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I’ve been getting the itch to get back into handgun hunting. My first venture was Hog hunting in Texas with a S&W Performance Center in 44 mag. After seeing their tenacity I graduated to a Freedom Arms Premier in 454 Casull. Now years later I’m wondering if a 454 is a bit too much for Whitetails and the like, but it would be nice to still have that power if needed for something else.

Since I don’t want to get into handloading for another caliber(s), I’m thinking:

44 Mag/44 Special
454/45 Colt
475 Linebaugh/480 Ruger

With these options I’d have a full-house load for hunting and a lighter, less-expensive loading for practice/plinking, except perhaps the 475/480 combination. The revolvers that are capable of handling the heavy loads are:

Freedom Arms 83
Ruger Super Redhawk
Ruger Super Blackhawk
Mag Research BFR

Now to go searching the market. Any thoughts?

Would pass on the Casull, but everything else you listed.

You can load a .480Ruger pretty mild (if you would need or want to).

Joe, you can also get mild practice loads for the 454, or make some up. The advantage to the 454 is trajectory and range.

Of those listed in the opening post I'd opt for the 475/480 a 420 grain bullet at 950-1000 FPS is very shootable and extremely effective.

JWP, a wide heavy bullet trumps velocity in stopping power, for sure, but I don't want to bother handloading for another round, and the factory stuff is pretty hot in those rounds.

The 454/45 Colt is an excellent choice with available factory loads

Yeah, I know, but wouldn't be hunting deer with a .454. What kind of range are you talking to hunt whitetail?

If you want "power to hunt something else", the .480 covers all the bases.

I load and shoot heavy for caliber .44 Magnum, .45 Colt, 454. Casull, .480 Ruger, and .475 Linebaugh. Of the “Heavies”, the .480 with a 355 grain CP WFN at 1,000- 1,100 fps is the most pleasant cartridge to shoot considering recoil, muzzle blast and effectiveness for under 100 yard shots at deer, hogs, black bear, etc. In a 4 5/8” Bisley Blackhawk it is easy to carry. The .45 Colt when loaded to similar velocity with 265- 300 grain bullets also performs all out of proportion to its size.

I think Buffalo bore still sells a milder 475L load. 420 @ 950fps. or a starchier one if needed. I don't know about availability
but they make good ammo.

Depends on what you are looking for in a caliber. 454 is good for range, but has excessive recoil and bullets jumping crimp has been a thorn in that cartridges ass since its begining. A heavy bullet loaded in the 1000fps range in 45 colt is a wonderful round. Same goes with the 475/480. Full house loads in the 475 quickly become an issue imo. I have fell in love with the 500 jrh and run a cp 440 around 1000 fps. Wonderful to shoot and is a penetrating monster. I know you didnt mention it and want to stay clear of handloading, but it is a truly wonderful cartridge

440gr at 1,000 FPS will get it done, for sure :-)

I shot a bull elk through the rib cage with a wide melatonin 440 grain hard cast out of the 500 JRH and it shuddered the elk and blew a 3"X4" exit through the offside ribs. Very impressive

Hard to get beyond the 44's and 45's when ammo need is a consideration.

I find it strange that a 44 or 45 Redhawk isn't on the table, especially when we're thinking a Super Blackhawk is on the table. One of the 480 or 454 Bisleys maybe? Those are nice guns...

The Redhawk 45 is capable of knocking on the door or 454 levels with handloads and certain factory ammo and is capable of being leaned on beyond standard 44 fodder without getting loose or being annoying shooting in volume that a single action can be at times.

The Super Redhawk is about the least pleasing, least packable iron of the bunch.
Never messed with a Freedom Arms, but I would definitely take over a Super every time.

If it's something that needs production fed, the 44/45 is going to be the easiest to find and more gentle on the wallet, along with more bullet choices.

Super Redhawk is big, ugly and ungainly looking.

Also, it is a magnificent revolver.

6” FA 83 44 mag

I have a FA 454 Casull with the 7.5" barrel and a Ruger Alaskan in 480 with the short, 2.5" barrel. The Casull's recoil is quite a bit more, but the 480 leaves a bigger hole. Both with hard cast of course.

Discounting the 454 simply because it’s additional power is not needed may be a bit unfair. That extra velocity can make longer shots a bit easier with a bit more retained velocity at point of impact…..if you want to stretch your handgun shooting ranges a bit, assuming the shooter/hunter is capable!

Yes, the 454 has it’s potential issues…..but providing additional practical shooting yardage isn’t one! memtb

My big bore addiction started with the 44 mag, followed by the 454 Casull, then the 45 Colt and more recently 480 Ruger. I no longer have any 44 mags but have added a couple of 44 Spl's. I could easily live without the 454 Casull, but love the FA 83 revolver I have. I only load medium level loads in it anymore after getting the full power stuff out of my system years ago. I wouldn't want to be without a 45 Colt but the 480 Ruger is easily my favorite of the bunch. I personally think the 5 shot Bisley 480 is the best thing going in a hunting revolver.

JGray, the 480 seems like a nice option, like a 454 toned down a bit, but I wish there was lower-priced and lower-powered ammunition available, like the 44 Mag/44 Special and 454 Casull/45 Colt. I'd like to avoid handloading for another cartridge.

44 Mag/44 Special for the win Biebs, both can be bought very economically, the 44 mags top heavy hard cast or 300gr Swift A Frame factory loads will do all a man would need done with a revolver.