Let’s Talk About **Underwood Ammo .480 Ruger 300 Grain Solid Monolithic Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
650**
The Underwood Ammo .480 Ruger 300 Grain Solid Monolithic Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
650 isn’t your average off-the-shelf plinking round. It’s a meticulously crafted cartridge designed for one thing: stopping power. Manufactured by Underwood Ammo, this round aims to deliver maximum energy transfer and deep penetration, making it a serious contender for hunting large game with a handgun or as a last-ditch defensive round against large predators.
For years, I’ve been searching for a reliable and powerful handgun cartridge suitable for hunting hogs and potentially defending myself in bear country while hiking. I needed something that could consistently deliver deep penetration and reliable expansion. My search ultimately led me to the Underwood Ammo .480 Ruger 300 Grain Solid Monolithic Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
650.
My initial impression upon receiving the ammunition was one of serious quality. The brass cases were pristine, the monolithic bullets were uniformly seated, and the overall build quality screamed precision. Picking up a single round, you could feel the substantial weight and understand the potential energy packed within.
Compared to other .480 Ruger options, such as Hornady’s XTP rounds or Federal’s CastCore offerings, the Underwood Ammo stood out due to its solid monolithic construction. This design promised superior penetration compared to expanding bullets, which was a critical factor for my intended use on tough game. I chose this over the others because I felt it gave me the best chance to punch through bone and tissue to reach vitals.
Honestly, I was both excited and slightly intimidated. The sheer power of the .480 Ruger is well-known, and I was eager to see how this particular load performed. At the same time, I knew I was handling a cartridge that demanded respect and a firm grip.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Underwood Ammo .480 Ruger 300 Grain Solid Monolithic Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
650** to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Underwood Ammo .480 Ruger 300 Grain Solid Monolithic Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
650 at my local shooting range. It was a typical range day: sunny, around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and relatively calm. I fired the rounds from a Ruger Super Redhawk .480 Ruger with a 7.5-inch barrel.
The recoil was significant, as expected, but surprisingly manageable. It was more of a push than a sharp snap, allowing me to maintain control and reacquire my target quickly. Functionally, the rounds fed flawlessly, ignited reliably, and ejected cleanly.
There were no malfunctions or unexpected issues during the initial testing. The accuracy was also impressive. I was able to consistently achieve tight groupings at 25 yards, indicating that the ammunition was well-suited for my Ruger Super Redhawk.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple range sessions and a hog hunt, the Underwood Ammo .480 Ruger 300 Grain Solid Monolithic Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
650 continues to perform exceptionally well. The rounds show no signs of degradation, even after being stored in my range bag for extended periods. The brass cases remain clean and corrosion-free.
During the hog hunt, the monolithic bullet performed exactly as intended. The 300-grain projectile penetrated completely through a medium-sized hog, delivering a quick and ethical kill. There was no expansion, but the sheer mass and velocity of the bullet created a devastating wound channel.
The ammunition has proven to be very reliable. I haven’t experienced any failures to feed, fire, or eject across hundreds of rounds fired. This level of reliability is crucial, especially when relying on the ammunition for hunting or self-defense.
Compared to my previous experiences with other .480 Ruger loads, the Underwood Ammo stands out for its consistent performance and deep penetration. While some expanding bullets might offer a larger wound cavity, the monolithic design of this round provides unparalleled assurance of reaching vital organs, even through bone and thick muscle. It definitively outperforms in penetration.
Breaking Down the Features of **Underwood Ammo .480 Ruger 300 Grain Solid Monolithic Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
650**
Specifications
Caliber: .480 Ruger. This is a large-bore handgun cartridge designed for hunting and self-defense against large animals.
Bullet Type: Monolithic. This means the bullet is made from a single piece of metal, typically copper or brass, offering superior penetration.
Bullet Weight: 300 grain. This is a substantial bullet weight, providing significant momentum and energy for deep penetration.
Cartridge Case Material: Brass. Brass is a standard material for cartridge cases, known for its reloadability and reliable performance.
Muzzle Velocity: 1400 ft/s. This high velocity contributes to the bullet’s flat trajectory and significant energy on impact.
Muzzle Energy: 1306 ft-lbs. This impressive energy level makes the cartridge suitable for taking down large game at reasonable distances.
Application: Hunting. This ammunition is specifically designed for hunting large game with a handgun.
Primer Style: Centerfire. Centerfire primers are known for their reliability and consistent ignition.
Lead Free: Yes. This makes the ammunition environmentally friendly and suitable for use in areas with lead restrictions.
The specifications above translate to a cartridge designed for one purpose: delivering maximum penetration and stopping power. The high velocity and heavy bullet weight combine to create a round capable of ethically taking down large game animals or providing a last line of defense against dangerous predators.
Performance & Functionality
The Underwood Ammo .480 Ruger 300 Grain Solid Monolithic Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
650 performs its job exceptionally well. It delivers consistent accuracy, reliable ignition, and, most importantly, devastating penetration. There are no malfunctions to note.
The monolithic bullet design is the key to its performance. It penetrates deeply and reliably, even through bone and thick muscle tissue, ensuring a quick and ethical kill. Accuracy is excellent and exceeded my expectations.
The only potential weakness is the lack of expansion. While expansion can create a larger wound cavity, it can also reduce penetration. This round sacrifices expansion for guaranteed penetration, which is a trade-off I find acceptable, particularly for dangerous game.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is simple and functional. The brass case is well-made, and the monolithic bullet is cleanly manufactured. The overall build quality is excellent.
The weight of the cartridge contributes to the recoil, but it is manageable in a large-frame revolver like the Ruger Super Redhawk. The design is not particularly ergonomic, but it doesn’t need to be.
Durability & Maintenance
The Underwood Ammo .480 Ruger 300 Grain Solid Monolithic Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
650 is designed for reliable performance, and I expect it to last for many years if stored properly. The brass cases can be reloaded, further extending their lifespan. I see no reason to believe the shelf life would be shortened.
Maintenance is minimal. Simply store the ammunition in a cool, dry place to prevent corrosion. The brass cases can be cleaned and reloaded as needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories come specifically with the ammunition. However, the brass cases are reloadable, allowing for customization of the load. While you wouldn’t modify the monolithic projectile itself, you could experiment with different powder charges to fine-tune the velocity and recoil to your preference.
The .480 Ruger cartridge itself is compatible with a variety of revolvers, including the Ruger Super Redhawk and Freedom Arms Model 83. It can also be used with aftermarket grips and sights to improve handling and accuracy. Be sure to use a .480 Ruger-caliber weapon.
Pros and Cons of **Underwood Ammo .480 Ruger 300 Grain Solid Monolithic Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
650**
Pros
- Exceptional Penetration: The monolithic bullet design ensures deep and reliable penetration, even through bone and thick muscle.
- Consistent Accuracy: The ammunition delivers tight groupings at reasonable handgun hunting distances.
- Reliable Ignition: The centerfire primers ensure consistent and dependable ignition in all conditions.
- Reloadable Brass Cases: The brass cases can be reloaded, allowing for customization and cost savings.
- High Muzzle Energy: The impressive muzzle energy makes it suitable for taking down large game ethically.
Cons
- Higher Recoil: The high velocity and heavy bullet weight result in significant recoil, which may be challenging for some shooters.
- No Expansion: The monolithic bullet design does not expand, which may result in a smaller wound cavity compared to expanding bullets.
Who Should Buy **Underwood Ammo .480 Ruger 300 Grain Solid Monolithic Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
650**?
This ammunition is perfect for handgun hunters seeking maximum penetration and stopping power on large game like hogs, deer, and even bears. It is also well-suited for individuals who hike or camp in areas where they may encounter dangerous animals and need a reliable self-defense round.
This ammunition is not recommended for inexperienced shooters or those who are sensitive to recoil. It is also not the best choice for target shooting or plinking, as the high cost and significant recoil make it impractical for casual use.
A must-have accessory for this ammunition is a high-quality, large-frame revolver chambered in .480 Ruger, such as the Ruger Super Redhawk or Freedom Arms Model 83. Consider aftermarket grips to improve comfort and control.
Conclusion on **Underwood Ammo .480 Ruger 300 Grain Solid Monolithic Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
650**
The Underwood Ammo .480 Ruger 300 Grain Solid Monolithic Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
650 is a top-tier cartridge designed for those who demand maximum penetration and stopping power from their handgun. While the recoil is significant and the lack of expansion may be a concern for some, the reliability and deep penetration of this round make it an excellent choice for hunting large game and self-defense against dangerous animals.
The price is justified for those who need a premium, high-performance cartridge for serious applications. It delivers on its promises, providing confidence and peace of mind in situations where stopping power is paramount.
I personally recommend the Underwood Ammo .480 Ruger 300 Grain Solid Monolithic Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
650 to anyone who needs a reliable and powerful handgun cartridge for hunting or self-defense against large animals. If you’re serious about performance and stopping power, this is the ammunition for you. Invest in your safety and confidence – purchase a box of Underwood Ammo .480 Ruger 300 Grain Solid Monolithic Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
650 today and experience the difference.