.480 Ruger Load Data

The .480 Ruger cartridge represents a significant development in the world of big bore revolver ammunition, having been introduced to the market in 2003 by Sturm, Ruger & Company in partnership with Hornady. Ruger saw a clear opportunity between the potent but punishing .454 Casull and the venerated .44 Magnum, seeking to provide hunters and enthusiasts with a cartridge that delivered powerful performance while keeping recoil at a more manageable level. Uniquely, the .480 Ruger was the first new revolver cartridge introduced by Ruger since the .357 Magnum, and it was specially designed for their Super Redhawk revolver platform. Its proportions (featuring a case length of 1.285 inches and an overall length of about 1.650 inches) and lack of a traditional "magnum" moniker emphasize its specific niche among large-caliber revolver enthusiasts.

As a versatile and effective cartridge, the .480 Ruger is widely respected among handgun hunters, bush pilots, and those venturing into dangerous game territory. Designed for short-barreled revolver actions, it delivers impressive terminal performance while maintaining controllability. While not quite as powerful as the .454 Casull or .500 S&W Magnum, its milder recoil and robust stopping power make it well suited for extended range sessions and follow-up shots. In this context, the .480 Ruger bridges the gap for shooters who want a substantial caliber for field use but don’t need or want the extreme blast and recoil of ultra-magnum cartridges.

For game applications, the .480 Ruger shines in the role of a medium- to large-game cartridge. It has gained favor with handgun hunters pursuing deer, hogs, and black bear, and it carries enough heft for elk and even moose within reasonable distance and with careful shot placement. In areas where large predators are a concern—such as grizzly country—it is regarded as a competent backup option, particularly in the robust and reliable double-action revolvers that chamber it. Its effectiveness on tough game animals is partly due to its combination of heavy bullet weights and moderate to high velocity, resulting in impressive penetration and expansion.

Typical bullet weights for the .480 Ruger range from 275 grains up to 410 grains, with 325- and 400-grain jacketed soft points and hard cast lead bullets being popular choices among reloaders. Bullets in these weights capitalize on the relatively large .475-inch diameter, providing broad frontal area and deep penetration—traits preferred when hunting or stopping big, tough animals. Velocity typically ranges from roughly 1,200 feet per second for heavier projectiles, translating into energy levels that comfortably exceed the .44 Magnum, though not to the magnitude of the heaviest super-magnum revolvers. Other characteristic features include a straight-wall case, rimmed design for secure chambering in revolvers, and manageable pressures that make it a logical choice for reloaders focused on reliable, repeatable performance without excessive wear on firearms. Its balance of power, shootability, and versatility continues to impress both big game hunters and precision-minded reloaders alike.