BigSky!
12-11-2019, 07:20 PM
Well, I have read a lot here and learned a lot, this is my first post. I'm sorry it is a long one.
I have been reloading for decades. I am now delving into reloading for pistols for the first time. I am having a difficult time finding consistent information with respect to reloading for the 454 Casull. Heck, I've even come up with sources where, for the same bullet, the starting load is a higher power charge than another sources maximum charge. One printed source lists H110 @ 28.5 max for a specific bullet while another lists 31.5 as starting and 36.5 as max. That's a heck of a difference and keep in mind H110 often carries the "do not start below minimum" admonition. I see similar variations with Winchester 296, which is the same as H110. But, I also see some loads of H110 that are much different than WW296. They should be similar/identical, with the same bullets.
I'm going to be using H110, at least to start with, and I know it has a narrow operating weight range. So, I'm not happy when I come across such discrepancies. As of now I intend to only use cast/hard cast bullets. I will be using 340 grain Beartooth to start. Most of my standard manuals for rifles, which also contain handgun bullets are all about jacketed bullets. I will continue my online search. I'm just hoping some other 454 guys can provide their best or favorite resources, whether that be manufacturer sites, other websites or printed manuals. As with everything else reloading, I like multiple resources.
For additional information, I will be loading for a Ruger Toklat and plan to shoot 340 grain and 360 grain hard cast bullets. This is for grizzlies, mountain lions and wolves, all of which I have had nervous encounters with in the past here in Montana.
It's just interesting there is a larger amount of conflicting information for the 454 than there is for any other round for which I have ever loaded. I like the Lyman 4th edition, even though it is now a decade old. I do like powder manufacturers' websites; but, I am amazed at the limited number of bullets for which they have load information. I guess one needs to weed through it and just make determinations of "similar bullets" and then be cautious. In addition to hand loading for the 454 being new to me, loading cast bullets is also new to me. It's a good thing I like being educated.
I will also tell you that through my reading here and on other similar sites, I am convinced that, for my intended purposes, these bullet weights (340 and 360) are best driven a speeds around 1200 fps +/- 50 or so fps.
Oh, before anybody goes there, yes, I have searched this forum (and others), quite thoroughly, regarding this topic. Direct input regarding my articulated questions and concerns is what I seek. I, unlike many other ignorant people, acknowledge and recognize my ignorance. Thanks in advance for any and all input and guidance you can provide when it comes to loading for the 454 Casull.
I have been reloading for decades. I am now delving into reloading for pistols for the first time. I am having a difficult time finding consistent information with respect to reloading for the 454 Casull. Heck, I've even come up with sources where, for the same bullet, the starting load is a higher power charge than another sources maximum charge. One printed source lists H110 @ 28.5 max for a specific bullet while another lists 31.5 as starting and 36.5 as max. That's a heck of a difference and keep in mind H110 often carries the "do not start below minimum" admonition. I see similar variations with Winchester 296, which is the same as H110. But, I also see some loads of H110 that are much different than WW296. They should be similar/identical, with the same bullets.
I'm going to be using H110, at least to start with, and I know it has a narrow operating weight range. So, I'm not happy when I come across such discrepancies. As of now I intend to only use cast/hard cast bullets. I will be using 340 grain Beartooth to start. Most of my standard manuals for rifles, which also contain handgun bullets are all about jacketed bullets. I will continue my online search. I'm just hoping some other 454 guys can provide their best or favorite resources, whether that be manufacturer sites, other websites or printed manuals. As with everything else reloading, I like multiple resources.
For additional information, I will be loading for a Ruger Toklat and plan to shoot 340 grain and 360 grain hard cast bullets. This is for grizzlies, mountain lions and wolves, all of which I have had nervous encounters with in the past here in Montana.
It's just interesting there is a larger amount of conflicting information for the 454 than there is for any other round for which I have ever loaded. I like the Lyman 4th edition, even though it is now a decade old. I do like powder manufacturers' websites; but, I am amazed at the limited number of bullets for which they have load information. I guess one needs to weed through it and just make determinations of "similar bullets" and then be cautious. In addition to hand loading for the 454 being new to me, loading cast bullets is also new to me. It's a good thing I like being educated.
I will also tell you that through my reading here and on other similar sites, I am convinced that, for my intended purposes, these bullet weights (340 and 360) are best driven a speeds around 1200 fps +/- 50 or so fps.
Oh, before anybody goes there, yes, I have searched this forum (and others), quite thoroughly, regarding this topic. Direct input regarding my articulated questions and concerns is what I seek. I, unlike many other ignorant people, acknowledge and recognize my ignorance. Thanks in advance for any and all input and guidance you can provide when it comes to loading for the 454 Casull.