Like 5 of 7 I wish one of my 2 were a 5-1/2" barrel.
If one reloads for the 480 it covers all the bases pretty well for a field carry handgun.
I have a plinking load with 8.0 Unique under a 400 grain Lee Bullet.
My hunting load is normally the same Lee bullet with a little under a maximum load of AA#9 or H110.
I also have a shotshell worked out using 4.0 Clays, and app. 175 grains of #9 or #12 shot. Great snake load.
I have my 9-1/2" barrel 480 set up for deer hunting. I have a Marble Green Fiber Optic front sight for back-up. I swapped rings with Ruger for a set of 30mm and I have a 30mm UltraDot sight installed on it. I did not put a spring Kit in my 9-1/2" gun, as I did not see a reason. It had a good factory trigger.
In the November Missouri Deer Season I tagged out with the old girl. I tagged a Full size doe on my Antlerless Only Tag, and I bagged an 11 point Buck on my Anydeer Tag. Both were shot at 50 - 55 yards from a doublewide ladder stand. I was using a 355 grain Laser Cast Gas Check bullet. The doe was hit broadside behind the front shoulder. Complete penetration, and no meat damage to speak of. The buck was also hit broadside behind the front shoulder. I hit him a second time on a raking shot. Again very little meat damage.
As far as I am concerned this is as good as a hunting revolver gets. A big bore bullet. Plenty of power, but not punishing to shoot. The handgun is large, but still useable. Easy to load for. Whats not to love.
If the Super RedHawk were made in a 5 shot 500 Special the length of a 480, I could get to liking it also. I guess until the 500 Special is available I will stick with my 480 Rugers. I have about 500 pieces of brass, so I should be able to keep them running for a while.
Bob