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NitroXAdministrator
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The 10 Most Underrated Cartridges
      #372755 - 31/12/22 01:35 AM

I think these ALL are great. Except not sure how the .480 Ruger hot in there?


The 10 Most Underrated Cartridges
These proven cartridges don’t get the respect they deserve. You want a gun chambered in something highly effective but a little different? Look no further

BY DAVID E. PETZAL | PUBLISHED SEP 23, 2019 6:45 PM

https://www.fieldandstream.com/ten-most-underrated-cartridges/

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85lc
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Re: The 10 Most Underrated Cartridges [Re: NitroX]
      #372757 - 31/12/22 03:51 AM

All are great cartridges with perhaps the exception of the 222Remington & 480 Ruger which perhaps are good cartridges but doesn't see great.

The 222 Remington had its "day in the sun" with varmint and later bench rest shooters loving it but was soon overshadowed by the .223R. The same can be said for the 222 Mag which was a slightly elongated 222.

The 480 Ruger seems to be between the 44 Magnum and 454 Casull in performance. I guess it was aimed for someone that wanted something bigger than a 44m (bragging rights??) but didn;t want the recoil; of a 454. The cartridge seems to be like a .475 Linebaugh Special of Short. While I am sure it is a fine cartridge, it doesn't seem to really fill a need and has gotten a fairly poor reception.

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tinker
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Re: The 10 Most Underrated Cartridges [Re: 85lc]
      #372758 - 31/12/22 04:58 AM

480 Ruger is a fantastic cartridge

In numerous tests on nasty bovine on the Texas ranches, the 480 has shown itself to perform far beyond it's appearance on paper

Part of what makes it so good, aside the performance on large game animals, is how manageable it is
Also it's able to be built on a relatively compact and lightweight (easily carried) New Model Blackhawk and Bisley

Comparing it to the 454, the 480 does it's thing at 48000 psi, where the Casull runs at 65000 psi
That's a big difference for the shooter

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Re: The 10 Most Underrated Cartridges [Re: tinker]
      #372760 - 31/12/22 06:25 AM

I liked this bit of contention. LOL, gotta love it.

"The Marlin Model 1895 .45/70 Guide Gun. You can hunt everything from ratty little deer to Cape buffalo with one, thanks to the astonishing variety of ammunition that’s out there."

I helped a friend with loads for his .45/70 on a Siamese Mauser he had built up in the 70's. At the time I was shooting a VZ34 in .458 2" I had purchased in Smithers, B.C. We used the same loads in the .45/70 that I was using in my .458 2" and received exactly the same vel. likely due to his 24" bl. compared to my 22" one. The slightly larger capacity .45/70 case delivering identical ballistics due to the longer barrel - perhaps. The bottom 3 listed bullets were shot with the same identical load. 68gr. H335 or 56.0gr. IMR4320. I strongly suggest this loads are not usable in a Marlin or any other .45/70 rifle than a Mauser or Ruger #1.
I actually doubt you could get that much of those powders in a case and still deep seat the bullet as is required in a Marlin. Both my rifle and my friend's rifle had fairly long throats. Mine had 3/8" freebore, while his 2/10", thus out OAL was identical.
300gr. 2,450fps.
350gr. 2,300fps.
400gr. 2,150fps.
500gr. 2,060fps.

CAUTION, these are likely 55,000psi or maybe even higher, loads. They were not excessive in the rifles used but would be in a lever rifle.

edited typo, had 3,450fps listed for 300gr.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

Edited by DarylS (01/01/23 05:50 AM)


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tinker
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Re: The 10 Most Underrated Cartridges [Re: DarylS]
      #372761 - 31/12/22 06:29 AM

Daryl that performance is miles beyond the "45-70" cartridge designation

You're right there in 450 Nitro Express territory

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Re: The 10 Most Underrated Cartridges [Re: 85lc]
      #372767 - 31/12/22 01:01 PM

Quote:

All are great cartridges with perhaps the exception of the 222Remington & 480 Ruger which perhaps are good cartridges but doesn't see great.

The 222 Remington had its "day in the sun" with varmint and later bench rest shooters loving it but was soon overshadowed by the .223R. The same can be said for the 222 Mag which was a slightly elongated 222.




Bullshit.

The .222 does what it was designed to do. Hunt. Shoot small game. Kill small furred game.

The .223 was designed as a military cartridge. Slightly extra velocity. Failed as a good military cartridge as well.

As the .222 already was faster than ideal on minimising fur damage, especially closer ranges, increasing velocity is even worse ie the .223.

All the .223 did was to work in semi auto guns.

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Re: The 10 Most Underrated Cartridges [Re: NitroX]
      #372770 - 31/12/22 04:17 PM

That article while the list is good, left me in a slightly dumbed down state after reading the simplistic comments.

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sharps4590
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Re: The 10 Most Underrated Cartridges [Re: NitroX]
      #372772 - 01/01/23 03:31 AM

The fields and streams of hunting country as well as the journalistic pages of gun writers are littered with the discards of what are, in truth, underrated cartridges. All they suffered from was an advocate like Jack O'Conner or Elmer Keith....or any of several others. It was and, still is, a popularity contest.

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Re: The 10 Most Underrated Cartridges [Re: tinker]
      #372774 - 01/01/23 05:46 AM

Quote:

Daryl that performance is miles beyond the "45-70" cartridge designation

You're right there in 450 Nitro Express territory




You're right, not quite, but fairly close.
as I noted:
"I strongly suggest this loads are not usable in a Marlin or any other .45/70 rifle than a Mauser or Ruger #1."

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85lc
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Re: The 10 Most Underrated Cartridges [Re: tinker]
      #372778 - 01/01/23 07:10 AM

Quote:

480 Ruger is a fantastic cartridge

In numerous tests on nasty bovine on the Texas ranches, the 480 has shown itself to perform far beyond it's appearance on paper

Part of what makes it so good, aside the performance on large game animals, is how manageable it is
Also it's able to be built on a relatively compact and lightweight (easily carried) New Model Blackhawk and Bisley

Comparing it to the 454, the 480 does it's thing at 48000 psi, where the Casull runs at 65000 psi
That's a big difference for the shooter




Tinker,

Great info on the 480 Ruger. When I bought my 454, I looked at the 480 and decided to go with the 454 as I reload and could load down to "cowboy" loads to real thumpers. My intent was to load down to a more managable load for most of my shooting though the last 100 rounds I loaded are somewhat hot.

I didn't know the operating pressure of the 480 which is significantly higher than the 44 Mag and, with a 325 gr bullet, makes it a fairly powerful cartridge. If you reload, have you used hard cast bullets?

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RB


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tinker
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Re: The 10 Most Underrated Cartridges [Re: 85lc]
      #372779 - 01/01/23 08:09 AM

325grs at 1450 FPS is serious business

The WFNGC 425gr bullet at 1200 is a smasher

The great thing about the 480 is that you don't need top loads for amazing performance

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Re: The 10 Most Underrated Cartridges [Re: tinker]
      #372790 - 02/01/23 01:11 AM

True main criteria for lack of gun writer appreciation is:
1) no supporting advertising paying for a whore article; or
2) hard to get factory ammo at shops.

The second is irrelevant most of the time for me and fellow reloaders.

I prefer obscure and/or vintage cartridges as well. Zero interest in the latest gunwhore writer fad and marketing push.

--------------------
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Edited by NitroX (02/01/23 01:13 AM)


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bwanabobftw
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Re: The 10 Most Underrated Cartridges [Re: NitroX]
      #372799 - 02/01/23 11:49 PM

Quote:

True main criteria for lack of gun writer appreciation is:
1) no supporting advertising paying for a whore article; or
2) hard to get factory ammo at shops.

The second is irrelevant most of the time for me and fellow reloaders.

I prefer obscure and/or vintage cartridges as well. Zero interest in the latest gunwhore writer fad and marketing push.




I’m with you John !!!!!!!!!!!!!


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Re: The 10 Most Underrated Cartridges [Re: bwanabobftw]
      #372802 - 03/01/23 03:13 AM

Quote:

Quote:

True main criteria for lack of gun writer appreciation is:
1) no supporting advertising paying for a whore article; or
2) hard to get factory ammo at shops.

The second is irrelevant most of the time for me and fellow reloaders.

I prefer obscure and/or vintage cartridges as well. Zero interest in the latest gunwhore writer fad and marketing push.




I’m with you John !!!!!!!!!!!!!



+2
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Re: The 10 Most Underrated Cartridges [Re: 3DogMike]
      #372818 - 03/01/23 06:41 PM

Looking at the list.

.222 Remington
.220 Swift
.250 Savage
.257 Roberts
.25/06
6.5x55
7x57
9.3x62
.404 Jeffery

and

.480 Ruger.

I have no idea how the latter got on that list as it so obviously doesn't fit. A handgun cartridge while all the others are firecrifles. Probably that one IS advertising. It's obviously been reintroduced.

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Re: The 10 Most Underrated Cartridges [Re: NitroX]
      #372819 - 03/01/23 06:59 PM

Quote:


.404 Jeffery




Starting with an obvious one.

The best .40 bolt action cartridge. Doesn't require a magnum sized action like the .416 Rigby. Lower pressure so better for the hot tropics.

A consideration almost always missed from modern gunwhore writers is why straight walked cartridges are BAD! Extraction. Stinking hot climates. Long tapered cartridges are better. Lower pressure is better. The modern straight walked cartridges are dog shit. A reason the long tapered nitro Express rimmed cartridges remain the best choices for double rifles and break open rifles.

Especially for the stinking hot equatorial tropical environments and dangerous big game.

Back to the .404 Jeffery. It is a bolt action cartridge. Best married to a Mauser 98 action. .423 calibre. Shoots 400/410 gr projectiles. Mild for what it is. Effective.

Chambered by Heym and other gun makers. Popular with intelligent big game hunters.

My .404 is in a Mauser M03. Shortish overall. It makes a good working bolt rifle to accompany my .450 NE DR. I am keen to use it on water buffalo. Woodleigh aweldcores and FMJs in stock in my supplies I hope! Bertram's to be sourced for practice and target matches. And also try light bullets in it, 257 gr Raptors I think they are. Previously I have been using Midas priced Norma factory ammo.

Regarding the article, I'd like to compare the case capacity if the .404 to the .416 Remington. .423 vs .416, same weight bullets. Yet the writer claims the .416 Rem is 100 for faster? Pffffft! I doubt it. Yes the .416 Rigby which is larger but not the Bumbleton ...

The .404 Jeffery will always be a choice for intelligent dg hunters.

.494 Jeffery

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Re: The 10 Most Underrated Cartridges [Re: NitroX]
      #372820 - 03/01/23 07:10 PM

Quote:


9.3x62





I'm not sure why this is on the list? Probably because Joe Blow can't buy the loaded ammo in his local store or Walmart.

Again very popular among intelligent medium game and dangerous game hunters. Similar in purpose to the slightly more powerful .375 H&H Magnum and 9.3x64. Doesn't need a magnum action. Excellent for driven medium game. A no nonsense choice cartridge.

Would be imo an excellent choice for North America. Would work well on big bears, moose, elk, bison but not overly overpowered on medium sized deer. The 9.3x62 and .338s are imo excellent all round North American choices.

I have a 9.3x74R. Slightly less powerful than the 9.3x62. Killed 14 water buffalo, plus scrub bulls, horses, donkeys, pigs and the odd deer with it, so it works.

Never hunted North America so I'm armchair hypothesizing!

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Re: The 10 Most Underrated Cartridges [Re: NitroX]
      #372821 - 03/01/23 07:18 PM

Quote:


7x57





Aka the .275 Mauser. Using its correct nomenclature.

Definitely not dead. Since the new Rigby making a great resurgence in Mauser actioned rifles.

One of the oldest modern cartridges. Both a sporting and military history.

It suffered in US eyes again because factory ammo was often underloaded due to liability concerns about some weak old rolling block 7x57s.

Zero need for 7mm08s other than marketing branding. No need for a .270 either in my opinion.

Bullet weights best 140 grs to 175 grs.

Used for everything from small game, better for medium game, to if course numerous elephant by Bell.

I don't have one but would love a classic styled Mauser in 7x57 wow old Rigby, Jeffery, H&H, WR etc. Maybe a Dorleac! If I am ever lucky enough.

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Re: The 10 Most Underrated Cartridges [Re: NitroX]
      #372822 - 03/01/23 07:26 PM

Quote:


6.5x55




What to say? Introduced early 1890s. Everything the cow fertilizer brand marketers say and write about that 6.5 Creedmoor wannabe, the 6.5x55 will do better. Slightly, but why have a wannabe when the original is available, strong and still more effective.

I have a 6.5x55 in an original Mauser M96/M38 action somewhat sporterised rifle. Maybe extensively sporterised if I gave the $$$ for it one day. In the meantime it works fine in feral goats, hopping stuff, deer. Fantastic accurate in a $100 rifle not needing a $6000 wannabe rifle.

Imo the best 19th & 20th century military cartridge.

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Re: The 10 Most Underrated Cartridges [Re: NitroX]
      #372823 - 03/01/23 07:31 PM

Quote:


.250 Savage
.257 Roberts
.25/06





I've always preferred the .264/6.5mm calibre.

But the .25s have vintage class.

The .25/06 used to be the sensible higher velocity choice.

The .257 is the 7x57 classic.

The .250/3000 used to once be a hotrod! A friend talked about getting one to match his .22/250 and add a .338 for an all round armoury.

Myself I might pick up a 10 round magazine .25/303 if a reasonable one ever crosses my path.

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Re: The 10 Most Underrated Cartridges [Re: NitroX]
      #372824 - 03/01/23 07:36 PM

Quote:


.220 Swift





If I wanted a hottie .22 centrefire it should be a sensible .22/250 but instead would be the vintage .220 Swift.

Other than roos imo these have no hunting purpose. Yes long range "varminting" but little hunting purpose. A smaller medium calibre, .243, .25, 6.5 all do better.

Ultra fast .22s destroy meat and fur on rabbits and foxes.

EXCELLENT on roos!

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Re: The 10 Most Underrated Cartridges [Re: NitroX]
      #372825 - 03/01/23 07:45 PM

Quote:



.222 Remington




Similar to the .220 Swift, the main purpose imo the .222 is the upper limit of meat and fur damage on rabbits, hares and foxes. Headshots preferred. Body shot on a closer rabbit leaves a body parts puddle. Longer shots better.

My first rifle was a steel bar Remington 788 in .222. Super accurate behind par. Used in countless rabbits, hares, foxes, hoppers, feral goats, some pigs, a fair few deer.

As for the .223 being "better'. I have a combination rifle barrel in .223. The .223 was invented as an ineffective military cartridge for guys that couldn't shoot. Maybe improved since with heavier bullets and faster twist. Of course better in a semi auto or full auto.

The .223 another wannabe. Otherwise no better than the original .222. And being slightly faster, the same or worse damage on fur and meat.

My opinions.

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tinker
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Re: The 10 Most Underrated Cartridges [Re: NitroX]
      #372835 - 04/01/23 04:25 AM

Quote:



.480 Ruger
... Probably that one IS advertising. It's obviously been reintroduced.




No

It's not been reintroduced
It's never been discontinued

Granted, one or more absolute moron bottommfeeder "gunwriter(s)" may have said so, maybe because they couldn't find one at the local Walmart and may have subsequently decided that "the cartridge has been discontinued" (or whatever that means) but no.
Since it's introduction in 2003 it hasn't ever been discontinued or reintroduced.

Have there been supply issues and shortages?
Absofuckinglutely.
Demand has been greater than supply.

Each and every handgun and piece of ammunition has been taken by the market

Used revolvers chambered in that cartridge sell for more money than they were sold for new

Is it as popular as 22lr or 9mm?
No.

Does Ruger need the help of pissant sophomore window licking editorial contributors to sell 480 Ruger revolvers.
No.

Why did that dude include the 480 in his article?
No clue.

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fjrdoc
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Re: The 10 Most Underrated Cartridges [Re: tinker]
      #372846 - 04/01/23 09:20 AM

I thought that the 280 Ross was the first commercial cartridge to attain 3000 fps and not the Savage 250. This feat was achieved in 1905. And besides, the Ross produced those velocities with a 140 grain bullet.

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DarylS
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Re: The 10 Most Underrated Cartridges [Re: fjrdoc]
      #372847 - 04/01/23 09:27 AM

Yes - Ross was first if 1905, BUT the important thing is, the .250 Savage was the first in the USA, where all world records are set & maintained.
Just checked, Wikipedia says 1915 for the .250 chambering in the M99.


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