The .480 Ruger was introduced around 2001, developed jointly between Sturm, Ruger and Company and Hornady Manufacturing. It is based on the .475 Linebaugh case, as developed by Buffalo Bore Ammunition, which was based on the .45-70 case, but with the rim turned down from .608 inch to .540 inch to allow it to be chambered in the Freedom Arms Model 83/757 revolvers. To develop the .480 Ruger, the .475 Linebaugh case was cut down from 1.400 inches to 1.285 inches. This allows it to be fired in any revolver chambered for the .475 Linebaugh. Ruger chose the massive Super Redhawk to introduce the new cartridge, which was intended primarily as a hunting cartridge with less recoil than the .475 Linebaugh. Industry maximum average pressure is 48,000 psi, with all of the accompanying data being within that limit.

The .480 Ruger was designed for Large Pistol and Large Pistol Magnum primers, which offer correct ignition (rather than the rifle primers that some suggest). A strong warning: Do not reduce "start" loads, especially those containing Hodgdon H-110, Lil’Gun, W-296, VV-N110 and Western Powders Enforcer. Doing so may cause hang fires or stuck bullets in the bore.

A heavy roll crimp is suggested to obtain correct powder ignition, but also prevents bullets from jumping crimp.

The Hornady 325- and 400-grain XTP MAG bullets produced extreme accuracy in Freedom Arms Model 757 revolver. If reliable bullet expansion is important at typical hunting distances, however, loads that reach at least 1,200 fps should be selected.