ok, the 480 saga is about to start! checked w/ the 'shop today, and the order went thru. expect to have the gun in my hot little hands in about a week and a half. trouble is, nobody has .475" bullets on hand - not even cabela's. so, whatever bullet i want to try, i have to order it in - can't just run down to the store and buy something...

so, for a hunting handgun, which do you like, cast or jacketed, and why? any input on bullet weight also appreciated. also, what the hell do gas checks do, and would they be desireable on a bullet? last... what is your favored internet source for the bullets you like best (link, please).

i'm looking for an accurate bullet that will reliably punch deer. thanks for any help!

Morning DAKOTASIN  >>  Cast Performance (CP) :

http://www.castperformance.com/ - http://www.castperformance.com/

They're my preference in the .44 and .454.  Unfortunately, they offer nothing for the .375 at this time but say bullets for that caliber class are in the works.  When that happens, all my revolvers will shoot CP.  They're an extremely accurate bullet.  Because of the dynamics of the material used, I seem to get about 100 fps more velocity from a cast then its same weight, jacketed counterpart.

They have cast "gas check" (GC) solid's in 375, 410 and 425 gr. weights for the .480 Ruger.  As mentioned above, GC allows you to push them to the MAX cartridge velocity.  That copper barrier between bullet and burning gases eliminates (or drastically lessens) any lead fouling of the barrel that would be left from the melting material of the base of a conventional cast bullet, less the GC.

As far as weight of bullet for deer, honestly, when loaded to MAX, it really doesn't matter what cast bullet weight you are gonna choose, the mass of deer will not be near enough to prevent complete penetration.  So take your pick.  I lean towards the heavy of the class myself.  395's in the Casull, 320's in the .44 RemMag.  So I'd choose the 410 or 425's in a .480 Ruger.

A couple times I've considered making my own cast but honestly, I don't have the time.  Poor excuse for sure, but I like the simplicity of having proven bullets on the shelf and more available with a simple order placed.  I can be out shooting or reloading, rather then having to use that time producing bullets.  It does sound like a fascinating process to get involved with, but for now, I just can't force myself to get into it.  'Specially with the way these CP bullets have been found to perform.  I ain't sure I could roll my own that would be this accurate or with the quality materials that they use.  With practice and time, maybe, but again, time     ...     something I'd rather be spending at the reloading bench, at the range or in the field hunting.

Good luck to ya.  >>  klallen

thanks for the info, fellas... right now, i am not interested in casting my own. i don't have the time or space requirements to set that up... my reloading area (garage) seems to have a '70 dodge dart taking up way too much room!

thanks for the link, klallen. i briefly perused the sight and saw a couple of bullets i'd like to try... based on your input, i'll put an order thru this weekend. from what i understand of the cast bullets, they don't seem to upset much, so fragmentation shouldn't be a problem. if that is true (don't know - is it?), i think i'll run 375's or 410's to keep velocity up... maybe not thinking clearly on this - don't know. appreciate the input.