.454 Casull handloads

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Blue
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Re: .454 Casull handloads

Post by Blue »

groo01 wrote:Groo here
Blue, when loading for the 454 , 44mag levels are just "heavy target "loads.
I agree. When I was talking about using the 255 gr SWC in .44 Mag-level loads, I was referring to my 5.5" barrel Ruger Redhawk revolver, chambered in .45 Colt, not .454 Casull.

Blue
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Re: .454 Casull handloads

Post by Blue »

OK, I got some 300 grain Hi-tek coated bullets from Missouri bullets. Truncated cone flat point.

They cycle well in my 92 at both available cannelures with OAL of 1.755" and 1.685". My case volume calcs and experience with 300 grain XTP Mags suggest at start at:

- 30.0 grains of 296, from which I anticipate 1700 fps at 1.755" OAL, and
- 27.2 grains of 296, from which I anticipate 1700fps at 1.68" OAL

The hottest loads I've tested with the 300 XTP Mag is 1900 fps with 32.0 grains of 296, but I experienced sticky extraction with (but no signs of excessive pressure from cartridge examination). But if is more difficult to eject, I figure I'm at a limit I don't want to load for.

30.0 grains got me 1780 fps with the XTP Mag, and I figure 31.0 would be the most I would want to go with that combination, and would get me approximately 1840-1850 fps.

Plus, I figure the pressure required to push to 300 grain hardcast lead slug ton 1700 fps is about all the pressure I can get without a gas check bullet to prevent excessive leading.

The Missouri bullets are about 1/2 the price of the XTP Mag. 1700 fps yields 1925 ft/lbs of energy, so that is a serious load, without being insane. Plus, the lubricity of the coated lead bullet should yield a little more velocity with a little less pressure than the jacketed XTP Mag, which I accounted for in my estimations.

After this I will be testing this slug in Ruger loads for my .45 Colt Redhawk. May be able to touch 1100 fps, that would be awesome for a .45 Colt, but will obviously start out much lower and work it up.

Comments welcome, I will post my test results when I get a chance to run them.
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Okie44
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Re: .454 Casull handloads

Post by Okie44 »

1,100 should be a breeze in the RedHawk. +guns
“Good judgement is the result of experience and experience the result of bad judgement.”
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Blue
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Re: .454 Casull handloads

Post by Blue »

Okie44 wrote:1,100 should be a breeze in the RedHawk. +guns
Yeah, Hornady published data pushes a 300 XTP Mag to 1300 fps with W296, so what a wicked round that could be...brown bear defense loads...serious penetration.
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