Want a new big bore.

[osteodoc08]

I'm really wanting a new big bore. I got rid of my 454 because full power loads were just too sharp on my wrists and didn't want to suffer with carpal tunnel as the years go by. I loved the cartridge. I loved the power. I sold it.

Now I'm thinking of either getting a Ruger Bisley with 7.5" barrel in 45 Colt

or

Ruger SuperBlackhawk in 480 Ruger with 7-1/2" barrel.

Which would you you get and why?

[CastingFool]

45LC, simply because it's been around forever and there is a lot of info on it. I think brass would be much easier to obtain. I do have a friend who has the .480 and he likes it.

[DeanWinchester]

.45 Colt in a Ruger or a Freedom Arms.
Gentle as a baby with Trail Boss

H110, Lil'Gun or 296 will torque it up there should you need the extra umph.

[44man]

My .45 Colt Vaquero will Rival the .454 in recoil. SRH in .480 is nice. .44 mag is a good one. Just get gun weight and a barrel instead of a stub on the end.

[osteodoc08]

I've got 45 colts in the Ruger Redhawk stainless (5.5 and 7.5")and 2 marlins. I had a 5.5" stainless Bisley that I had to sell when times got lean. I'd really like to find a new one of those. Might just look for one of those instead.

[jrayborn]

Sounds to me like you had the right medicine with the .454 Casull. Load up or down as you see fit...

[DLCTEX]

Ruger Super Blackhawk is currently not available in 480 Ruger. Redhawk only.

[LUCKYDAWG13]

:bigsmyl2:
Sounds to me like you had the right medicine with the .454 Casull. Load up or down as you see fit...

i was thinking the same thing you can always load um down
was just thinking just get in Encore and a few barrels :bigsmyl2:

[DougGuy]

Bowen makes a 5 shot .50 Special that looks like a darlin' little piece to own! That would be easy on recoil, and STILL pack a punch..

[osteodoc08]

Sounds to me like you had the right medicine with the .454 Casull. Load up or down as you see fit...

True. But if I load down the 454, I have a ruger only 45 colt. It was just the sharp recoil I didn't care for on my wrists and causing damage long term. Think 300 win mag vs 45/70.

I have no need for an X frame. The Bowen 480 Blackhawk would be awesome but too costly right now. If it can't be done with a 45 colt at ruger levels, you really should have a rifle. It just seemed that the 480 had the right combo to launch nice heavy slugs at moderate velocity without harsh recoil. Perhaps I'm wrong. Never shot one. Perhaps someone with both 45 and 480 can chime in.

[Whiterabbit]

IME perceived recoil between ruger 45's and 454's is not a lot. At least, they always felt the same to me.

The bowen 50 special on he website looks like a dream of a revolver. just screams for the lyman 515141 which is cheap and easily available. I dream of a 510 cal revolve.r That one may be the ticket.

If you want to take the sharpness out of the recoil, stop loading slow pistol powders and start loading fast rifle powders. I dunno if that works with 45 colt. Should with 454. Doesn't matter, you sold it.

If I was budget oriented, for me it would be a Blackhawk in 45 colt. If I had "freedom arms money" to toss around, it would be a Blackhawk customized to be a .510, because I like that cal. No reason you shouldn't pick a 475 or 500 or whatever floats your boat. just that .510's float my boat. :)

[smokeywolf]

45 Colt in a 45 Colt SAA. Can't imagine more fun than that.

[Thor's Daddy]

I would look for a Lipsey's 5.5 Stainless Bisley 45C/45ACP. Not too hard to find these days and from all reports they shoot well. Load it light or load it heavy - whatever you feel is needed, or that you can tolerate. As has been mentioned, it'll drop anything your likely to encounter. Work dandy as a deer slayer. And packs easy on the hip.

[dhom]

I'm really wanting a new big bore. I got rid of my 454 because full power loads were just too sharp on my wrists and didn't want to suffer with carpal tunnel as the years go by. I loved the cartridge. I loved the power. I sold it.

Now I'm thinking of either getting a Ruger Bisley with 7.5" barrel in 45 Colt

or

Ruger SuperBlackhawk in 480 Ruger with 7-1/2" barrel.

Which would you you get and why?

I don't have the 480 but, I do have a 475L BFR and a 5.5 Ruger Bisley in 45 Colt. If wrists are becoming a problem go with the 45 colt. In standard loads [not +P] it is a pleasure to shoot. When hunting season comes you can hotrod it a bit if desired. You didn't mention if you reload. In your situation the 45 colt will probably get used a lot more often than the 480. IMHO

[Tatume]

Revolvers chambered in 454 Casull do kick. Having the same concern, I'm planning to buy a new mold. My current mold for my 454 Casull revolvers is an LBT LFN GC design, and I'm planning to move to a lighter bullet to reduce recoil, perhaps 270 grain. I've already sent an inquiry to Tom at Accurate asking for his recommendation.

In fact, I think I'll start a thread on this topic (so as to not hijack yours).

[osteodoc08]

I would look for a Lipsey's 5.5 Stainless Bisley 45C/45ACP. Not too hard to find these days and from all reports they shoot well. Load it light or load it heavy - whatever you feel is needed, or that you can tolerate. As has been mentioned, it'll drop anything your likely to encounter. Work dandy as a deer slayer. And packs easy on the hip.

I had one and had to sell it off to a member last year. I miss it quite a bit. I didn't have a chance to shoot it much but had plans for it.

Ive decided to look for another Ruger Bisley in 45 Colt. My LGS is gonna see what he can turn up for me. I decided on the 45 because:

1. I have dies.
2. I have molds.
3. I have brass.
4. I have a Dillon SDB devoted to the 45 Colt.
5. I have experience with it and know I love the cartridge.
6. I don't have a Bisley (anymore) and would like one with a medium or long tube for hunting and range work.

Now to decide on which model to hunt down.

[44man]

I found more love with the BFR 7-1/2" barrel in .500 JRH then the Linebaugh version with .512" boolits. Brass is cheaper and the gun is so accurate it will scare you. The JRH is actually easier then the .475L to control.
I have shot the .500 Linebaugh and was not that impressed, it did nothing the JRH can't do.
The JRH is considered as a .500 S&W special. So what is a .50 special?

[snowwolfe]

More than a few different opinions here and it just depends on what YOU like. I've owned many 44 mags, 45 Colts, 454's, and a couple of 475's as well as S&W 460's and 500's.

My favorite is the 44 mag as a great do it all. In fact, I have a Freedom Arms in this caliber on order with most of the options. For hunting in the lower 48 it will do everything you need a revolver to do. Out of all the big bores I previously owned the only one still in my possession is a BFR in 500 JRH with Jack Huntingtons grip mod. You can load it down or up and turn it into a ***** cat or tiger. I hated the stock BFR grip. Still own a couple of S&W 44 mags as well as one Ruger and a Ruger Bisley 45 Colt.

I now see where you decided to go with the 45 Colt which is a good choice as well.
You might as well admit it now that you will be buying more in the future:)
When you get the chance try to find a Freedom Arms to handle, it might spoil you.

PS: Even though I used my 454 Casull to kill a 52 inch Alaskan moose as well as a caribou I hated the recoil. The sharp snap was just extremely painful.

[44man]

Yeah, the .454 has a "snap" for sure. But I have shot some .357's and other calibers that were not pleasant at all. Recoil does not bother me but finger bashing does.

[DeanWinchester]

One thing about being a hand loader; Recoil can be tamed. I gave my opinion for the 45 colt but I'd go with the .454 just as fast. Recoil is a result of boolit weight and how hard you push it. If it's too snappy, back off or move to a lighter boolit.
USUALLY it can be said, it's easier and safer to load down than to load up.

[lar45]

Does your LGS take transfers? You could always look for what you want on Gunbroker and just have it shipped to your local guy. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=431862492 Here is a Stainless Ruger hunter in 45 Colt http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=433132669 Here is a stainless 45 Bisley with an opening bid of $549 ... I have bought several guns on Gunbroker and have never had a problem.

[Whiterabbit]

So what is a .50 special?

http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/workshop.html#BestQuality50SpecialRugerBlackhawk

[osteodoc08]

Lar45,

youre making me drool man. That Hunter went in excess of 1k. The 45 Bisley is priced right. I've bought from SEEBS before. He's also on the RugerForum. If it's still there after payday, that puppy is mine. It matches my Acusport 41 Bisley perfectly.

[propwashp47]

I think you will find the bisley grip will tame that snappy recoil that will give you pain in the wrist and hand that you will get with the regular Ruger grip. it will make your shooting fun again . check back in and lets see picks and how well you like it .

[lar45]

I sure like mine. I went with the Houge Ebony grips for it. http://media.midwayusa.com/productimages/880x660/Primary/812/812811.jpg http://www.midwayusa.com/product/812811/hogue-cowboy-grips-ruger-bisley-ebony

[osteodoc08]

I think you will find the bisley grip will tame that snappy recoil that will give you pain in the wrist and hand that you will get with the regular Ruger grip. it will make your shooting fun again . check back in and lets see picks and how well you like it .

No problem.

my father has/had a ruger Bisley that my brother has "loaned out" to a friend of his. 4 months and still waiting on its return. I'm sure it has a new owner by now......I loved shooting it. Had one but had to sell. I am getting more excited about a new one now. I'll be sure to update.

[downzero]

Ruger Super Blackhawk is currently not available in 480 Ruger. Redhawk only.

I assume you mean Super Redhawk, since I have not ever heard of a 480 Ruger Redhawk.

My vote is a .45 Colt by the way. The power level that .454 Casull and .460 S&W Magnums offer are a solution to a non-existent problem. Ruger only .45 Colt will do anything that a handgun needs to do.

.44 Magnum is a great round but .45 Colt will do everything .44 Mag can do and then some, if fired from the right gun. 95% of users could not find a material difference between the two calibers.

Had I bought a .45 Colt years ago instead of a .357 mag, I would have had a lot more fun with revolvers. .357 Mag is fun but the range of loadings for .45 Colt is endless compared to .357 even. Yes, .357 can make some powerhouse loads and mouse farts at the bottom. But .45 Colt can go from the tamest < 200 grain loadings all the way to 365 grain bullets at wrist-snapping power level.

[gwpercle]

Ruger Convertible 45 Colt/ 45 ACP. The colt can be for heavier loads and the light loaded 45 ACP are a whole lot of fun to shoot. A friend has one and I wish I could afford the Lipsey model....SWEET!
Gary

[Bohica793]

I have a Blackhawk 45LC 7.5" barrel that they will have to pry from my cold dead fingers to take away from me. Nothing beats the accuracy of this gun and the flexibility of the caliber.

[TXGunNut]

45 Colt in a 45 Colt SAA. Can't imagine more fun than that.

Actually I enjoy shooting my 45 Colt Cimmaron and Uberti clones as much as my jenuwine Colt SAA...with Holy Black of course. ;-) For everything from bunny thumpers to rhino rollers it's pretty hard to beat a RBH in 45 Colt. I treat the 45 Colt as two different catridges; one to do what it was designed to do and the other to show 44 maggie shooters what shooting a big bore is all about. :bigsmyl2:

[osteodoc08]

The one auction I was looking at sold, but I did manage to win an auction on GB for a Ruger Bisley Stainless Convertible in 45 Colt/acp with 5.5" tube. Looking forward to it. Looks like I'll have a lifelong "thumper". Ha, I think she already has a name. Time to start casting.

[snowwolfe]

Those are good revolvers. I have the same model minus the .45 ACP cylinder. It is sized perfectly for carrying around and yet still has a decent sized barrel to be accurate for hunting. I been behind on my projects so haven't shoot mine with any cast boolits yet but did manage to send out the cylinder to have the throats made uniform and a trigger job.
Just a nice, well rounded package that will take care of anything in the lower 48.

[bigboredad]

You should really enjoy it I also have one minus the acp cylinder and it is on the do not sell list

[warboar_21]

I had a 7.5" Ruger Super Redhawk in 480 Ruger. I also have three Blackhawks in 45 Colt. One is a Bisley that has a 5.5" barrel and the other two are standard blackhawks. One with 7.5" barrel the other is 4 5/8". The Super Redhawk was quite large and absorbed the recoil quite well. Recoil from the double action was more of a straight back push while the blackhawks roll upwards and back. To me I prefer the Single action for heavy recoil but that is only my preference. You may like the double action a bit more.
When I was loading the 480 Ruger I found it to be close to the 45Colt in powder capacity. I liked shooting the Lee 400gr bullet over 10gr of Unique for mild loads and for the heavy loads I liked a charge of H110. I think I settled on 21gr for top end loads. I know you can load more but accuracy suffered for me past the 21gr load.

I recently sold the Super Redhawk because I just prefer single action revolvers more. If Ruger offered a single action in 480 Ruger I would jump back into the game with one.

With that said I am happy with the 45 Colt.

[Nicholas]

There is lot of discussion of 454 recoil here without naming the host firearm. My 454 7.5 scoped SRH is heavy and still a handful with max loads. But I load it with moderate loads that still whip 45 colt heavy loads and recoil is not an issue. If I want less, I guess I could just feed it 45 colt loads, but that is not what I want out of it.

[lar45]

Congrats on the new gun :) When I bought mine, I could only find ones with the 45 Colt cylinder only. Gunbroker can be a dangerous place to visit, :)

[doc1876]

you will be very happy with it I can guarantee it

[UnderDawgAl]

Man, am i disappointed! I saw the thread title and thought I'd be reading about Winchester lever actions in .356 Win or .375 Win!

[doc1876]

Man, am i disappointed! I saw the thread title and thought I'd be reading about Winchester lever actions in .356 Win or .375 Win!

In wheelguns and handcannons???

if you check out a Keith #5, you will find with very little outlay, you can doll your Ruger up and have a real shinner.
I did that with my Bisley Ruger, and it looks real close, new grips, Belt Mountain cylinder pin make huge personal differences

[osteodoc08]

if you check out a Keith #5, you will find with very little outlay, you can doll your Ruger up and have a real shinner.
I did that with my Bisley Ruger, and it looks real close, new grips, Belt Mountain cylinder pin make huge personal differences

I've already a plan if I ever find a 5.5" blued Bisley in 45 colt. It'll have:

High polished bluing.
CCH frame.
Belt Mountain base pin.
Action work done including cylinder work and turing off the scrollwork and high polish. I'd consider having Bowen adding a Smith barrel too.
Stabilized Gold Spalted Maple Grips.

[Spawn-Inc]

500 smith and wesson, you can load 275gr up to 850gr (bfr only, smith's max is 700gr) and load them from super light recoil with trailboss or max loads with Lil gun or h110/w296.