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Common uses: Hunting, Big Game
| Type | pistol (centerfire) |
| Typical load | 325gr Hornady Custom XTP Mag |
| Muzzle velocity | 1350 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 1316 ft-lb |
| Published G1 ballistic coefficient | 0.15 |
| Case length | 32.6 mm |
| Overall length | 41.9 mm |
| SAAMI max pressure | 48000 PSI |
| Common twist rate | 1:18" |
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) | Drop (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1350 | 1315 | -1.5 |
| 50 | 1190 | 1021 | 0.1 |
| 100 | 1074 | 832 | -4.4 |
| 150 | 994 | 712 | -16.4 |
A retained-energy reference only — not a shoot/don't-shoot distance. Real effective range depends on your accuracy, shot placement, bullet construction, and conditions. The ~1,000 ft-lb (deer-sized) and ~1,500 ft-lb (elk-sized) figures are commonly cited rules of thumb, not standards.
Your barrel, ammunition lot, and conditions will differ — always verify against the manufacturer's data and your own firearm.
The .480 Ruger is a large-bore revolver cartridge built for hunting heavy and dangerous game with a handgun, firing wide .475-caliber bullets in the 300-plus grain range at moderate velocity for deep penetration and a large wound channel. It is often described as delivering much of the terminal effectiveness of the .475 Linebaugh while producing noticeably less recoil, which makes it more manageable for a wider range of shooters. In practical use it is favored for whitetail, hog, black bear, and larger game at short to moderate ranges, and it remains a capable backcountry or backup cartridge in bear country. Its limitations are those of any heavy revolver round: a looping trajectory that restricts effective range, stout recoil, and a narrow selection of factory ammunition and chamberings compared to mainstream cartridges. It has never been a high-volume seller, but it retains a loyal following among big-bore revolver and handgun-hunting enthusiasts.
Introduced in 2003 by Sturm, Ruger & Company in partnership with Hornady, the .480 Ruger was the first cartridge Ruger developed under its own name. Its design drew on the larger .475 Linebaugh, but the case was shortened and loaded to more moderate pressures to create a big-bore round that a six-shot double-action revolver could handle. It debuted in Ruger's Super Redhawk and was aimed at handgun hunters who wanted heavy-bullet stopping power without the recoil of the most extreme magnum revolver cartridges.
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