OAL for 454 in a Puma

[madsenshooter]

I'm loading some 454 for someone else who has a Puma lever action, so I don't have the rifle to try the rounds through. Anyone know what the OAL should be using the LEE 300gr FP? It has two crimping grooves, which should I use for the Casull? I could also use some good load recommendations using either 4227 or Blue Dot. Bullets will be hard cast for this pressure hog, on the order of 23BHN. I figure expansion isn't a really necessary thing when making a 45 cal hole in something. I just don't want to get stuck with cleaning any leading out of his gun.

[Rickk]

Madsenshooter,
I have the gun and the bullets. I will check and get back to you unless someone else steps forward first.

[madsenshooter]

Thanks, Rickk, I am in no hurry, the project hasn't begun other than casting a few bullets. In reading through the other posts here I've found a fellow says he had to use the top crimping groove. Wow! It takes a long time for a bullet that big to solidify in the mold, I was waiting over a minute for the sprue to cool enough to whack the cutter. I'm used to rifle bullets that solidify much faster.

[Rickk]

Load them to the crimp groove near the nose if you are using 454 cases. You can use the one nearer the base if you load in 45 Colt cases. Not sure if the 45 Colt cases loaded short will cycle or not. I can make a dummy and try it if you need that info.

[RobS]

As stated you will have to use the second crimp groove (the groove that makes the shorter cartridge overall length) with 454 casull brass. I've used 15.5 grains of blue dot for a medium-upper load. If memory serves me right this load chrono's at around 1450 or 1500 fps from my 20" Puma.

[madsenshooter]

Thank you gentlemen, project has been canceled. The fellow is selling his Puma to finance another purchase. Momma wouldn't let him have both.

[Rickk]

Poor fellow