454 Casull "through-and-through" penetration?

[Naphtali]

I've hunted elk and whitetail with Freedom Arms 475 Linebaugh, limiting my shot to 35 yards. This really isn't much of a limitation because I was hunting in extremely thick woods. I got no shots, and the Model 83 was sold. I have access to a T/C 454 Casull with 7.5-inch barrel, 2X scope, and "hunting" bipod. Since I consider this combination to really be a short rifle, I want to extend my limit to 135-165 yards.

Using 300-grain Saeco (#058, 454 SWC-GC) bullet that leaves the barrel at 1400-1550 ft/sec, how high is the confidence level that this bullet will penetrate "through-and-through" on elk - including one shoulder - at 135 yards? At 165 yards?

[contender1]

I"m not familiar with that bullet,, but if it has a wide meplate & you are running it at those velocities,, and it's a hard cast slug,,, I'd say your chances of a complete pass through is pretty good to excellent.

[DougGuy]

I agree..

[boatswainsmate]

http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell_Book_Chapter_15_HandgunHuntingCB.htm

[44MAG#1]

If one will go to Saeco Redding web site and click on the mold chart one will see that the 058 is a 215 gr SWCBB for the 45 Auto aka "the bowling pin bullet".
One may grow it into a 300 gr SWCGC if enough fertilizer is applied.
I doubt it though.
I use the 058 bullet.

[Kosh75287]

If the OP means the SAECO #454 300gr. SWC, it DOES bear a striking resemblance to the #058, except that it is 85 grains heavier and has a crimp groove.

As for punching through an elk at 135 and 165 yards, MY guess is that it will depend on how far over 1400 f/s the bullet leaves the muzzle. I had to make some assumptions when putting the data in a ballistic calculator, particularly ballistic coefficient. I believe I have generally erred on the side of caution, however.

At 1400 f/s from the muzzle, the projectile will travel at 1100 f/s at 125 yards, and 1029 at 175. MY feeling is that a 300 grain projectile can reasonably be expected to punch through an elk, if traveling 1100 f/s or more. You are probably okay at 135 yards, but I would be hesitant at 165.
At 1450 f/s from the muzzle, the numbers are 1130 f/s at 125 yards, and 1050 f/s at 175 yards. At this speed, the projectile drops below 1100 f/s before reaching the 150 yard mark.
At 1500 f/s from the muzzle, the velocity is 1160 f/s at 125 yards, 1113 f/s at 150 yards, and 1072 at 175. Probably not okay at 165 yards.
At 1550 f/s from the muzzle, the velocity is 1192 f/s at 125 yards, 1140 f/s at 150 yards, and 1096 at 175. POSSIBLY okay, out to 165, but individual weapons and projectiles vary.
I'm not metaphysically certain that a 300gr. SWC will punch through an elk at 1100 f/s, but I suspect the odds are favorable in the extreme, assuming the hunter does his part. Had I shot several elk at close range with a 300gr. @ 1000 f/s load, and punched through all of them or at least dropped them fairly quickly, I'd have more confidence in the lower velocity limit, but I have not, so I do not. I hope this helps.

[MT Chambers]

You never should have sold the '83, best revolver made!!

[Groo]

Groo here
I have one of the first adj sight ones.
The 454 was intended to shoot 240gr to 260 gr hard core jacket bullets at "Warp Speed" [about 2000fps]
the 300+ cast was intended to take up space in the case and slow the boolet down so the lead would handle the speed.
Except for Africa, I do not think you will find much that will stop the original 260 load.
The Tc ,as there is no BC gap, will be faster.
The 260gr bullet will not be too far off a 444 marlin.
The key is the bullet toughness.
The SSK 340gr cast has taken The "Big Five" in Africa many times.
You almost can't stop It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dh2]

I am getting pass through with the 454 using a 265gr cast boolit on white tail deer, I could not see how a deer would slow down a 300 gr. slug, it to me might be a bit much but I do believe in over kill

[Naphtali]

You never should have sold the '83, best revolver made!!Second best. FA's 97 in 45 Colt is #1.

[Tom W.]

The encore I had was shooting a 300 gr. RCBS boolit with Lil' gun over a chronograph at 1750. That was plenty and too much too for me. I don't remember much of anything stopped it.

[Lloyd Smale]

should do the trick. I wouldn't go any faster though because if you happen to get that 25 yard shot to much velocity will hurt penetration more then not enough.

[LUCKYDAWG13]

Well i cant tell you if it well pass through a Elk at 165 yards but I can tell you that a Encore in 454 can be a tack driver
at 100 yards with a 300 gr boolit 183901