I think I've narrowed down my choice of a 454 Casull to the Ruger Super Redhawk w/7.5" barrel. I have a good history with Ruger, and it is in my price range. It would be my first 454 though.
A: Good choice for big game hunting?
B: What bullet/ammo would you recommend for deer to elk sized critters?

The 454 is a hand full. I have a Field Grade Freedom Arms and it has RECOIL. I have had it for a long time, and I do not enjoy shooting it. I should have bought the extra cylinder, but I did not.

I do not think a lot about the Super Red Hawk. But if there was one cartridge it was made for, it would be the 454. Does Ruger say you can shoot the shorter 45's through the cylinder?? If they say you can then that is good, but make sure you have the cylinder super clean before you switch back to the 454 round.

If you are looking for a handgun to hunt with only, and you are an experienced "Pistolero" then go for it. But if you are a beginner with handguns and handgun hunting, then IMO it is way too much for the average guy.

I have seen a lot of these revolvers for sale(used). That should tell you something right there. You do not see a lot of 44 magnum S&W's for sale, and when you do the price is still high. Tom.

may consider a .480 ruger.....if looking for a big handgun.....I have heard the .480 has the power of the 454 without the recoil.....

dont have one yet, but I'd consider a 44 mag or .480 ruger from all that I've read/learned/heard.

My dad once shot a 454 casull after 3 shots his hand was bleeding and he never touched the gun again.The 454 is said to have 70% more recoil than a 44 magnum. You may want to reconsider.

Is the .454 neccessary? It is definatly a pkg that isn't going to be a pleasure to practice with and practice IS a importnat and neccessary part of huntng preparation.

That said, if I was wanting a .454, I'd definately opt for a Freedom Arms. As much as I love Rugers, there's no finer revolver made than the FAs.

get the .480 if you need .454 power....if not get a .44mag

I have one in a Taurus Raging Bull. It is as accurate as any I've seen, (2" @ 100 yards) and it handles recoil very well-it feels about like a S&W M29 in 44 Mag. This is due to the built-in muzzle porting and the shock-absorbing grips. The Taurus is much easier on your hand and arm than any other .454!

Yes, it will kill deer & elk!! I use a handloaded 265-grain cast flatnose bullet at 1550 FPS (this is a reduced load!!). It has great penetration at this velocity. All you have to do is put that bullet in a vital spot......

i have the SRH in .454, it hurts...bad. but i replaced all the factory springs with wolff springs which really slicked up the action and lightened the trigger. put a set of houge mono grips on it and a red dot. it shoots great if you can hold on. i use the 260gr platinum tips

I have the Ruger SRH in .44mag - 10" barrel and love it.
60 yards free hand all day long, with way less recoil.
My last 8 pointer can attest to this. I mean he used to be able too, until he dropped in his tracks!!!

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.