-350K-D.png

[warf73]

http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=48-350K-D.png

Is sexy

[white eagle]

behaves really well with 26.5 gr H110

[Lefty SRH]

White Eagle, did I buy the 420S from you?

[white eagle]

Yes sir
http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=48-420S-D.png

[Lefty SRH]

I casted a few of the Accurate 48-420S boolits. WOW that pot didn't last long! I set up a dummy set-up round and my god, I now know what a Long Wide Flat Nose bullet looks like! I really reminds me of some of those high dollar machined bronze dangerous game Punch Bullets.
I'll run another pot of these monster pills tomorrow hoping to shoot them this weekend!

Thanks White Eagle!

[44man]

What sizing dies are you guys using to size your .480 boolits? Lyman doesn't make a .475 or anything close. RCBS makes a .474 and a .476 die.
I am using a Lyman 4500

Is there someone on this site that makes custom dies for the Lyman sizer.
I don't now about the 4500 but my RCBS uses both Lyman and RCBS dies. I do have a .476" die and also a Lee .476" push through.

[white eagle]

I casted a few of the Accurate 48-420S boolits. WOW that pot didn't last long! I set up a dummy set-up round and my god, I now know what a Long Wide Flat Nose bullet looks like! I really reminds me of some of those high dollar machined bronze dangerous game Punch Bullets.
I'll run another pot of these monster pills tomorrow hoping to shoot them this weekend!

Thanks White Eagle!

hey no problem
yeh those big ones drain the pot rather quickly
have fun be safe

[tek4260]

I don't now about the 4500 but my RCBS uses both Lyman and RCBS dies. I do have a .476" die and also a Lee .476" push through.


Where did you come across a 476 Lee sizer?

[44man]

Where did you come across a 476 Lee sizer?
They will make you one. Some great machinists right here will also do it for you. Better and maybe cheaper. Support our fellow posters.

[Lefty SRH]

How about some load data for this 420gr pill using H110?
OAL is 1.750
Boolit length is .950
Crimp to meplat is about .490
What a good starting charge and max charge?

[warf73]

According to hodgdon.com start load is 19gr and max is 20 using H110.

[Lefty SRH]

According to hodgdon.com start load is 19gr and max is 20 using H110.

I'm sure mine is a LFN boolit but its NOT Gas Check. Does that make any difference in the recipe? What it still be safe to use that load by Hodgdon? Just curious.

[Lefty SRH]

According to hodgdon.com start load is 19gr and max is 20 using H110.

The Hodgdon data (and according to BTB) they have more boolit in the case by about .100" vs. mine. There's only about .460" of boolit on my case. So That give me a little more case capacity.

[Lefty SRH]

Not advocating anyone ream their Ruger for 475L but consider this: can anyone even load their 480R to 48Kpsi max and be sure they are never reaching 50Kpsi of the Linebaugh? I doubt it.

Still I do not see any advantage to doing this. Just cast yourself a custom bullet that places 0.1" more of the lead into the nose area and free up some more powder space.

This Accurate 48-420S does that exact thing! So now how much more powder can you put in there?

[white eagle]

I use their load data and max charge
no sense screwing up and getting hurt

If you want a 475 Linebaugh charges you should buy a 475 Linebaugh
the cylinder walls are rather thin on the SRH
"JUST SAYIN"

[tek4260]

They will make you one. Some great machinists right here will also do it for you. Better and maybe cheaper. Support our fellow posters.

Didn't see it in the vendor sponsor area, but did find it on Lee's site.

[Charlie, AKA The Deacon]

I just got some 400 grain LFN and some 400 grain WFN to run in my SRH. wanted to try a couple different one's before I buy a mold. they are both LBT Boolits

[Charlie, AKA The Deacon]

Both Gas checked also!

[Lefty SRH]

I use their load data and max charge
no sense screwing up and getting hurt

If you want a 475 Linebaugh charges you should buy a 475 Linebaugh
the cylinder walls are rather thin on the SRH
"JUST SAYIN"

I'm not lookin for nor do I want Linebaugh charges....

[Lefty SRH]

I got to cast some more 420 grainers and started to size them till they all of a sudden started getting stuck in the sizing die. Whats that all about?
Another thing, after sizing I measured the sized boolit and they are bigger than the die. The die is .476 and they are coming out .477" My cylinder throats are only .475. Is it still safe to load them at .477?

[white eagle]

you should be alrite in shooting them
I shoot mine .001-.0015 over another .0005 wouldn't cause trouble
just reduce a tad from your max and give her a go
can't say about the sizer seems odd

[Frank]

Lefty SRH

I got to cast some more 420 grainers and started to size them till they all of a sudden started getting stuck in the sizing die. Whats that all about?
Another thing, after sizing I measured the sized boolit and they are bigger than the die. The die is .476 and they are coming out .477" My cylinder throats are only .475. Is it still safe to load them at .477?
You need a push through .476 die, then a .475 push through from Lee. They will probably be .4765 & .4755 - perfect for you. Use the existing .476 die for lubing, since it's really .477. Dies are $30 each from Lee. Two weeks.

[Lefty SRH]

Lefty SRH

You need a push through .476 die, then a .475 push through from Lee. They will probably be .4765 & .4755 - perfect for you. Use the existing .476 die for lubing, since it's really .477. Dies are $30 each from Lee. Two weeks.

That doesn't sound like an efficient method. Sizing 2 times then back again thru a lubrisizer for lube. I don't have that kind of time. Besides what/how do you lube them for the 1st push thru die. If you go by LEE's directions you have to lube them before you push them thru or you lead up the die.

[white eagle]

what I did when I did that type of sizing was size big with the lubesizer then push through on the Lee
you will have it lubed from the Lyman

[subsonic]

I run my .475 boolits thru a .476" Lee and then lube in a .476" RCBS. Your final size will depend on boolit hardness. If you water drop, size then down asap after they are dry and before they have reached full hardness. They will get harder over the next few days, but most of the hardness will be there within the first few hours. Size quickly to avoid sticking.

Also, use spray on case lube or even pam cooking spray for the first trip through the Lee die.
The Lee sizer only adds about half a second to each boolit's production time, and really, how many are you going to shoot?

As long as they will fully chamber with finger pressure, they aren't too big.

[Frank]

subsonic

The Lee sizer only adds about half a second to each boolit's production time, and really, how many are you going to shoot?
Notice how everyone is picky about gun makers doing shoddy production, but nobody cares about attention to detail making boolits. It's all about speed. I would bet that anyone who uses only a lubesizer probably also grits their teeth every time someone posts a picture of a good group. That's not fair! we hear. Why not? Because everybody here doesn't shoot like that, is their answer. :drinks:

[white eagle]

it Is in the details
for some but not always

[Frank]

Lefty SRH

Besides what/how do you lube them for the 1st push thru die.
It doesn't take much lube. Like a little soft lube or you can put Lee case lube mixed in the water you drop the bullets into. It's not going 1000+ fps through the die. That was recommended by a well known cast bullet pro. How much case lube I don't know. Maybe someone here can tell us how much case lube goes into a 5 gallon bucket.

On the time part:
I bought a 6-cavity mold that duplicated a 2-cavity. It made me smile when I looked at how quick the bullets were made. The only difference was the biggest difference. My 1/2" 50 yard groups turned into 1 1/2" groups. So, yes, going too fast can be the biggest waste of time. My advice to someone who is casting many bullets is Don't do it until you test them out first. And lubesizers can do more to wreck a bullet then help, but they sure make lubing easier. More important than using a lubesizer for ease is knowing how to properly setup a lubesizer. It takes maybe an hour to use the nose first sizer, the 10 minutes to set-up the lubesizer properly to make 100 quality bullets. Or you can have unconcentric lousy slugs that will shoot poorly but they will go bang.

[white eagle]

lot of truth in that Frank
I have opted for more single cav molds for that reason
plus then I don't have buckets of boolits sitting here waiting to be used

[M4bushy]

subsonic

Notice how everyone is picky about gun makers doing shoddy production, but nobody cares about attention to detail making boolits. It's all about speed. I would bet that anyone who uses only a lubesizer probably also grits their teeth every time someone posts a picture of a good group. That's not fair! we hear. Why not? Because everybody here doesn't shoot like that, is their answer. :drinks:

I use a lubesizer and also get good groups!http://img.tapatalk.com/47f1d19a-7cc4-bcbb.jpg

[M4bushy]

I don't have buckets of boolits sitting here waiting to be used

Either you have to much free time or you don't shoot enough....;-)

[Frank]

M4bushy, what range?

[M4bushy]

M4bushy, what range?

25yds Ruger SRH 9.5" barrel 480ruger with an eotec red dot. 405 gr lee boolit with trailboss as that is my plinking load. The H-110 hunting load is also coming along nicely but at 50yds I'm having trouble seeing the target with the red dot. I have a scope 2-6X that I got from Santa, once it's mounted and sighted in I hope to tighten up the 50yd groups.

[white eagle]

Either you have to much free time or you don't shoot enough....;-)
must be to many 4,5,6 cav molds
been through 14#of H110 in the last 1.5 years workin on 21# can't be lack of shooting thats for sure
don't believe me ask my neighbors I even have a note from one of them congratulating me on the noise I make .........
cast em up and move on to a dif. boolit nevah use em
probably sell some off in swap :lovebooli:lovebooli:lovebooli:lovebooli

[M4bushy]

must be to many 4,5,6 cav molds
been through 14#of H110 in the last 1.5 years workin on 21# can't be lack of shooting thats for sure
don't believe me ask my neighbors I even have a note from one of them congratulating me on the noise I make .........
cast em up and move on to a dif. boolit nevah use em
probably sell some off in swap :lovebooli:lovebooli:lovebooli:lovebooli

I can't believe how well H-110 works with a plain base lead boolit in the 480. My first loads for my SRH were hornady 325gr JHP with 25 gr of H-110 if I remember correctly and stock ruger grips...those were brutal to the palm of my hand!
I cast for 4 handgun calibers and I can hardly keep up with my son and I. I knew that 8 shot 357 was a bad idea for my boy...;-)

[Lefty SRH]

I can't believe how well H-110 works with a plain base lead boolit in the 480. My first loads for my SRH were hornady 325gr JHP with 25 gr of H-110 if I remember correctly and stock ruger grips...those were brutal to the palm of my hand!
I cast for 4 handgun calibers and I can hardly keep up with my son and I. I knew that 8 shot 357 was a bad idea for my boy...;-)

Hahaha, god for bid he gets a hold of a bottom feeder....see if you can some how ween him toward a 5 shot lice LCR or J-frame Smith. Hide the 8 shot!:smile:

[Lefty SRH]

I can't believe how well H-110 works with a plain base lead boolit in the 480. My first loads for my SRH were hornady 325gr JHP with 25 gr of H-110 if I remember correctly and stock ruger grips...those were brutal to the palm of my hand!
I cast for 4 handgun calibers and I can hardly keep up with my son and I. I knew that 8 shot 357 was a bad idea for my boy...;-)

What was the powder charge with H110 and what boolit?

[44man]

That doesn't sound like an efficient method. Sizing 2 times then back again thru a lubrisizer for lube. I don't have that kind of time. Besides what/how do you lube them for the 1st push thru die. If you go by LEE's directions you have to lube them before you push them thru or you lead up the die.
I use soft Felix and rub the lube in the grooves with my fingers, then through the Lee size die---DONE. You can pan lube too. The die removes excess lube, is a messy time but it pays off in the end. I retired my lube-sizer long ago.

[M4bushy]

Hahaha, god for bid he gets a hold of a bottom feeder....!:smile:

Don't lay down a full mag when he is at the range.... It's not the ammo use that bugs me, it's when it's time to pickup brass he disappears. I've also taken all the 30 rd ar mags out of my range bag. The biggest he gets is a 20 rd....;-)

[Lefty SRH]

Don't lay down a full mag when he is at the range.... It's not the ammo use that bugs me, it's when it's time to pickup brass he disappears. I've also taken all the 30 rd ar mags out of my range bag. The biggest he gets is a 20 rd....;-)

Sounds like you should buy him a single shot .22, PROBLEM SOVED:kidding:

[tek4260]

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm35/tk3945/guns2/DSCN0711-1.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm35/tk3945/guns2/DSCN0714-1.jpg

Here is that new Mihec over 23gr of H110

[Lefty SRH]

Wow, that come right to end of the cylinder. Whats your OAL? Nice Vaquero, is it a Old (large) frame Vaquero?

[tek4260]

The OAL of the Mihec loaded in the longest crimp groove, 480 Hornady case, 1.704". Also, it is an original Vaquero.

[44man]

The OAL of the Mihec loaded in the longest crimp groove, 480 Hornady case, 1.704". Also, it is an original Vaquero.
You don't need to shoot that boolit at a deer! Just show it and it will drop and pray! :drinks:

[tek4260]

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm35/tk3945/DSCN0747.jpg

It's nice to have boolits designed to be loaded long. Leaves more room for H-110...... :)

[Lefty SRH]

Tek, what bullet is that in the .45 colt?

[tek4260]

The "Ruger Only" Mihec

[Lefty SRH]

Ah, thats the one I missed out on. But I do have the 270gr HP SAA.

I like that brass Dragoon grip frame....

[Lefty SRH]

Well, I finally got to shoot my .480 for the first time today! I casted some 420gr LFN PB boolits from an Accurate mold, I believe its the 48-420S. Tried 19.0gr H110 to 20.5 gr H110. Everything showed great potential but at 20.0gr H110 was my titest group at approx. 1.5" at 25 yds and about 4" low. Can't give a velocity yet but will do in time when its more convenient.
The boolits were water dropped WW and sized to .477 and home brew lube. Only a smidge of leading for the last 1" of barrel at the muzzle.
I did notice something odd with the 20.5gr H110 loads. When I pulled the brass out fo the cylinder there was a a ring of lube on the mouth of the case. Don't know how to explain that, never seen that before.
Also, I may have to have the throats opened up. There's one chamber that won't let the .477 water dropped boolits seat all the way. I managed to get some annealed boolits sized down to .4755-.476 and they seated better but needed a little nudge.

This SRH .480 really shows some promise!

[tek4260]

I have read about that ring of lube, and have a 45 that does it. I believe 2 Dogs was the one who posted about it either here or on singleactions. I can't remember if it was an issue with alloy being too soft or throats undersized that caused it. If I find it I will link it here.

[Lefty SRH]

That ring of lube was on the smaller boolits .4755-.476 and they had been annealed Water drop boolits because of sizing difficulties. I was really inpressed with the gun over all.
Need to find someone that will fix that one chamber though.

[white eagle]

I found the same thing that 19 was good but 20 was better
good luck
nice boolit
BTW

[Lefty SRH]

Thanks Dave, I like this boolit so well I'm tempted to scratch my name of the group buy. I like the long nose profile.

[Lefty SRH]

Next I'm gonna cast a few that are just straight air cooled WW. What do you guys drop air cool boolits onto to prevent andy dings when the boolit drops out of the mold? Mine always seem to get dinged up bases or noses.

[tek4260]

Next I'm gonna cast a few that are just straight air cooled WW. What do you guys drop air cool boolits onto to prevent andy dings when the boolit drops out of the mold? Mine always seem to get dinged up bases or noses.



I wet an old kitchen towel, fold it in half, and place it in a small pan. I drop on one end and as it gets a bit crowded I lift the towel on that end and it piles them in the rear. Have never had an issue with dinged bases or noses this way. Of course I don't really drop them over an inch or so. Actually, most times I open the mold on my glove and place the boolits on the towel.

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm35/tk3945/101_1917.jpg

[Lefty SRH]

Any suggestions on who send my cylinder too for throat reaming to .476"?

[tek4260]

Any suggestions on who send my cylinder too for throat reaming to .476"?

I'd check the big name smiths. They will surprise you sometimes with cost and turn around time. Besides I bet they like a few quick nickles to supplement those slow dime full out customs!

That lube ring on the case has to be from the boolits getting swaged down by the throats. And, that bit o lube you are losing there will probably solve the leading in the last inch of barrel.

[Lefty SRH]

I emailed Clements but no answer. Gallagher doesn't want to do the reaming. He's concerned about consistant throats with only removing so little material. Guess Bowen will be next.

[Lefty SRH]

Actually the ones that had the ring of lube were the boolits that were the same as the throats AND were annealed. Soft enough to push a thumb nail into the sharp corner of the nose, 20.5gr H110, sized .4755"-.476"

[white eagle]

look for a reamer and do it your self
that is if you have a drill press

[Lefty SRH]

What crimp dies do you guys use for your .480? I use the seat/crimp combo in the RCBS set I have.

[warf73]

Same as you Lefty, a crimp die would be nice.

[M4bushy]

What crimp dies do you guys use for your .480? I use the seat/crimp combo in the RCBS set I have.

Me too, seems to work out ok for me. I've tried seating the boolit then crimping after but I really didn't notice any advantage over seating and crimping in the same step.


Ron

[warf73]

I've considered the Redding crimp die but can't justify the cost atm.

[Lefty SRH]

I notice that my loads are jumping crimp a bit is reason I was asking. I took #6 round out and it grew .015" OAL.

[Lefty SRH]

Redding makes Profile crimp dies that I use for my .44 mag and .45 colt. They seem. To work quite well.

[wtfooptimax200]

look for a reamer and do it your self
that is if you have a drill press

I don't mean to hijack, but how hard is this? A drill press doesn't sound very precise, though. I don't much about the reaming process, so any info is appreciated.

Thanks,
Branden

[warf73]

Wish Hornady dies set was in stock at Midwayusa when I ordered, then I would have had a crimp die.

[white eagle]

if you can drill a hole you can ream it as well
you can make it as hard or as simple as you want

I have a set of Hornady dies they have a separate crimp die
never had a boolit jump evah

[Lefty SRH]

It turns out that one chamber is actually reamed too short. Now it needs a chamber reamer with out the throating portion.

[Steel185]

I'm working on a hunting load for my SRH 480, these molds you were talking about, the 350, 385, 425r/k. I'm really leaning towards the 425R but not sure if it would be the most accurate for my 6 shooter. Would anyone be interested in selling a couple dozen boolits of each? I'd like to try them out before i get a mold. We can do straight cash, trades (boolits), or i can send you some lead (already smelted in bars)....we can work something out. I wouldn't need them sized or lubed or even GC installed. I have all that, just want to try out some designs before i buy the mold. thanks

[paul h]

I've been casting for and shooting the 480 since shortly after it was introduced. I've tried many different molds and am down to a 275 gr swc from a custom mountain molds, a 400 gr lee, and another custom mm, this one an XLFN 400 gr gc. I ended up selling my 460 gr wfn balisticast, and somehow misplaced my 310 gr lfn 4 cavity balisticast :(

http://forums.accuratereloading.com/evefiles/photo_albums/3/4/4/344100033/744100033_3339F6808143EE14AD3755B7E8638787.JPG

~4000 rounds through my 7 1/2" srh and I settled on 9.7gr of unique under the 310 gr lfn for 950 fps and near moa accuracy. With the 400 gr bullets, 21 gr of H-110 lit off by a 350 cci yields ~1200 fps, and I've used 390, 400, and 410 gr bullets with that charge and all would group 5 shots into 1" at 50 yds, if I held steady. The 460 gr was really too much of a good thing, you have to crimp it into the first lube groove and my 1050 fps loads were slightly stick on extraction.

I still haven't dialed in the 275 gr swc. I did find a blue dot load that would group nice and tight at ~1050 fps, but I was looking for a milder load. I tried Unique and WAAP and neither would group tight. Now I'm working with bullseye. My last range session resulted in extremely mild recoil with 4.5 to 5.5 gr charges, but accuracy isn't there yet, so I'll be increasing charge weights. I tried red dot with the 310 gr but while I could get a nice mild 700 fps load, accuracy wasn't steller. I think part of my issue is my srh is so accurate scoped that I get spoiled and if a 25yd group isn't 1" or less, I discard it.

[Lefty SRH]

I have an Accurate Mold 48-420S mold for my .480 Ruger SRH that it seems to like pretty well. But lately I have been curious about thier 400gr variety molds for my .480 SRH.....

[white eagle]

I am getting very good accuracy with the MP-460 hp

[Sandback]

I used to load the Rainier's (when they made them) over 6.6 grains of Trail Boss for some fun plinking ammo (pushed them along at a leisurely 700 fps.) My 12 year old son was firing these loads out of my 7.5 SRH at the range with no fatigue or fear. I have launched a few thousand of those Rainier plated bullets into the berms, and am very disappointed that the company decided to drop this fine boolit from their product line. Not really sure what to do now. Feeing kinda lost...

I did buy a Lee mold for this caliber, but haven't played with it yet. Too busy shooting to spend any time casting... Plus, the Sockeye's are starting to come in.

For close encounter of the Yogi kind, I have a second SRH that I bobbed the barrel to 4.5". I am still playing wit loads for this one, but it looks like either the BTB 420g WFN HC over 20 gr H110 (which my two SRHs seem to like better than Lil'Gun) for an avg 1100 fps or the Montana BW 400gr WFNGC over 21 gr H110 for 1175. Both needed a decent crimp to keep the boolits tucked in while waiting their turn in the firing order.

I also found the higher end loads were occasionally sticky with Hornady brass, but never had a problem with the Starline.

Great caliber and great platform. Hunting in Africa next year, and am looking to take the SRH to see how them Warty-Hawgs react to it.