First Look: .480 Ruger and .454 Casull Ruger Super Blackhawks

by
posted on August 9, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
first_look_ruger_blackhawk_f.jpg

undefinedEver since Sturm, Ruger & Company released the .480 Ruger in the love-it or hate-it Super Redhawk back in 2001, revolver aficionados have been brow-beating Ruger to release this cartridge in their popular single-action revolver lineup. The combination of Super Blackhawk and .480 Ruger is debated incessantly on gun websites, yet Ruger’s reticence to actually make this happen has frustrated handgun hunters who have long wanted to see this marriage come to fruition. Basically a shortened .475 Linebaugh, the .480 Ruger is a serious big-game hunting round that even when loaded to spec isn’t too abusive to the one pulling the trigger. Ruger has finally relented by offering not only their .480 Ruger in the Super Blackhawk line, but also the raucous .454 Casull. Ruger has offered the Super Redhawk in .454 Casull since the late ‘90s. Handgun hunters everywhere have reason to rejoice as two of their favorite calibers can be had in the revolver they love in an affordable package. Finally.

More than six months ago, I was asked by Ruger to perform some testing on both new Super Blackhawk models, under the veil of secrecy of a strict embargo. I put nearly 1,000 rounds through the .454 and almost 5,000 rounds through the .480 model. Appropriately dubbed an “endurance test,” I wasn’t sure whose endurance we were testing, the guns’ or mine. I had no support crew or relief shooters. Just me, the revolvers, the bench and an endless pile of ammunition. I am happy to report that I survived and my hands are still somewhat intact. Look for a full review at a later date.

If you are considering either, here are five things you need to know:

1. Both models feature a five-shot cylinder made from 465 Carpenter steel (seen before in the Super Redhawk line in .454 and .480), a steel so tough it is devilishly hard to machine. The cylinders are a tad bit longer than standard to compensate for the counter-boring, however Ruger retained the standard cylinder diameter of the Super Blackhawk.

2. Both models will be offered at least initially with only one length of barrel and that is 6 ½-inches, with a 1:24 and 1:18 twist for the .454 Casull and .480 Ruger respectively.

3. The only grip frame Ruger deemed appropriate for these Super Blackhawks is the Bisley.

4. Ruger engineers equipped both models with their longer ejector rod housing that made its first appearance on the limited run of .357 Maximum revolvers back in the early 1980s. The longer than standard ejector rod pushes the empty cases clear.

5. Bring a shooting glove. While I am no stranger to recoil, these relatively lightweight powerhouses pack a wallop on both ends. Not the worst you may encounter, but a considerable step up from the venerable .44 Magnum.

For the record, these revolvers are available as a distributor exclusive through Lipsey’s.

undefined

undefined

Latest

Oklahoma Department Of Wildlife Conservation Logo
Oklahoma Department Of Wildlife Conservation Logo

Oklahoma Wildlife Commission Passes Rules for Nonresident Hunters, Public Hunting Lands

New emergency rules and resolutions for public hunting lands were approved last month by the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission.

First Look: Premium and Premium Deluxe Die Sets From Redding Reloading Equipment

Redding Reloading Equipment has expanded its Premium Die Set and Premium Deluxe Die Set product lines, including over seventy of the most popular cartridges in the industry today.

Junior Hunter Gear: Get Your Kids Into the Field

Looking for ways to get your fields out from behind the screens and into the great outdoors this summer? Check out these great pieces of outdoor kit to help spur the process.

Stealth Cam Adds On-Demand Livestream

Shortly after teasing the launch of its new trail camera functionality at the 2025 SHOT Show, Stealth Cam has announced that On Demand Live Stream is available via the Command Pro app.

#SundayGunday: Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 A.I.

On this week's #SundayGunday, Digital Associate Editor David Herman talks with Benelli Vice President Tim Joseph about Benelli's new Super Black Eagle 3 with A.I. barrel technology.

NRA Foundation Awards $13,500 in College Scholarships

The National Rifle Association is proud to announce the Grand Scholarship winners from the 2024 Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.)—a group of exceptional students selected for their leadership, initiative, and dedication to advancing NRA programs within their communities.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.