480 bullets for deer hunting

[LarryL]

I've been handloading a number of different loads including 370gr hard cast, 325gr Hornady XTPs, and 275gr and 325gr Gold Dots.  All seem to shoot well out at 100yds with groups running around 4" off a rest.  So far, both deer have been taken under that range, with the Hornady XTPs and good results. 

Up here in NH, most deer are at most 200# dressed weight.  I lean towards using the HP bullets so as to have plenty of vitals damage and a good blood trail if needed.  I worry that the hard cast will sail through and not do enough damage to make the track short unless I plug through and break the shoulders.

I picked up some 275gr Barnes Copper DPX bullets recently, but have not had a chance to load them yet.  I haven't found a load for them anywhere, so I guess I'll have to buy the Barnes reloading manual to get the numbers.  Has anyone tried out the DPX bullets?  Any comments on them?  Any load suggestions you'd be willing to share? 

Corbon lists a smokin' load for the DPX going 1550 fps.  Not that you need that much velocity for whitetails in NH, but on the chance that you do get a longer open shot, the flatter trajectory might be appreciated.  Thinking about that though, the difference between 1350 and 1550 is probably not going to be that much flatter out to 150 yds.

Given the above choices, any comments on which of these you would recommend for whitetails and why?  I'd love to hear the wisdom of others on the subject.

thanks!

[Graybeard]

I wouldn't bet on getting the data by buying a Barnes manual. I think it is now in Edition three but maybe up to four by now. The first two had no data at all on handgun bullets in them. I suggest you just contact Barnes and ask for data for them most all bullet makers can and will provide you data for their bullets if you ask.

[LarryL]

Thanks for the reply! I'll save the money and try asking.  I believe I tried that once before and didn't get any info beyond a recommendation to buy their manual.  I'll send them another request.  In the mean time, maybe someone on the forum may have a load they have already tried on these bullets.  I had a discount coupon for an on-line merchant, so I got two boxes of 20 for the price of one. Otherwise, they would be extremely expensive and I probably wouldn't have bothered.   More curiosity than anything.  If I get a good load, and they shoot well, I'll try taking my next deer with them.  I had hoped to have them ready for this season, but just got too busy and didn't have any load info.  I'll be using the 325gr Gold Dots this year.

[paul105]

Larry,

Here's some 275/480 data from Barnes website.  It only lists two powders which may not help you.

http://www.barnesbullets.com/images/480RugerWeb.pdf

Paul

[Redhawk1]

I have the Volume 4 Barnes Manual, it is the new book. I do not see the DPX bullet listed, but I am assuming from the Barnes Web site they are the XPB bullets, http://www.barnesbullets.com/products/loaded-ammunition/ .

I have 3 powder listed for this 275 gr. XPB.
             
             Min                     Max
AA No.7  17.1 gr. 1290 fps  19.0 gr. 1433 fps
AA No.9  22.5 gr. 1360 fps  25.0 gr. 1511 fps
Enforcer 23.4 gr. 1364 fps  26.0 gr.  1515 fps
C.O.A.L. 1.695

[LarryL]

Thanks for the load info, but man, I'm not familiar with any of those powders!  I'm used to 2400, Lil'Gun, H110, and W296.  Wonder why they don't list any loads with the more traditional magnum pistol powders?

[Redhawk1]

Mostly because Barnes does data with a select few powders.

Although this will not help you, there is data for other bullets using the powder you like to use.

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

[LarryL]

Hi Redhawk,

Yep, I have the data from Hodgdon and Alliant.  I use loads similar to those on my 325 Gold Dots and XTPs.  Thanks just the same.  Hopefully someone out there on the forum has done some 480 loading with more standard powders and the Barnes bullets.  Eventually, I would expect loads to show up in the Alliant and Hodgdon lists.  I did send them an email, but have not heard back yet.

regards,

[Redhawk1]

Larry, I looked at the 275 gr. Barnes myself to play with. I seen the powder they use and did a little research. I also like to use H 110 W296 and Lil-gun powder's

When I load for a bullet that does not have printed data, I find a like bullet (Same weight) and use that data.

http://www.handloads.org/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=480%20Ruger&Weight=275&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=

[LarryL]

Hi Redhawk,

I've heard that the solid copper bullets are harder and build up pressure faster.  If I compare the AA7 and AA9 loads between the Gold Dot and the Barnes 275 gr bullets, it looks like the max load for the Barnes is just slightly below the starting load for the Gold Dot.  So, if you go with a standard powder, looks like you should start several grains below the normal starting load and work up from there.

[Redhawk1]

Actually the solid copper Barnes bullets are softer then jackted bullets. When I use other data, I use the lower end of the data.