454Casull, the proverbial dumb question

[wlc]

OK, so here is my proverbial "dumb question". I figure the answer is yes, but wanted to make sure. Can I take a mold that throws .458-.460 and size them down for my Casull? I have a MiHec mold that I cast for a friends 458X2 that throws +-335gr bullets. Seems a waste to buy another mold that throws 335-350 when I already have this one. I assume I can do this even if I have to size in steps. Any downfalls to utilizing this 458 bullet in this way?

[Ben]

You don't see much in print about the Lyman , Gould, 457122 HP being sized to .454 " and being shoot out of the 45 Long Colt.

I have some loads ( loaded in 45 Long Colt brass ) for my Ruger Super RedHawk 454 Casull revolver that I fired today. Let me emphasis that these loads should not be fired in a conventional 45 Long Colt revolver.

I think I've found " THE LOAD " for this particular revolver.

Ben

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/haysb/454%20Casull/PICT0002.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/haysb/454%20Casull/PICT0003.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/haysb/454%20Casull/PICT0005.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/haysb/454%20Casull/PICT0006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/haysb/454%20Casull/334.jpg

[Fishman]

I did this with no problems with the Lee 340, from .459 to .454 in my Lyman 4500 and straight coww alloy. They looked great so I gave them to my dad for heavy 454 loads. I don't know if he has loaded any yet though.

[wlc]

Thanks Guys!!! I just wanted to make sure I was on the right track.

Dang!!!! Ben, that's a great group!!!! I think I would stop right there and frame that group cause no one would believe I shot that group with a handgun.

The MiHec mold I was referencing would actually be in the case about the same as the Lee 452-300RF and not be too much longer on OAL if loaded to the crimp groove. I'll make a dummy up to make absolutely sure they fit the chamber, but feel there should be no problems.

Thanks again. Probably just saved me $120 or so not having to buy another mold

[Ben]

wLc

Careful with those powder charges.
Do your homework.
Moving a 340 gr. bullet from a 45 Long Colt case
requires completely different load data ( as I'm certain
that you are aware of ).

[nighthunter]

wlc .... If you are referring to MP's 460-122 HP mold .... yes you can do it. I've been doing it for several months and it is my favorite bullet in my Ruger. You have to seat it very deep to allow the loaded rounds to fit the cylinder. Keep in mind that you are losing case capacity and must adjust your powder charge accordingly. I have considered using long colt brass and crimping in the groove as Ben is doing. I would probably have a nearly identical over all length as with the Casull brass so I probably will give it a try. I size 2 times. The first in a .457 sizer then again in a .452 die. I am using High Tek coating and powder coat and don't use the gas check. Included is a pic of bullets recovered at 100 yards.

Nighthunter

[fredj338]

I've sized down the 340gr RCBS/4570 bulet for use in the 45colt. It will just depend on bullet style & as cast size.

[454PB]

I've also used the Lee 340 designed for 45/70. In my guns, I have to size it down to .452", any bigger and they won't chamber.

[wlc]

wLc

Careful with those powder charges.
Do your homework.
Moving a 340 gr. bullet from a 45 Long Colt case
requires completely different load data ( as I'm certain
that you are aware of ).

I definitely will be cautious with the load work ups. I'm thinking the bullet I am referencing will be OK out of Casull brass.

Nighthunter, the mold I am referencing is the 462 "hammer" from MiHec. This group buy: http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?133289-462-Hammer-GC-Mihec-Cramer-HP

Mine drop right at 335gr in solid configuration without check or lube. I'm gonna try this one in the Casull and I'll do as you do and size twice, .457 then .452.

My checks from Blammer came in the mail today, so tomorrow I'll be doing some preliminary loading and shooting starting with the Lee 452-300RF. When I find a load with that bullet I'm planning on trying out the 460 Hammer in Casull brass.

[Cmm_3940]

You don't see much in print about the Lyman , Gould, 457122 HP being sized to .454 " and being shoot out of the 45 Long Colt.

I have some loads ( loaded in 45 Long Colt brass ) for my Ruger Super RedHawk 454 Casull revolver that I fired today. Let me emphasis that these loads should not be fired in a conventional 45 Long Colt revolver.

I think I've found " THE LOAD " for this particular revolver.




http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/haysb/454%20Casull/334.jpg


But Ben, where did the other 5 shots go? :bigsmyl2:

(Nice group!)

[bobthenailer]

FME with 3 different 454 casull moulds you may have to size down at least one size first before using the .452 sizing die

[selpaw]

I bought a 457122 specifically for shooting in my 45 LC Blackhawk. Used 30-1 alloy which cast about .457. Sized to 453 and used a printing plate FreeChec. Shot quite well and expanded to about .75. Sold the BlackHawk and haven't tried it yet in the RedHawk I bought to replace it. Hope to try it next year on whitetail. selpaw