Light .454 Casull Loads OK?

[Randy M]

I'm working on a new load for my Ruger SRH in .454 Casull.  The bullet is a 300 grain Hard Cast with a gas check.  Most of my manuals and data I can find says to start with a higher load than I want to.  I'm only wanting it to shoot around 1200 fps or so for Texas deer/hogs.  My question is this...Can a load be too light for the .454? Or for this bullet? It's a LFNGC bullet.  I've come to really like 2400 for my powder so I'm hoping I can get an accurate load with it.

thanks,
Randy

[Graybeard]

I've found 2400 to be an excellent powder to use when you want to go a bit lighter than the book minimum. How low can you go safely? Dunno really a friend of mine used to use loads as low as 12.0 grains under 240/250 grain bullets in his .44 magnum and never had anything bad happen. Do NOT however light load any ball powder stick to book loads with them.

[Randy M]

Thanks for the response GB!

Randy

[BIG Dog454]

Try Herco powder.  I've had real good luck with somewhat light loads using it in the 454.  My favorite is 10 gr Herco and a 250gr lead bullet, so you might find a good load for the 300.