I have and hunt with the Ruger .454. I'm not going to tell you the recoil isn't objectionable but it isn't abusive until you shoot 300 grain bullets. The cylinder is stamped .454 Casull, .45 Colt. so lighter loads are readily available. This is important because you can shoot .45 colts more comfortably and cheaper than .480 Ruger. I use 230 gr Hornady bullets for deer but would step up to 300 gr. for Elk. I have only shot the Hornady bullets as my gun liked them right off the bat.

In my opinion the .454 is the second most versatile hunting handgun available. The first would be the .460which will shoot the .460 S&W, .454 Casull, and the .45 Colt.