New big bore hunting rig

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dsh247

Inactive
OK, fellows let me hear some opinions here.

I'm in the market for a big bore rig which will mainly be used for hunting deer and wild hogs.

My caliber considerations so far are .454 Casull, .475 Linebaugh, .480 Ruger and of course .44 mag.

Iron considerations are mostly various forms of Blackhawks, Redhawks and Smiths with an 8" or 8 1/2" barrell. Will most likely be scoped with a 2X Leupold currently residing in the gun safe waiting for a partner.

I'm concerned about reloading expenses as well as initial investment but I'm also weary of the kick from beasts like the .480 Ruger.

So how about it...good/bad experiences, favorite loads, best bang for the buck so to speak...let's hear it.
 
NC, he did mention that he reloads. Reloading will cut the cost down quite a bit from what Buffalo Bore is asking.

If your willing to go just a little bit smaller that the .44 there is also the .41 mag. Normally see about 210gr JHP loads for hunting. Georgia Arms offers a 210gr hunting load at 1325fps (6" bbl?).

BTW, what are you planning on hunting? Assuming deer.

mdlowry
 
HEY LOOKATME! I GOT AN OPINION!

Based on your stated criteria (scoped) I recommend a 7.5" 44 Redhawk.

So many reasons..............but flat flight, lower cost, less recoil, better launch platform, yadayadayada..........
 
I would opt fot the Ruger Super Blackhawk in .44MAG.

Well...actually, I did....

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I Know the Feeling

I went through the same considerations recently. I even considered the .460 Rowland conversion for one of my 1911A1's. Luckily I had the opportunity to fire a .454 Casull and .480 Ruger to help my decision making process.

The most recoil was the .454 Casull out of a Ruger Super Redhawk 7.5" Although not punishing, in my opinion, it was considerable but enjoyable should you like loud noises and some kick :D . I thought the .480 Ruger out of it's fraternal twin brother was much more tame, but certainly more than a .44 magnum.

I hunt wild hogs and after thinking about the expense and availability issue realized that the .44 Redhawk 7.5" would truly meet all of my needs with the wide variety of loads to choose from the best overall. And if you reload, you can create some wonderful "hog-killers" for those eastern european-piney wood rooter hybrids. I was also able to trade for the .44, but would have had to purchase one of the other two. I must admit, I was leaning heavily toward the .480 Ruger simply because I plan on reloading soon and thought I could hunt anything with an appropriately reloaded .480 Ruger cartridge; however, should I stay in the deep south area, there is nothing that the .44 cannot handle very adequately. Now, should I be in Kodiak grizzly or polar bear country....
 
I lean towards one of these

I suppose more punch than the .44MAG would be justified in rare situations but 98% of us can make do with the 'ole realiable .44. Top gun is a 1956 and the bottom from about 30 years later. And NO the Classic Hunter hasn't shot loose with 3,000+ rounds of 240 & 265 grains and lots of 2400/296. best....dewey
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--sorry about the poor pix, I'm just learning---
 
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