Ruger Super Blackhawk Bisley in 480 Ruger

[High Desert Hunter]

They must have shipped they are showing up on Gunbroker. I'm looking forward to adding another workhorse to the stable.

[osteodoc08]

Gonna have to wait until the prices come down. But id love to have one some day. Any idea of how many Lipsey is having made?

[sixshot]

1000 in 454 & 500 in 480 Ruger, both with 6 1/2" barrels & non fluted cylinders. The 480's will be gone very, very fast! The prices won't come down, if you want one you'd better figure out a way to make it happen, just saying!

Dick

[snowwolfe]

Just scored one that had a decent "buy it now" price of $765 which I thought was just a tad high but beats waiting to see if the price comes down in the future.
Kind of weird as I was watching a couple other auctions on Gunbrokers and people had bid one up to $900 and another to $825. Why they didn't click the buy it now button on this auction is beyond me.
Must of been my lucky day.

[High Desert Hunter]

Snowwolfe, both of those were already bid up before the one you snagged showed up, earlier one went for the buy it now of $929.

[44man]

WOW, my .475 BFR was $715 out the door.

[odis]

WOW, my .475 BFR was $715 out the door.How much would your BFR cost from the precision center in 480?

[JWNathan]

Man wish I could find BFRs in 475 for that kinda money! I missed out locally on one in 480 for $750 at a pawnshop of all places.

After getting my 454 Blackhawk and then a single seven this week, I'm tapped for gun money until the end of the year! Besides I want a shorty 480, will just have to save my pennies and have one built.
-Jesse

[Markbo]

How much would your BFR cost from the precision center in 480?


Hmmmmmm....I have a precision center .475 BFR that I might not shoot as much once I get the .480. Hmmmmm

[chuckbuster]

Asked my LGS to try to order one day after they were announced. Hope I got on the list in time. If only 500 being made 1st run almost be a shame to shoot it.......

Naaaah, time to check the H110 supply :)

Kevin

[Beagle333]

Has anybody actually put their hands on one? All my local Lipsey's dealers say they are on their wish list, but haven't been released/shipped yet and they don't even know if they can get one.

[AK Caster]

WOW, my .475 BFR was $715 out the door.

And you bought this how long ago?

[44man]

And you bought this how long ago?
Maybe 3 years. They were not selling good and were on sale at distributors. My friend is a dealer and found it. Nobody knew what a fantastic gun it is. The .475 was hiding in the shadows.
Actually not many knew what the BFR was about.
I got the 45-70 below list from a gun shop too. You don't want to know what my precision shop .500 JRH cost. I will not tell you.

[sixshot]

Several people have received the new Ruger 480 Bisley in the last couple of days. Some also received a 454 in a 480 box! Thats been corrected but a few folks got a real surprise!

Dick

[snowwolfe]

Maybe 3 years. They were not selling good and were on sale at distributors. My friend is a dealer and found it. Nobody knew what a fantastic gun it is. The .475 was hiding in the shadows.
Actually not many knew what the BFR was about.
I got the 45-70 below list from a gun shop too. You don't want to know what my precision shop .500 JRH cost. I will not tell you.

Your right, people could care less what your 500 JRH cost you.

[snowwolfe]

Has anybody actually put their hands on one? All my local Lipsey's dealers say they are on their wish list, but haven't been released/shipped yet and they don't even know if they can get one.

Three guys on the single action forum posted they have them.

[Ramjet-SS]

I'm with 44 man hold on the price will come down and in the mean time go and get BFR as well made and as nice a gun as the Rugers are these days.

[snowwolfe]

If you can live with the plow handle grip the BFR is like a Ruger on steroids. Opinions vary but mine is the BFR is a much better revolver than the Ruger. And when you compare the current cost of the BFR against the new Ruger Bisleys in 454 and 480 it makes the BFR that much of a better deal. My downfall is I cant live with the plow handle on any revolver with a big bite. So any BFR purchase would have to be shipped to Jack Huntington for him to do his grip modification. Been awhile since I had him do one but guess that would cost $400 or so with shipping included.

[Ramjet-SS]

The BFRs are tight I only own the 30-30 right now and that gun does not recoil at all. I would agree that grip design is not the best for heavy recoil though. Now I am not huge fan of the Bisley style grip frame it really beats the heck out of my middle finger and I do not like the gun rolling up in my hand either.

[44man]

The BFRs are tight I only own the 30-30 right now and that gun does not recoil at all. I would agree that grip design is not the best for heavy recoil though. Now I am not huge fan of the Bisley style grip frame it really beats the heck out of my middle finger and I do not like the gun rolling up in my hand either.
That's what happens to me but I have held the Huntington conversion and it felt great but I never had a chance to shoot it. The Ruger is different but i sold mine after two weeks.
Watching the prices of Rugers get close to a BFR kind of sucks too. I think back about what my SRH cost and wish I had it back. They have tripled in price.
My first flat top was $96 and the 29 was $140. Look what a Smiff is going for now.

[dubber123]

Oddly enough I put some smooth hardwood grips on my brothers BFR in .475 Linebaugh, and it is MUCH more comfortable than my F/A in the same caliber. Yes, his rolls up in your hand, but not enough to matter. His is a 6.5" gun, mine is a .4.75", and his BFR feels a little heavier, but the difference is much more dramatic than that accounts for. I'm not afraid of the plow handle grip at all on hard kickers anymore. Our load is a 440 grain at over 1,300 fps, so it's a hard kicker. Everyone has grip preferences.

[44man]

I love the plow handle, I can shift a little without changing POI. My off hand will have my pinky under the grip and as calibers get larger, I hold tighter so the grip does not move in my hand. Control of barrel rise. But shooting IHMSA with a plow handle made me shift at ranges as they changed since to get in line was different. Never hurt me but some guns could not take that and the 29 was the worst.
I shot ONE good group with a Bisley and I was popping sweat to get it.

[Powersgt]

Asked my LGS to try to order one day after they were announced. Hope I got on the list in time. If only 500 being made 1st run almost be a shame to shoot it.......

Naaaah, time to check the H110 supply :)

Kevin

I did the same, I don't know if I have enough body parts to cross for this one. I had to wait 4yrs and a deployment before I ever got a .44 SPL Bisley.

Jeff

[Powersgt]

Maybe 3 years. They were not selling good and were on sale at distributors. My friend is a dealer and found it. Nobody knew what a fantastic gun it is. The .475 was hiding in the shadows.
Actually not many knew what the BFR was about.
I got the 45-70 below list from a gun shop too. You don't want to know what my precision shop .500 JRH cost. I will not tell you.

I'll tell you, the 500JRH is $1,300.00 w/ no extra work until the parts run out; it will go up quit a bit when that barrels and cylinders run out. I had them do the precision trigger job and custom barrel length and it was around $1,600 delivered, (couldn't face an additional $300+ for the Micarta grips even if the do look good.)

[snowwolfe]

Here is a small example of each grip. Top is a Ruger Bisley 45 Colt. Middle is a FA in 475 Linebaugh, and on the bottom is my BFR 500 JRH with Jacks grip mod and custom grips:
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c148/snowwolfe/grips3.jpg

The 475 was sold and if my Ruger 480 turns out to be a keeper the 500 JRH will most likely go on the auction block as I simply have no need or desire to own a 500 after moving out of Alaska.

[odis]

Here is a small example of each grip. Top is a Ruger Bisley 45 Colt. Middle is a FA in 475 Linebaugh, and on the bottom is my BFR 500 JRH with Jacks grip mod and custom grips:
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c148/snowwolfe/grips3.jpg

The 475 was sold and if my Ruger 480 turns out to be a keeper the 500 JRH will most likely go on the auction block as I simply have no need or desire to own a 500 after moving out of Alaska.Thanks for the comparison photo, the Huntington mod on the BFR looks like it would work the best for me. I think I will send my BFR to him this winter after deer season.

[Powersgt]

Here is a small example of each grip. Top is a Ruger Bisley 45 Colt. Middle is a FA in 475 Linebaugh, and on the bottom is my BFR 500 JRH with Jacks grip mod and custom grips:
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c148/snowwolfe/grips3.jpg

The 475 was sold and if my Ruger 480 turns out to be a keeper the 500 JRH will most likely go on the auction block as I simply have no need or desire to own a 500 after moving out of Alaska.

Please let me know, I'm doubting on getting the .480 anytime soon.

V/R

Jeff

[Ramjet-SS]

I really am intrigued by the 500 JRH 450 grain WFN bullet at 900 FPS would be allot of fun to shoot and hunt with

[44man]

I guess my BFR's are worth double today.

[Powersgt]

Asked my LGS to try to order one day after they were announced. Hope I got on the list in time. If only 500 being made 1st run almost be a shame to shoot it.......

I got a little nervous so I dropped Lipsey's a email:

Message: I have read that only 500 of the .480 Rugers are being produced, will there be subsequent releases later? I had my local dealer put it on there wish list the day after it was announced, here is hoping I did it quick enough; it only took me 4 plus years to get the Bisley .44 SPL. Thank you, Jeff

__________________________________________________ _____

Jeff,

We had to order 500 to get the project going. We are not going to limit it to only 500 though. We will keep ordering them as long as there is a demand and Ruger is willing.

Thanks,

Jason Cloessner
Product Development Manager
LIPSEY'S | AIM HIGHER ®

[snowwolfe]

I did receive a tracking number for mine. Dealer told me he instructed his employees to verify it was a 480 before they shipped it. Supposed to be delivered on Wed and wouldn't you know it I leave tomorrow for almost two weeks.

[Beagle333]

That's great news, Powersgt!!! :bigsmyl2:

[chuckbuster]

That's great news, Powersgt!!! :bigsmyl2:

Agreed. I can wait, just really really want one.

[snowwolfe]

Finally picked mine up. Looks great, tight fit between the barrel and cylinder, decent trigger. Havent shot it yet but looks like it is worth the $765 I paid.

[Whiterabbit]

if you like it and put up your JRH, I'll trade you for a 100 yard tested and accurate BFR in 460 and a handful of magic beans.

[snowwolfe]

Since we are moving and having a new house built doubt I will get a chance to shoot it for awhile.
Will have to pass on the magic beans:)

[Whiterabbit]

oh, but but but but but let me tell you about these magic beans. You wouldn't believe the beanstalk you will get from them. No truly, magical!

I wouldn't put any gun on the chopping block either unless it was a bad decision. Seems like owning a JRH is never a bad decision.

If you need new couch money to go with the new house, you know where to find me :)

[Beagle333]

Finally!!!!!! Got one of the local dealers to nab one of the elusive rascals from Lipseys. :mrgreen: Now to find some 480 dies and brass. :coffeecom

[Markbo]

...Watching the prices of Rugers get close to a BFR kind of sucks too. I think back about what my SRH cost and wish I had it back. They have tripled in price. My first flat top was $96 and the 29 was $140. Look what a Smiff is going for now.....

Yeah, yeah, yeah... and you probably used to pay 15 cents a gallon for gas too. Times change and prices go up 44 man. ;) Always have, always will.

[lar45]

Congrats on the new gun :)

[Whiterabbit]

*waits patiently for the 500 to hit the market....*






:)

[Markbo]

They must have shipped they are showing up on Gunbroker. I'm looking forward to adding another workhorse to the stable.


SOME have shipped. Lipseys has kept us well posted. The .454s were made first then they started on the .480s. They have not been shipped en masse but a few at a time. Patience will be rightfully rewarded I predict.

[Beagle333]

I had orders in with all four Lipsey's dealers in my area since 8/27 and finally one came through.

[Markbo]

Well I hope that doesnt slow anyone else's down

[Beagle333]

Only one of the local dealers here had one offered to him. They put what they want on their wish list and if their rep finds one, he lets them know and sees if they still want/need it. If that dealer doesn't have a buyer or if their buyer has moved on..... it doesn't go off the market, it just goes to the next dealer on that rep's list who asked for one. (or that's the way it was explained to me while I was waiting)

[dougader]

I got a call from my dealer and he said the gun was on it's way to the shop, so in another week or so it should be on the way to me. A few 480's are trickling out there...

[freedom475]

I'd like to say a big THANK YOU to Ruger, Whit, Jason, and everyone else that made the 5 shot 480 happen!!

I just got mine and I can say Ruger really did a great job! Grips fit nice, cylinder throats are right on and No forcing cone restriction..Can find no flaws and the metal to metal is superb...and it shoots better than me.
http://www.handgunhunt.com/photopost/data/752/20150919_1806311.jpg

Posted a little more info here.. http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?289101-New-Ruger-480-Range-Trip&p=3395069#post3395069

[Markbo]

Posts like your make me think these limited edition units are a cut above standard Ruger builds. Almost a semi-custom. And mine hasnt shipped yet!!!

[nrc]

I bought a BFR in 475 linebaugh when I was in Alaska in 2008. Had a local smith cut and reset the front sight to 5-1/2". Thought it was perfect. I managed to shoot it loose - 2000 rounds in ~1 year. I believe I paid $700 for it out the door from Great Northern Guns.

I don't mean to disparage the BFR. Mine may have been an anomaly. When I saw the Lipsey's bisley hit the market I bought one. Should have it next week.

Nate

[Markbo]

Shoot I forgot to report! Mine is in! Enough has been said about them already. Very tight... very well built gun. The trigger is a little creepy & a little heavy. Nothing I can't fix. The grips though... they would rate at best a "C" on fit. Probably the worst I have seen on a Ruger. I was a bit disappointed about that. I have quite a few others that I could swap out, but then that one would be without. I might take some pics and Email them to Ruger and see if they will just mail me a new set. Pin gauges came in handy. Cylinder throats are all even and no thread restriction. A good sign.

nrc: I think your experience is an anomaly. I know lots of guys with BFRs and have never heard anyone shooting one loose. I know mine has not, but then I have shot no where near 2,000 rounds! Mine is still like a bank vault. It was a custom shop model with 4 5/8" barrel and came with Black Buffalo horn grips and a trigger that would bring a tear to your eye.

If I were to do it again, I'd go with a long barrel though. It is just too much gun for me with a short barrel - it will NOT shoot low/mid range loads well. It only likes to be hot-rodded and makes shooting not much fun. I wonder if MR would swap one out even-steven. HA! :D

[Whiterabbit]

nrc: I think your experience is an anomaly. I know lots of guys with BFRs and have never heard anyone shooting one loose. I know mine has not, but then I have shot no where near 2,000 rounds! Mine is still like a bank vault. It was a custom shop model with 4 5/8" barrel and came with Black Buffalo horn grips and a trigger that would bring a tear to your eye.


it is not an anomaly. My 460 BFR went back. simple stuff, EJRH shear, transfer bar, etc. To be fair, now that I have it back I HAVE shot thousands of rounds through it, and it's a beast.

So if you have issues, you send it back, they will make it right, and it won't go back again.

It's just the nature of the beast. These are not 22 rimfire guns, they are subjected to 65ksi and impulse recoil similar to safari rifles, yet they can be shot as often as any 1911 or S&W. The fact that most don't go back, and site members here have 1000+ round guns that never went back is a testament to the design and construction. It's inevitable that some need some infant-tuning to get back to a robust state.

[Beagle333]

My .480 is here!!! I got loading dies, I got brass, I got boolits cast and coated...... now I'm just waiting on my sizing die and I'm all ready to go bang! :D:D:D

[luvtn]

I am jealous! I have to SAVE UP!
luvtn

[Whiterabbit]

Here's a good question. With only 500 made and expectation that they will sell out quickly, will these guns:

a) end up occasionally on the used market, complete with requisite devaluation for being used or price premium for being rare or desirable when they pop up every month or so? or

b) end up with their purchasers as beloved as their customs and NEVER ending up on the used market except on rare occasions, and being (after sold out) near complete unobtainium except once a year or so and end up getting sold for prices nipping on the heels of Freedom Arms field grade models?

:)

[paul h]

Likely b)

[Whiterabbit]

Well that seems to be where the 500 JRH BFR's went, and there have got to be more than 500 of those floating around!

[Beagle333]

They only made 500 Rugers to start with. If there is demand for more Rugers, they (Lipseys) have said they will do another run of them. There is a quote of a letter asking about that, on one of these recent .480 threads. :cool:

[Whiterabbit]

If I were a betting man, based on my "mile high, mile away" visibility on the 500 JRH BFR, there will not be a second run.

I have been known to be wrong occasionally (all the time, every day)

[Markbo]

Weeeeell.... a brace of .480s in twin holsters would​ be the schiznits wouldnt it??? ;)

[Beagle333]

I got my custom size dies from Buckshot today. One is a Lee push-thru style and the other is a Lyman lubesizer die. I'm all set!

These don't need any lube though, I just gotta run em through the push-thru one time and they're good to go.
http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt214/shutupandjump/PowderCoating/10-18-15%20006_zpsc22htep8.jpg

[Powersgt]

If I were a betting man, based on my "mile high, mile away" visibility on the 500 JRH BFR, there will not be a second run.

I have been known to be wrong occasionally (all the time, every day)

Well let's hope your wrong, I asked the question because of all the rumors and I posted the answer earlier in the thread. Plus I haven't gotten mine yet so they have to keep making them till then or they will have one really p!$$ed off old crabby warrant to deal with.

[sixshot]

I can tell you that everybody that wants a Ruger 480 is going to get one. It might take a while but they will be there & thats a fact.

Dick

[Markbo]

That is a beautiful portrait. It should be in a museum!

[Beagle333]

Here's mine beside my .45 with 7.5" barrel. I don't know why it needed that much more ejector rod, but the barrel sure is meatier!!
http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt214/shutupandjump/Current%20guns/10-29-15%20026_zpsj6vkibmk.jpg

[Deep Six]

I'm still trying to land one myself. All three of my local Lipseys dealers flat out said there was no way they could get one since they're "allocated". I figured they could have at least called their Lipseys salesman but I guess my cash doesn't mean anything. Meanwhile the gunbroker prices seem to be coming down to a reasonable level in the last week or so. I'd rather not play the bidding war game or deal with shipping and FFL transfer, but that looks like my only hope of getting one.

[44man]

I have to admit, it is purdy as all get out. Looks like a Swiss watch.
Darn sure I want one, Bisley or not. Don't let me get you down, you will love it.

[dougader]

I got mine in the past week or so, but didn't get out to shoot until today. The trigger has smoothed out on mine with use, just like the Single 7 did.

Both of my 9v batteries in my range bag were dead, so no chronograph. I guess that happens after about 7 years. But I shot a couple loads, a 370 rnfp and the MiHec 385 hp... well, about 60 rounds of the 370 and just a couple of the 385 hp. One shot for each row of 7, one-gallon water jugs. The 385 penetrates even when the velocity was too high for the alloy. All of the hp sheared off and fragmented in the first 2 jugs.

Nice revolver. Looking forward to ringing it out more on a day with less wind and rain, and a new 9v battery!

[Markbo]

I have to admit, it is purdy as all get out. Looks like a Swiss watch.
Darn sure I want one, Bisley or not. Don't let me get you down, you will love it.

You know....people often convert plow handles to Bisleys. I see no reason you couldn't do the opposite. ;)

[44man]

You know....people often convert plow handles to Bisleys. I see no reason you couldn't do the opposite. ;)
Good point. But SS keeps me from even getting one. I can ask Carol but did you ever get a cast iron frying pan aside your head?

[Markbo]

No.... but my ex pulled a Colt Python on me once. :D

[44man]

No.... but my ex pulled a Colt Python on me once. :D


:bigsmyl2::bigsmyl2::bigsmyl2:

[Markbo]

Just one reason she's the ex. ;)

[Gibbs44]

I got my custom size dies from Buckshot today. One is a Lee push-thru style and the other is a Lyman lubesizer die. I'm all set!

These don't need any lube though, I just gotta run em through the push-thru one time and they're good to go.
http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt214/shutupandjump/PowderCoating/10-18-15%20006_zpsc22htep8.jpg
Nice, very nice. I think you've got the pc down pat.

[44man]

Nice boolits but be prepared to travel to the moon to recover meat. No way I would hunt with that HP for deer. You need to know the .480 and .475. They are hammers.
Since the .480, etc, can take anything on earth, that boolit is 100% wrong for large game too.
I showed this before, .475 heart shot with a 22 BHN flat nose at 1329 fps.152355Step back from the soft HP.

[sixshot]

The bullet isn't 100% wrong, the velocity is 100% wrong. I don't want to get into a 3 page argument but that hollow point works great at 900-1050 fps & that extra 300 fps does what, and please don't tell me trajectory. That kind of speed with that bullet on deer is totally wasted, show me where I'm wrong! We're just trying to kill them, not gut them with the bullet!

Dick

[Whiterabbit]

Actually (3 page argument aside) that makes for an interesting argument. If the bullet construction allows for a 300 fps reduction is speed to achieve (qualitatively speaking) same results, then you basically end up in a situation where you can reduce your recoil and produce the same end result. That is very much worth thinking about.

What really makes that interesting is some (technically unrelated) data I saw for another big bore cartridge. The test data showed improved SD and ES at slower speeds, peaking (dipping?) at 1000-1100 fps, rather than pushing to 1300+ fps with H110. That's a compelling argument to me to run such a boolit at reduced speeds. Not to mention the enhanced ease of shooting!

Only downside I see is you are chucking pumpkins. But if the elevation is still within the boiler room at whatever distances you plan on shooting at.....

(I like chucking pumpkins more than shooting light bullets at warp-ridiculous)

[GSaltzman]

Thank you sixshot for pointing that out. I have a pile of those ready to go along with some 375 solids for when my Bisley ships from Lipseys. Appreciate all the effort and passing it on to others.

[Markbo]

If sixshot says it, I believe it. I have seen more of his dead game pics with that round than any other person on the net with anything larger. It works. Very, very well and from the many dead hogs I have seen (to say nothing of the bison & whitetail) the destruction is minimal. The deadliness is unquestionable.

[paul h]

I can't see pushing a cast hollow point beyond 1200 fps, but as far as 100% wrong, even when that bullet blows the nose off you are left with a ~300gr .475" wadcutter.

http://forums.accuratereloading.com/evefiles/photo_albums/3/4/4/344100033/3691060602_D919199EEF9D1077F11D6429173684C5.jpg

Can't imagine such a deer that would shuck off such a slug.

[lar45]

Well, I'm convinced that mine was made on a Friday.
I was shooting some 400+gn bullets and ran out of rear sight adjustment, it was bottomed out and was still shooting 6-8" high. So I ordered up the tall front sight, pulled the factory short one and saw this.
152496

The front sight base is longer than on my 45 bisley and it has a longer slot for the front sight to slide back and forth in, but with the front sight all the way forward, you can only get 1/2 a hole in it.
I think I'm going to have to send this back to Ruger and have a new front sight base installed?

[lar45]

Just got off the phone with Ruger, they are sending me a shipping label to send it back in for a new front sight base.

[Markbo]

See if they'll nstall a taller front sight while they're at it

[5Shot]

Mine went back today for a new barrel...the bore was terrible.

[44man]

The bullet isn't 100% wrong, the velocity is 100% wrong. I don't want to get into a 3 page argument but that hollow point works great at 900-1050 fps & that extra 300 fps does what, and please don't tell me trajectory. That kind of speed with that bullet on deer is totally wasted, show me where I'm wrong! We're just trying to kill them, not gut them with the bullet!

Dick
Velocity is beside the point because I never load for it. I load only for accuracy and only see what I wind up with.
My boolit is 420 gr, water dropped WW, bhn of 22 and so far I have not lost any meat but internal damage is great.152625 This is a neck shot exit after hitting the spine. FAR less damage then I get with the .44, Almost no blood shot either. 152626 Compare to the .44 with a WLN, 22 bhn boolit. So far the .475 is better and most exits are just boolit size.
It is not that the HP will not kill at 900 fps, it is, can you hit anything.
I don't know enough to get a heavy boolit to shoot slow.
Everyone overlooks another thing. I use a BFR with a 1 in 15" twist and still need what I shoot at. The Ruger is most likely 1 in 18-3/4" so it needs even more velocity.
I would go along once I see some 50 yard groups with the slow boolit.

[Whiterabbit]

I would go along once I see some 50 yard groups with the slow boolit.

This does not seem like an unreasonable statement to me. I think, in general, ALOT of people would love to see what the Rugers can do at 50 yards, and if not slow and heavy for 44man, then at least what they can do, and what it takes to get them to do it at 50.

[TMenezes]

Anybody try the Lee .325 WFN yet? If somebody already mentioned it in the last 5 pages and I just missed it please forgive me.

This Ruger complicates things for me, until I saw this I was trying to decide between a BFR in .480/475 or a BFR in 45-70. The wife could tell I was contplating another gun purchase and wasn't very happy about it :-)

So any thoughts on BFR vs Ruger or more importantly 480 vs 45-70?

[44man]

I like the .475 because it is the smaller gun while my 45-70 is like hauling a battleship. You can shoot the .480's from the .475 or use a lighter boolit and load down. A 325 gr might be a good choice.
Now I missed the weight of the HP shown so if it is lighter, it just might shoot good slow but there will be more meat damage then my heavier and faster boolit.
It is never a question of velocity or ME, it is always bullet/boolit construction.

[paul h]

Someone gave me some of the lee 325-475's and they didn't shoot extremely well out of my 480 SRH, but I didn't have enough to try and really ring them out. I should probably get one of those molds and give it a decent try.

I did have a 310 gr LFN made by ballisticast that was extremely accurate. I think if I'd spent the time to master my skills I would have been shooting moa groups with that bullet. As it was, no problem putting 5 into an inch at 50 yds. My load was 9.7gr of Unique for ~1000 fps.

I also had Mountain Molds make me what I envisioned as a 475 keith, it came out at 275 gr and while I wasn't able to get steller accuracy at 700 fps, cranked up to 1000 fps and sent on its way with blue dot it would group as well as the 310 gr LFN. Only problem was it didn't achieve my goal of powder puff recoil.

Honestly with my 480 I can't think of a bullet design between 275 and 460 gr that didn't shoot well and I've tried well over a dozen molds from pretty much ever maker, Lee, LBT, RCBS, NEI, Ballisticast, Mihec, Mountain Molds, and maybe another or two I'm forgetting.

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

[44man]

It has been extremely rare for me to have a Ruger not shoot decent all the way to outstanding. Yes, chance of a Ruger having some problems is always there.
All have had a good range of boolit weights that shot and as usual, you just need to work with each.
When it comes to deer I have made more mistakes with boolits then anyone. There are things I would never repeat.

[dubber123]

paul h, for giggles some time, try 5.5 grains of Trail boss in .475 Linebaugh with the 400 gr. LEE boolit. Chronoed velocity was 550 fps, and it shot in 1-3/8" at 50 yards, with iron sights shooting off my knees. I have no idea how it would fare at 100 yards, I never tried it. but anyone who says they can't shoot decent groups slowly has done something wrong. This is from a 4-3/4" F/A, and it doesn't do much better with any loads at that range. It was odd to shoot as it had so little recoil.

If you can't see the benefit of this load, it shot closest to POA of my 440 grain at 1,350 fps. load as any other concoction I could dream up. I wasn't bleeding after 3 shots either.

Edit: I just read my own post, and it seems a bit jerkish. It wasn't aimed at anyone in particular, I just want people to know you don't always need max speed for accuracy. I will grant that most of my most accurate loads are pretty much flat out, but I have built many slow loads that come awfully close accuracy wise at 50 yards.

[paul h]

I've used 7 gr of unique under the 400 lee for ~700 fps. Accuracy was pretty good and recoil quite mild, but I want to stretch my lead supply with the plinker loads.

I'd gladly try trail boss if I could find it. In the past year the only handgun powder I've been able to find locally was a pound of 700X.

[Markbo]

Paul h I am sure I am not the only one. Would you mind very much detailing those boolits in your picture? I am curious about them. Manufacturer, bullet name & weight. And is that green lube if your own making?

[paul h]

Left to Right

-Mountain Mold 275 gr swc. I'd have to measure the bullet for dimensions as I don't recall exactly what I speced it as. I figured a scaled up Keith would be around 270 gr (drops 275gr ww) and used MM's online software and as I recall 73% meplat, and played around with equal length driving bands and nose length to get what looked right with a desire to keep as much of the bullet in the case in hopes of getting top accuracy at lower velocities. I tried bullseye and unique but never got guild edged accuracy until trying blue dot with velocities right around 1000 fps.
-Ballisticast that my friend had made specing 300 gr by sinking their 400 gr cherry shallow (probably the 1438 shape), drops 310 gr from ww.
-Lee 400 gr, actually one of a few prototype molds sent out for testing.
-Mountain Mold XLFN, same buddy that ordered the 310 LFN from Ballisticast had MM make this one. The nose length is as I recall 0.51" to maximize powder capacity in the 480. Can easily be pushed 1350 fps from a 7 1/2" 480 SRH and cases fall right out of the cylinder. Curiously 21 gr of H-110 will launch this the same ~1200 fps as every 390-410 gr cast bullet I've tried from ~1/2 dozen different molds.
-Ballisticast 460 gr WFN. I had them sink their 1414 design extra deep for a desired weight of 450 gr, but it came out 460 gr with ww's. IMHO probably too much of a good thing and it has to be crimped into the first lube groove or it will bulge the case if seated to the cannalure. I could drive it 1100 fps but for some reason loaded ammo started getting sticky extraction when it had set for some time and really I don't think it offers much more than a good 400-420 @ 1200 fps. I ended up selling off the mold to a guy in Canada with a 475 Mbogo rifle.

That picture is probably 10 years old, so I'd have to guess the dark lube was home brew lithi-bee and the green lube was Paco's Appache lube.

At the time the 480 came out I was in that curious experimenter/reloader phase and was trying all sorts different bullet designs and loading them up and down trying to find the most accurate loads. I had an LBT LFN mold that dropped 390 gr but it didn't shoot any better than the Lee mold and people were offering crazy money for them. I ended up selling off most of my molds and settled on the 275 gr swc for range work and plinking and the 400 gr XLFN for a working load. It's a crying shame that I had boxed up the 4 cavity ballisticast 310 gr mold to let somebody test out and some how I either misplaced the mold or sent it off without the contact information to whoever wanted to try it. I did get a MP 477640 that I've cast a few from but really haven't wrung out.

But as I've said many times over the 15 years I've shot and packed the 480. It is a very simple hunting revolver to load for. 390-410 gr cast bullet, CCI 350, 21.0 gr of H-110, when I was scoped off the bench 50 yd groups would be five shots into 1".

http://forums.accuratereloading.com/evefiles/photo_albums/3/4/4/344100033/844100033_4F457815F3FED409FA5A9BDDBFE64661.JPG

275 gr swc, 310 gr LFN, 400 gr XLFN, 460 gr WFN.

[Groo]

Groo here
Anyone who has the 480, can you look to see if there is any mods done to the frame like those done to a 475L.
If the ejector housing is pined etc.
I have a 475 conversion done my Andy Horvath and he said the mods needed for the 5 shot cylinder were "Interesting"...............

[Markbo]

Like what?

[Lefty SRH]

I went to my LGS about 8 weeks ago and asked about the .480 Bisley, they had a .454 in stock at the time. They said they would put me on their list. Turns out I was first on the list. They called a couple weeks later and I was able to put mine on layaway. I'm glad I did! Price was $760 with a little over $300 balance to go.
cant wait to get her out of jail!

[44man]

I went to my LGS about 8 weeks ago and asked about the .480 Bisley, they had a .454 in stock at the time. They said they would put me on their list. Turns out I was first on the list. They called a couple weeks later and I was able to put mine on layaway. I'm glad I did! Price was $760 with a little over $300 balance to go.
cant wait to get her out of jail!
Good for you. The .480 is the start of a REAL revolver so don't baby it. Recoil of full loads is not bad and might be less then a .454. Deer do not wink at you.

[Whiterabbit]

Jim, speaking of a real revolver, does your 500 JRH have tight chambers? I don;t have mine yet but I visited it at the LGS with some dummy rounds and they wouldn't go in. Dunno yet if I didn't put enough crimp on the rounds, or maybe not enough "bell removal" (could be). I'll know more after thanksgiving, but my 460 BFR has loosey-goosey chambers. did they make JRH's tight? or is it about a guarantee I didn't remove enough bell?

[44man]

Jim, speaking of a real revolver, does your 500 JRH have tight chambers? I don;t have mine yet but I visited it at the LGS with some dummy rounds and they wouldn't go in. Dunno yet if I didn't put enough crimp on the rounds, or maybe not enough "bell removal" (could be). I'll know more after thanksgiving, but my 460 BFR has loosey-goosey chambers. did they make JRH's tight? or is it about a guarantee I didn't remove enough bell?
I have no problems and shoot .501" boolits. They are not real tight so you need to look at your rounds. Mine drop in and out.

[Whiterabbit]

sounds good. should be an easy die adjustment then.

[Lefty SRH]

Im not new to the .480 but it will new to me in a SA revolver. I already have a SRH that i dont baby.

[dougader]

That 385 Mihec bullet has taken deer, elk, moose and hogs. One shot. Done.

I shot 7 water jugs at 10 feet. Hard target, but still shredded the first 2 jugs and stopped inside the 7th. The shards from the hp penetrated into the 3rd jug. The remaining wadcutter weighed over 200 grains and was found inside the 7th jug.

After I figure out the problem with my new chronograph I'll tailor the velocity and work on accuracy from a rest and off-hand.

At 50 yards, off-hand, I was shooting 6 inch groups. Plenty good for hunting at that distance.

[5.7 MAN]

I have one of these on order, anyone have a suggestion for the best weight bullet for the 480? I'll likely be shoring these mostly at Black bear and deer size game.

I applaud ruger, it's about time! I've wanted a revolver such as this since reading Ross seyfrieds articles on the heavy 45 colt and 475 linebaugh.

[paul h]

Best bullet weight? I'd say anything between 300 and 400 gr leaving the muzzle at 1100-1200 fps. While I prefer the 400's for my working loads, I have no doubt a 300 gr would handily take any deer and smaller black bear.

[Deep Six]

FWIW, it has been my experience, and reported by others as well, that the rear sight bottoms out at a 375 gr bullet. Any heavier and a taller front sight blade is needed.

[dubber123]

FWIW, it has been my experience, and reported by others as well, that the rear sight bottoms out at a 375 gr bullet. Any heavier and a taller front sight blade is needed.

A tip for all Ruger SA owners: If you look at what actually "Bottoms out" on the rear sight, you will see some metal can be removed from the bottom of the rear sight to allow a good bit lower rear sight setting. It's aluminum and very easy to file. The material removed is hardly ever noticed by anyone until it is pointed out. I have done this to zero some heavy boolit Blackhawks. It's free, and pretty easy.

[Beagle333]

Thanks! That will be handy to know. :drinks:

[jem102]

Well I ordered one last Saturday and believe it or not they called yesterday and said it was in. I pick it up tomorrow. I really wasn't expecting to get one at all so no dies or loading supplies bought but they must have made more than 500 pistols. They told me this is the 3rd one they have received this month and have another on order.

[Wildcat]

I ordered one the day they were announced and am still waiting! From what I've read however, Lipseys claims they will fill all orders. Just won't be able to deer hunt with it this year.

[Powersgt]

I ordered one the day they were announced and am still waiting! From what I've read however, Lipseys claims they will fill all orders. Just won't be able to deer hunt with it this year.

Ditto! Others in my area have received there .454 but the .480 is still aloof. Hoping to see it before I leave this world.

[lar45]

I got mine back from Ruger a couple days ago. They put a new front sight base on with the taller front blade. They also put in the correct trigger return spring.

[Powersgt]

Looks like my .480 will be here in time for Christmas, now to get some dies and get to loading up some 400gr cast SWC! :guntootsmiley:[smilie=w:

[sixshot]

Buy Hornady dies, they are a 4 die set & you will be glad you did.

Dick

[apen]

Buy Hornady dies, they are a 4 die set & you will be glad you did.

Dick

Quick question on the hornady 4 die set. Is the 4th die a taper crimp die. I recently got a 4 die set for a 500 smith and it came with a taper crimp die...not sure why.

[dubber123]

Quick question on the hornady 4 die set. Is the 4th die a taper crimp die. I recently got a 4 die set for a 500 smith and it came with a taper crimp die...not sure why.

My 4 die set includes a taper crimp. Good thing too, as only roll crimped ammo will not fit in my F/A. I have nothing but good to say about my Hornady .480/.475 dies.

[Whiterabbit]

If you have great case tension, you don;t need a roll crimp. Just remove the bell. If you use a jacketed boolit that has no cannelure, you can take the bell out without crimping the bullet. etc.

[apen]

I'll try the taper crimp die and see if the bullets pull. They sure do with a light roll crimp. I'm using the hornady neck expander ..... light bell. Sorry for the thread drift.

[Deep Six]

I'll try the taper crimp die and see if the bullets pull. They sure do with a light roll crimp. I'm using the hornady neck expander ..... light bell. Sorry for the thread drift.

I use the RCBS carbide die set. The only problem I had was the seater plug wasn't compatible with the 380 gr wide meplat boolit from my custom Mountain Mold. One call to RCBS and they sent me a flat nose seater plug which works great.

I looked at the other die set options. While I have and like many other calibers of Lee dies, I read too many instances of a cracked carbide ring in the Lee sizing die of this caliber. Apparently they designed their carbide rings around a max caliber of 45. When they brought out the 48 cal dies, they just bored out the existing 45 cal carbide ring, leaving it too thin and subject to cracking.

As for the Hornady set, it was about $40 more than the RCBS set. I see no need for a taper crimp die in this caliber. Any less than a massive roll crimp and the boolits will jump with full spec loads. This combined with the price difference made it an easy decision for me.

[Lefty SRH]

I hope to pick mine up (on layaway) monday

[44man]

They call it a taper crimp but I don't see why. It makes a nice roll crimp.
Just make sure a boolit will slide through it, if too large the die will try to seat more.

[High Desert Hunter]

I am currently waiting to hear from the seller on Gunbroker from the auction I won.

[Lefty SRH]

I ended up getting mine today. Im glad its finally home.

[5.7 MAN]

Here's mine!

156502

[Powersgt]

Mine showed up on Saturday! [smilie=w:

156519

[Lefty SRH]

Mine showed up on Saturday! [smilie=w:

156519
Where did you ge the walnut grips? Id like a set that fits better. They look great!

[chsparkman]

There must have been a recent run. Mine arrived on Saturday as well. Glad to finally get it.

[Powersgt]

Where did you ge the walnut grips? Id like a set that fits better. They look great!

They are a st of Hogue grip panels, I wouldn't say they fit well but you have room to manicure them to look better.

http://www.hogueinc.com/store/products/ruger-bisley-walnut-cowboy-panels/137

Jeff

[Lefty SRH]

I finally got around casting, sizing, and loading some NOE 480-375 FN boolits for my .480 Bisley and some H110. HOLY COW, WHAT A HANDFUL! I may have to stick with some lighter load for this canon.
BUT it did shoot well!

[Markbo]

Probably cant with H110 but get velocity down around 1000fps and see the difference. That load has passed clean through Moose and Bison. HS6 is a good powder choice

[Lefty SRH]

Probably cant with H110 but get velocity down around 1000fps and see the difference. That load has passed clean through Moose and Bison. HS6 is a good powder choice

Oh I know I cant go much lighter with H110. I do have some HS-6 on hand and some Longshot. Im currently looking for some HS-6 load data. Can you provide some too?

[Lefty SRH]

Markbo, did the .41 LFN boolits i sent you work?

[Lefty SRH]

Well i tried a few loads with Longshot and HS-6 and they were more comfortable than H110. But everything hits 3"-4" high WITH the rear sight pushed all the way down. I guess its time to give Ruger a call. Plus the front sight blade is not centered in the base which partially explains why it shoot to the left.

Anyone else find the front sight to be an issue also?

[Lefty SRH]

Oh, haha,I did try some Trail Boss and had a one hole group of five shots. To be such a low pressure load that powder has always amazed me and how it groups/shoots so well!

[Markbo]

Markbo, did the .41 LFN boolits i sent you work?

Not in the FA, but just fine in the Rugers. I really like the look of those and may get a mold just for the Rugers.

[Markbo]

Oh I know I cant go much lighter with H110. I do have some HS-6 on hand and some Longshot. Im currently looking for some HS-6 load data. Can you provide some too?

I can do better than that. Go here and read all you need to know:
http://singleactions.proboards.com/thread/15773/loads-ruger-bisley-chart-added

Also on the sight, there are two options. Contact sixshot here-he is making & selling replacement front sights. Or remove the rear sight and file/sand it down some. There is some "extra" there you can remove as well.

[Lefty SRH]

I can do better than that. Go here and read all you need to know:
http://singleactions.proboards.com/thread/15773/loads-ruger-bisley-chart-added

Also on the sight, there are two options. Contact sixshot here-he is making & selling replacement front sights. Or remove the rear sight and file/sand it down some. There is some "extra" there you can remove as well.

Well sorry they didnt work in your FA.
Hahaha, i had run across that chart just a couple hours ago. But thanks for providing the info. I plan to bump up the HS-6 and try them again.
Ill get a hold of Sixshot about the front sight.
I actually used to belong to the Singleaction forum.

[Markbo]

Lefty do you happen to know if NOE makes HP molds too? That bullet just looks like it should be a good shooter and 2 solids/2 HP might open up some options sometimes.

[Lefty SRH]

Lefty do you happen to know if NOE makes HP molds too? That bullet just looks like it should be a good shooter and 2 solids/2 HP might open up some options sometimes.

Not sure if builds HP and solids in the same mold but heres a 4C HP of the boolits i sent you.
http://noebulletmolds.com/NV/product_info.php?cPath=40&products_id=1441&osCsid=rjhkim7r93ocr9fr4trt0mr7j1

[GSaltzman]

13.5 grains of HS6 works really well in mine.

[High Desert Hunter]

Prior to sending mine back to Ruger, I was loading 400gr cast bullets over 13.5-14.0 grains of HS6, while not exactly pussycat loads, they were still very manageable. I really like HS6 and use a lot of it in my 454 Casull.

[Lefty SRH]

Prior to sending mine back to Ruger, I was loading 400gr cast bullets over 13.5-14.0 grains of HS6, while not exactly pussycat loads, they were still very manageable. I really like HS6 and use a lot of it in my 454 Casull.

Why did you send it back to Ruger?

[High Desert Hunter]

It had a bunch of cosmetic issues, but the kicker was the accuracy with factory stuff, it would place 3 shots in an inch, and 2 shots in almost 1 hole 6-8" to the left, plus it shot 6" high with 412gr bullets, all of this at 25 yards.

[Whiterabbit]

Oh I know I cant go much lighter with H110. I do have some HS-6 on hand and some Longshot. Im currently looking for some HS-6 load data. Can you provide some too?

You sure CAN! what's the difference between 475 linebaugh and 480 ruger? or 454 and 45 colt? Besides a little pressure ceiling? Empty space.

You can download H110 (reasonably here of course, not anything ridiculous) and be OK. The trick is to seat the bullet right down on top of the powder. The caveats are that you lose your crimp groove so case tension has to be really good, and of course the rounds look really strange. But it does work. In extreme cases the case mouth is higher than the bullet ogive. But it does work.

If a requirement is to crimp into the crimp groove then I'd agree, it's risky to add extra airspace inside the case with H110. But downloading is not a problem at all if the needed precautions are taken.

(The other way to read that of course is "there are better powders for the job", but some of us prefer consolidation or would rather use what we have 10 lb of laying around rather than bring a new powder into the fold)

Just my two cents, worth what you paid.

[pmer]

So how are people liking this Super Blackhawk Bisley? I saw a new one in .480 Ruger at the LGS for $749.00 and it followed me home! I had to gear up for the .480 and bought a Lee 325 grain mold with checks, brass and dies etc at Midway. In a few days I hope to be casting for it. What a nice feeling and nice looking revolver.

I'll end up with a heavier boolit some time but I thought I'd try my first Lee mold in the 325 grain with its bigger meplat.

I suppose this was part of the first production of 500 pieces?

[Markbo]

Ye sir that would be correct. I have read of only one person being unhappy with his gun. Sent it back to Ruger for correction. Quite a few people have replaced the front sight blade with a taller one that sixshot made. There is tons of reloading data and threads on the .480. You have chosen a good weight IMHO. The most popular powders seem to be HS-6 and H110, though again - lots to read up on.

FWIW I am very happy with mine. My grip panels originally were pretty poor but after calling Ruger they sent me another set that fit much better. Other than that fit, finish was extremely good and the trigger is decent. A simple spring swap will improve that if you wish. ;)

[contender1]

I have had mine for a bit over a year now,,, and love it.

[white eagle]

Can't find them anymore
whats up?

[Whiterabbit]

most likely, they all sold and are sitting in very happy homes :)

[contender1]

They were a Lipsey's exclusive. The first runs sold out. We have to wait until another run is manufactured. Ruger sets the schedules.

[chsparkman]

I love mine, but I did not at first. The grip frame did not quite fit, and the grip panels did not fit at all. It was the worst-looking Ruger I'd ever bought. (I wish that I had taken pictures of it.) I would have sent it back but I'd already waited 5 months to get it. Shooting it resulted in a slightly bloody hand from pinching. After some filing, the grip frame was made to match the cylinder frame. Then I made the new grips that fit the frame, eliminating pinch points. Now it is comfortable to shoot even with full-house loads. I have not experienced the sight problems that some have described.
178281

[white eagle]

seems like a lot of work to get a new gun to fit and shoot rite
I will pass on them

[pmer]

Mine has a scuff or some type of finishing mark along the length of the cylinder and it has a random indexing problem. Not related to a particular chamber, haven't looked at it too close. But I have to see how it shoots first. It looked good in the area of the grips and how the grip frame meets up to the cylinder frame.

Buffalo Bore has some interesting ammo for the .480, 370 grains at 1300 FPS. At the gun shop they had a box of 20 rounds for $63.00 - "No thanks I'll pass"

I recently picked up a Alaskan in .44 Mag and it had burrs in the chamber mouths. It would give hard extraction of spent cartridges as a result of those burrs. That wasn't hard to correct though. It has .432 throats and I had to hone out my sizer die. Now the bore squeaky clean shot after shot.

[bbailey7821]

178285My factory grips weren't very impressively fit, either. Finally settled on these and taller front sight. I'm several hundred rounds(and 4 deer/buncha hogs) in, and love it. Mine is more accurate than me, so no complaints there. Really a pleasant large bore to shoot!

[snowwolfe]

178285My factory grips weren't very impressively fit, either. Finally settled on these and taller front sight. I'm several hundred rounds(and 4 deer/buncha hogs) in, and love it. Mine is more accurate than me, so no complaints there. Really a pleasant large bore to shoot!

Nice grips! Where can I find a set?

[Markbo]

seems like a lot of work to get a new gun to fit and shoot rite
I will pass on them

Based on ONE gun with that poor of a fit, that would be a huge mistake. If you can find one anyway. Other than the grips, the fit and finish on mine is as good as any Ruger I have seen from the factory. And Ruger sent me a new set of grips without even sending the old ones back. And they fit on another Bisley I have better than what was on that one!

[Djones]

Nice grips! Where can I find a set?

Those look like Altamont grips. You can order from their website.

http://www.altamontco.com

[pmer]

I have shot a few of the Lee 325's now and up to a mid range load of 20.0/2400. I'm impressed so far with accuracy and no leading troubles. Haven't tried any fast powders yet. My alloy ended up on the hard side being a SAECO 10 in a day after casting. Water dropped COWW with some Rotometal super hard added. The mold has a tiny crimp grove but I like the design and gas checks stay on.

The rear site is almost bottomed out and quite a ways over to the right. Trigger has some creep and it is indexing better and better. Pulling the hammer fast it would index fine but pulling the hammer slow it might stop once or twice every five times. But now its doing better in that regard with use. Not getting any cuts or bruises from recoil and the bisley frame makes for comfortable shooting. With a little more practice it'll be a easy 50 yard deer getter in the first part of November. I have some 300MP and the book shows crazy velocity with that powder so I might try some of that just to see what its like.

[bbailey7821]

Nice grips! Where can I find a set?

Arizona Custom Grips on Fleabay.

[High Desert Hunter]

So right now, I am hoping to have the funds next summer to send this shooter off to either Reeder or Huntington to have it worked on, it needs a taller front sight, it prints from 4" to 6" high, it will put 2 bullets through the same hole, and 3 in a pattern that opens the group up to around 4". While I am not happy, and do feel I got a lemon, I am thinking that I finally have the excuse to have some custom work done to one of my pistols.

[DougGuy]

High Desert Hunter you are welcome to send the cylinder here if you trust my opinions, I'm curious as to the lousy groups being caused by uneven throat diameters, something that Ruger will likely not address if it shoots factory ammo enough to suit them. For nothing else they would be measured accurately and if they are uneven and it fixes it by honing them until they are even, it would make the .480 fall right in line with typical Ruger tolerances (or lack of) with all their other single actions.

[High Desert Hunter]

Thanks Doug, I may do that in the interim, then tackle the taller front sight issue.

[DougGuy]

Thanks Doug, I may do that in the interim, then tackle the taller front sight issue.

Hmmm.. My old Vaquero had a really bad thread choke, .448" or thereabouts, and I had the typical tight throats, never did measure those just bought my first Manson reamer and the pilots and had at it. The cast load I was shooting at the time was a 340gr SSK TC boolit over 22.5gr W296 with CCI 350 primers, it was a wrist ripper to say the least.

After I reamed the cylinder throats, I traded a pr of nice old Ajax stag grips for a Brownell's forcing cone cutter kit that had a Taylor throat reamer in it, and I Taylor throated the thread choke out of the barrel so now I had no restrictions or constrictions of any kind.

Same boolits dropped point of impact 4" in about 15yds. It was shooting above the front sight with any of the heavies, but the 340gr dropped right down on top of the front sight blade after reaming.

You may not need as much front sight *IF* it is found that the cylinder throats need to be opened up. A change of 4" in POI at 15yds is a LOT. Not saying yours still might not need a taller front sight but it may make a significant difference, won't know until the cylinder gets looked at and measured.

Have you ran a tight patched jag down the bore? I do this to "feel" the bore for tight spots and loose spots and thread choke where it meets the frame. I use a plastic jag and paper towel, and if it gets real hard to push at the frame, I know the barrel is getting smaller. I would try that just to see what your results are.

[High Desert Hunter]

It does have a very slight choke in the barrel where it threads into the frame.

[Four-Sixty]

For those looking, Lee Precision has a 476-325 gas checked mold in their closeout section.
http://leeprecision.com/mold-dc-c476-325-rf.html

[pmer]

http://leeprecision.com/images/P/90237-01.jpg

Here is a picture of the Lee 325. Checked and lubed mine weigh almost 335 grains and my .480 shoots them real good. I have a mold on the way from Accurate Molds that stretches the nose out so it will weigh 380 grains. Nearly the same crimp to base length at .460 and a longer .370 nose length. I'm up to shooting 15 of the 325s with Herc. 2400 before my hand starts wishing I was doing something else LOL.

[High Desert Hunter]

Discovered that two of the chamber throats are distinctly tighter than the other three, and of those three, one is slightly tighter than the other two, not sure if it is enough difference to cause the groups I am getting, but I am going to send it to DougGuy after the Holidays are paid for. Have plenty of other distractions to keep me busy.

[Whiterabbit]

That's testable. Pick the chamber you think is the tightest and the loosest. Shoot like 20 rounds at the range as best you can at 2 different targets using each chamber. you should have a measureable POI shift.

No shift? no impact. And therefore no need to spend resources on something that isn't broken.

You don't need to do this on bags either, just how you plan on shooting the gun at the distance you plan on shooting (ie no need to bag it at 100 yards for this test if you are only going to shoot standing offhand at 25 yards, etc)

[High Desert Hunter]

Tried a new load today, Longshot under my Mountain Molds 390gr bullet. I was doing some testing, firing 2 shots in a row from the same chamber, one thing I determined, I am at least half of the problem with this pistol, not sure why, but after 10 shots of the 2 in a row, I fired the best group yet with this pistol, even with the called fliers, 6 out of 10 went into 1 1/4", and no one chamber was identified as worse than the others. Still believe a trip to Doug will be in order to really bring out the best from this Ruger. Now I need to find an extended shell holder so I can trim my cases.

[pmer]

Tried a new load today, Longshot under my Mountain Molds 390gr bullet. I was doing some testing, firing 2 shots in a row from the same chamber, one thing I determined, I am at least half of the problem with this pistol, not sure why, but after 10 shots of the 2 in a row, I fired the best group yet with this pistol, even with the called fliers, 6 out of 10 went into 1 1/4", and no one chamber was identified as worse than the others. Still believe a trip to Doug will be in order to really bring out the best from this Ruger. Now I need to find an extended shell holder so I can trim my cases.

I'm glad to hear it doesn't need major work done. For me and mine, I found I really need a strong grip and it has some creep so I try to use a steady repeatable squeeze through the creep rather than trying to stop in the middle of the creep. It might need grips because they move around some with the grip force that I'm using. I did get a mold from Accurate, a 48-380V http://accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=48-380V-D.png and with about 25 grains of 300MP I can get a 2'' group at 45 paces. That's laying prone supporting my fore arms.

The 48-380V is cut a little small dropping at .4785, .476 sizer sizes to almost .478 and the throats run a little big because some of my "as cast diameters" push through the throats. So I have some more work to do to get a proper fit. It's not Tom's fault, I just ordered it too small, it's in his tolerance range.

[High Desert Hunter]

Tom makes excellent molds, I have 3 of his. My cylinder throats are smaller than yours, my mountain molds bullets have to be sized to .477 to slide through with slight pressure, which is why I had to go to a Lee push through sizer, my RCBS .476 sizer was only getting them to .478, and they have to be assisted through with a dowel and persuader. I really like that 300-MP, in the 480, 454, and now with the new WFNGC bullet in my new 357, it has really shined, and I use it more than H110.

[High Desert Hunter]

179608
20 Shots with my 390gr Mountain Molds bullet, Longshot was the powder, made some sight adjustments to bring POI to the right, had 3 called fliers, and one punch of the trigger, upper right shot was first shot of the day from a clean bore. Bullets should be moving along at a sedate 1000fps.

[DougGuy]

The 48-380V is cut a little small dropping at .4785, .476 sizer sizes to almost .478 and the throats run a little big because some of my "as cast diameters" push through the throats. So I have some more work to do to get a proper fit. It's not Tom's fault, I just ordered it too small, it's in his tolerance range.

If you let those sit on a shelf and age harden, they will likely grow enough that you could size them right before loading and have proper fitment. The longer the boolit is, the more the diameter will grow as it hardens off.

I was sent some samples with a 500 S&W cylinder for throat reaming, sized to .500" when they were cast, which 3mos later mic'd at .5015" which is a LOT in my opinion. Your .478" won't be .478" in 3mos, it will be greater than that.

[44man]

If you let those sit on a shelf and age harden, they will likely grow enough that you could size them right before loading and have proper fitment. The longer the boolit is, the more the diameter will grow as it hardens off.

I was sent some samples with a 500 S&W cylinder for throat reaming, sized to .500" when they were cast, which 3mos later mic'd at .5015" which is a LOT in my opinion. Your .478" won't be .478" in 3mos, it will be greater than that.
Yes, I size .476" for my .475 and left to sit will expand to .478". Load at .476" and leave sit, they still expand some and if hard will push brass too. Old loads are not as accurate. My .475 BFR needs .476" with a throat of .4765" and groove at .475". My .478" boolits run 1/2" larger at 50 yards.

[pmer]

Thanks Doug and 44man, it's hard to let them age when I want to shoot the 480. I have to start smelting too, used up my last ingots.

[44man]

i have found no harm sizing again after aging since it could amount to .0005" or at the most .001".
Rifling is deeper then that so a boolit will take the rifling anyway. The softening from sizing again is not enough to change things.
I do question a .478" boolit in a .480 though. Why so big? What is groove and throats? Aging can take you to .480", The .480 is just a .475 special. I don't see groove over .475". We need measurements.

[pmer]

Well I don't have pin gauges but I'm a recovering production machinist so I put away the 0-6'' caliper and dug out the 0-1'' Mitutoyo micrometer to try and get better measurements. The bore slugged to .4753 and as far as the throats go a.477 boolit will drop through all 5 and I measured a bunch of castings and found a boolit of .4782. The .4782 will go in 3 of the 5 throats. The other 2 throats are close to that size.

I haven't touched the throats and bought it new that way. I think it should be fine, I just have to hone out the sizer just a little bit and get it close to .478. I'd be more concerned if it shot bad, I've seen some nice groups with but it only has about 125 rounds through it.

[DougGuy]

Also, and I left this out earlier, unless you are shooting water dropped with BHN22 or greater, or shooting hard alloy at less than max loads, it doesn't matter what you size to when you load, as long as they fit in the chamber all the way, they will leave the front of the cylinder at throat diameter regardless of what they were to start with.

It would take an extremely hard boolit for it not to bump to throat diameter in the 480, loaded to hunting velocities. If you slug all 5 of your throats and mic the slugs, THIS is what you are sized to when the boolit is presented to the bore!

[High Desert Hunter]

On mine, the step from chamber to throat is too sharp, the sharpest of any of my Ruger revolvers.

[DougGuy]

Wow SAAMI calls for a 30 degree angle there too!

[44man]

With a .477" throat and a .4753" groove I would shoot .476" boolits.
you might find any over size throats do not mean much but it is better if all are even. Sadly, oversize by too much can't be fixed without a new cylinder. But it might still shoot.
It does no good to fit to large throats. .4782" and I need to question measurements. What boolit casts at that?

[pmer]

.4782" and I need to question measurements. What boolit casts at that?

It's a custom cut mold from Accurate Molds. You can specify diameter with your choice of alloy in mind when you order. If you want to look at the drawing click the link.

http://accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=48-380V-D.png

It's basically a Lee 325 grain WFN with a longer nose. It's OAL is 1.650" and you can find load data for that length/weight combo.

[Markbo]

Wow. That looks like a hammer!!!

[44man]

But to size in throats can be worse then under throat size. Groove runs a gun.

[GSSP]

Lipsey's has a new supply of the 4-5/8" SS 480 Ruger's in stock along with the 6-1/2" models. Got my 4-5/8" model yesterday.

[osteodoc08]

Lipsey's has a new supply of the 4-5/8" SS 480 Ruger's in stock along with the 6-1/2" models. Got my 4-5/8" model yesterday.


I've been eyeing that one myself. Let us know how you like the balance and handling.

[5.7 MAN]

202152

Handling and balance are great, accuracy on par with my previous 6.5" model.

[bigboredad]

That 4 5/8 is good looking my surrender a super Redhawk in 480 to get that one

Sent from my QMV7B using Tapatalk

[Lefty SRH]

WOW, a 4 5/8" .480 is hard to imagine. I have a 6.5" .480 and its enoigh for me to handle.
I have the typical grip panel fitment and front sight issues with the first ones produced but shes accurate, so I let her slide.
If mine was a 4 5/8" model, Im afraid Id surely be only shooting powder puff Trail Boss loads.

[5.7 MAN]

WOW, a 4 5/8" .480 is hard to imagine. I have a 6.5" .480 and its enoigh for me to handle.
I have the typical grip panel fitment and front sight issues with the first ones produced but shes accurate, so I let her slide.
If mine was a 4 5/8" model, Im afraid Id surely be only shooting powder puff Trail Boss loads.

I've been using 325 grain Hornady factory ammo and a couple of hand loads, 9.3 grains of unique and 13-14 grains of HS6 and Montana bullet works bullets. Recoil is in my opinion lighter than the 6.5" gun using the same loads. I'm guessing due to slightly reduced velocity and the the length of time the bullet spends in the barrel. I've got a MIHEC 385-400 grain bullet mould that I need to start using.

[Fulmaduro]

202803My two Rugers in 480. I love shooting cast 420 gr LBT or 400 gr Lee and RCBS boolits behind a healthy dose of Lil Gun! The Super Redhawk is by far the ugliest revolver out there but she is a great shooter! Of course the Bisley is too!