Author Topic: .480 Ruger (Read 454 times)

TScottW99 · « **on:** July 17, 2004, 10:12:34 AM »

Hello guys. I have been wanting an Encore pistol for some time and am getting ready to order a frame.

Now to make a selection for what barrel to get. I'm wanting a barrel that is 10" - 12" to hunt whitetail with and plan on putting a scope on it. I have been wondering about the .480Ruger round. I don't know a whole lot about it and was hoping someone with a Encore in .480 could tell me how they like it.

Also what type of range to expect with this round out of a 12" barrel. (not looking for anything out there, just curious)

Catfish · « **Reply #1 on:** July 17, 2004, 02:36:16 PM »

I`m not trying to rain on your parade, but I think that the .480 was a big step sideways. It will really do nothing more than the .454. It is way more than you need for deer also. I have an Encore in .357 max. which will shoot farther and hit pleanty hard enough for deer, plus it has far less recoil. It has a 15 in. Bullberry barrel and shoots sub. moa. For hunting I would recomand a fixed 2X scope. If you want more for range shooting or varmint hunting go with a 1 x 4X scope. Handgun scope have a very small field of viesion and eye relief is very critical. The only time I will carry a scoped handgun is when I`m setting a stand, if walking or driveing I carry an iron sighted revolver.
There is nothing wrong with a .480, in fact it is a very good round. It will do the job on deer, and I have been known to carry a .454 revolver which is just as much over kill as the .480. It`s just that the .480 would be better on bear, or moose, ect.
What the heck, get the .480 and a .357 max., that will pretty well cover your big game hunting. Then you can get .204 Ruger and a .22RF and have your varmint and small game covered too.

257 weatherby · « **Reply #2 on:** July 17, 2004, 05:32:18 PM »

I've got a 480 barrel and really enjoy shooting it. The 480 in the encore recoils about like a 44 magnum so it is very easy to control and fun to shoot. I feel comfortable taking deer size game out to about 100 yds. with these revolver rounds (except my 454 which I think is good to about 150 yds.). I think if you want a 480 you should get one but if you want a real good whitetail setup (good to 200 mabe 250 yds.) I can recommend the 15" 308 win. they shoot real good and only loose about 100-200 fps. compared to a rifle and recoil is about the same as a 44 mag. revolver.

TScottW99 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 18, 2004, 03:01:38 AM »

Thanks gents!

I'm planning on getting a rifle chambered pistol barrel later on. Right now (for some reason :? :wink: ) I plan on getting my first barrel in a pistol caliber. I'll proably look around at some of the other calibers and come back and pick your brains some more

Where I hunt I proably won't see a shot further then 80 yards and more then likely it will be 60 or less.

myronman3 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 18, 2004, 05:16:03 AM »

do yourself a favor and go with a 44 magnum barrel. out of an encore, you are going to get velocities much higher than any revolver will post; very close to carbine velocities. your 44 will about have the same power as a 454 revolver, depending on length. i would not get one longer than 12". brass, bullets, and factory ammo is so much cheaper. thats my opinion. the one thing i do like about the 480 is it's ability to handle heavier pieces of lead. but then again, 310 grains aint no joke, either.

New Hampshire · « **Reply #5 on:** July 18, 2004, 07:11:40 AM »

I agree with the consunsus. The problem is that the gun biz is a tough and cutthroat thing. Manufacturers have to do something to keep buyer interest alive. I mean, how many .44 Mag revolvers, or .30-06 rifles can you make before the consumer says "what the heck I need ANOTHER one for." So what they do is create new rounds and chamberings to mix in with the old stuff. The .480 Ruger is a good example, as well as the .500 S&W. This is in no way to say they are useless, by no means! But rather they are an answer that necessarily didnt need answering. Its fine if you want a bbl chambered for it. The problem is that because of how "new" and "exotic" it is it winds up hitting you in the wallet. With responsible shooting, and plenty of practice there is very little you cant kill quickly and cleanly with the .44Mag.
But thats just my opinion :wink: .
Brian M.