Worth loading for a 480 Ruger, part 2

[ballman6711]

Thanks to everyone for the advice in my previous thread.

I just ordered the dies, shell holder and some brass for the 480. I have plenty of primers and H-110. Now it's time to decide which bullets to get.

I'm looking at the Speer 325gr deep curl sp, the MBC 340gr rnfp, and the Acme 370gr rnfp. Both the MBC and Acme bullets are coated. Not sure which I want to try, maybe all of them.

Any recommendations on bullets? If so, why do you like them (price, accuracy, etc...).

Also, any recommendations on powder besides the H-110? Again, why do you like "that" powder in this caliber with a given bullet weight?

Thanks again to everyone.

chris

 

[buck460XVR]

I would think all would work. The Deep Curls, are pretty pricey for paper, but are excellent hunting bullets. I would think it comes down to what you are using them for.

 

[Dudedog]

H110 is great for what it does, really only one thing, Full power loads, not something you can use for midrange.
Never loaded .480 but for .357 I like something around the burn speed of Unique for mid range stuff. BE86 worked well for me in.357 for that use.

 

[cfullgraf]

I'm a fan of W296/H110. It is my go to powder for max loads in 357 Magnum and 460 S&W Magnum. I also use it in my .410-2-1/2" skeet loads.

If I ever decide to load maximum loads for my 44 Magnum and 41 Magnum revolvers, W296/H110 will be the first powders that I would use.

Just be aware to not reduce the loads below any published data. They do not play well with reduced loads which is a reason many folks do not like W296/H110.

 

[Lokichoki]

If it hasn't been answered for you already How many loadings can you get from this cartridge? I know when reloading less common and generally more expensive rifle/pistol rounds Its tempting to overuse the life expectancy of your brass

 

[WestKentucky]

In all revolvers I always lean towards heavy lead for pleasant loads, and light jacketed loads for hunting. For a decent all around load I would look at something maybe gas checked and mid-range on weight.

 

[.38 Special]

For most purposes I prefer cast bullets. In large part that is because I cast them myself, which allows me to stretch my shooting budget quite a bit. I have very little experience with powdercoated bullets, however, so cannot offer advice there.

H110 is my go-to powder for maximum loads. Because it is such a fine powder it tends to bind in my measures, but that is a small issue. A bigger issue is that it really is only for hot loads. Trying to load it down rarely works well. For lighter loads I depend upon Unique. Ten grains of it behind either of the coated bullets you mention should make a fine range day load.

And as always, Trail Boss is the go-to for powder-puff loads.

Between H110, Unique, and Trail Boss I'm not sure if I actually need any other handgun powders. The other dozen or so cans have been sitting on the shelf for so long I can barely read the labels under the dust.

 

[sparkyv]

Powder-coated MBC projectiles are excellent in my Magnum 44 and 460, ballman6711. Highly recommend. I also sparsely shoot the DeepCurls in these two revolvers with great satisfaction. Should be just fine in your 480. As above, H110 is an excellent full power powder selection; don't load below book minimum recommendation.