I have just purchased the ruger super redhawk with a 9 1/2 inch barrel. It is a machine. I have heard some great things about the take down power, but I have never shot anything with it yet because I purchased it after hunting season. I plan on shooting hogs and deer with it. Does anyone have any hunting stories or experience with a .454. I would sure appreciate any advice.

RYAN SMITH

I got my freedom arms 454 last month. It's bad!!! The closest thing to it that I've ever shot is a 44mag and that's not even close. I bought the Lee dies and I'm trying the reloading thing (I'm new to that too). I ordered the gun early but shipping problems led to me getting the gun too late in the season for me to try it on deer. I can't wait for next season!

I guess no one else wants to reply to this forum. There is some good info on reloading the 454 in the reloading forum (44 mag / 454 casull). I tried mine with 300gn hornadys and 31gn of H110 last week. Awsome! This week I' m trying 240gn hornadys and 37gn H110. I too would like to hear stories about the effects of this monster round. Till then, check out Freedom Arms' website. They have pictures of game killed with the 454. Deer, moose, bears, hippos, and such! I found the recoil to be big but tollerable. It has definitely made me look at my 44mag in a differnt way. I used to think the 44mag was a heavy hitter. Now I' m loading the 44mag light so that I can recover from the 454. They make a great pair at the range. I also carry a 22 to the range to reaffirm my nerves. Last week I got a bunch of inquires as to what the big gun I was shooting was. If you' re reloading, beware of the inferior .452 bullets that will leave copper all in your barrel. It took me forever to clean that mess out! How' s the trigger on your Ruger? I was a little disappointed in the FA, but I' m compairing it to my Smith and Wesson 44mag, which has an incredible trigger. Very crisp and light, the way I like' em! I figured for the money I spent I would get the same. Oh well, there' s always room for improvement. Now I think I may need a scope, as I feel the ballistics exceed my ability to shoot iron sights.
Happy shooting.

I have killed one deer with mine, a couple of years ago. Unfortunatly I did not get a handgun permit for ILL this year. My wife forgot to include the check with my application. Guess I will get 2 permits next year when I hunt in Missouri that way I can hunt with Rifle and handgun. On the one dear I killed with my Casull it was a broadside shot only 20yds or so. The bullet passed completly through, the deer went about 30yds and fell over. I think I was using 260gr Hornady xtp' s on 32gr' s ? (its been awhile) of 296. Im not sure where my reloading manuals are at this time since I moved last summer and have not dug them out yet otherwise I could give you some more loading data. If you decide to get a scope I would recommend the SSK Tsob mount (3 rings) to help keep the scope from moving.