454 Casull loading for the Ruger Super Redhawk

[Blackhawker]

A few questions:
First off, is a small rifle magnum primer absolutely required for the .454 Casull or can a standard small rifle primer be used?  The reason I ask is because there is a bit of discrepancy in my Lyman manual which somewhat gives the impression that either primer can be used.

Secondly; do lighter bullets (240 to 260 grain) shoot well from the Super Redhawk at long distances (100 plus yards) or do they not stabilize as well as the longer and heavier bullets?  If the lighter bullets DO work well, are there any recommendations on bullet selection?  I was thinking of trying the Hornady XTP's.

Thanks!

[revbc]

can't help you as far as the pistol goes, however; I have used nothing but small rifle primers in my loads for the handi rifle.  It's my understanding that most folks like mag primers for ball powders like w296.  I've not seen the need, I have a load that will shoot 3 touching at 100yds with the 240 gr xtp mag.  I'm shooting freedom arms loads which are pretty hot.

Bobby

[Catfish]

I have used both standard and mag. primers in the 454. As for the 240 and 260 gr. bullets, I think you will find they a more accurate than you can hold.

[Blackhawker]

Thanks for the replies thus far.  I thought that maybe the mag primers were for the ball powders.  I'm planning on trying 2400. 

As for the bullet weights; has anyone tried the 225 grainers?  I was just looking at my Lyman manual and see that those are a possibility too.

[BIG Dog454]

I use win sr primers in my 454, I have tried others with mixed results, ie. FTF.  Using win sr's I've never had a FTF.  My SRH 454 seems to like the heavier bullets, I have shot 240's and 250's and found them to shoot well. but, for the best accuracy the 300 and 310 gr bullets are the best in my gun.  259 gr bullets and blue dot powder gave me good results, as did 240 gr bullets and herco powder.  Good luck and have fun experimenting.
BD

[irold]

Blackhawker ,  I've used both S.R standard and mag primers in my loads , I've seen no difference at all.  My heavier load consists of W-296 and Horn 240 gr XTP-Mag bullets.  Gets me decent accuracy and lots of "knock out power".   I've been told by the Horn people not to use the 250 gr XTP in a 454 due to the thickness of the jacket , they're afraid of separation due to the pressure.  It was designed for the 45 Colt.

 Last year I worked up a load using 2400 and the 240XTP , loaded down somewhat , it shoots very close to my "heavy loaded" 45 colt , as far as poa is concerned.   I wanted to be able to shoot both the 454 and 45 colt through my scoped SRH with out changing the scope adjustments.  I pretty much accomplished that.  The 454 calculates out to 1200 Ft /lbs....where as the 45C works out to just under 800 FT/lbs.  Just for reference , my 44 mag load works out to 1125 Ft/lbs.  That's all with 7 1/2" barrels. 

 My 44 mag load is 24.5 gr of w-296 under a 240 XTP.   Good luck , regards ,irold

[Lloyd Smale]

ive allways gotten my best accuracy with ww standard small rifle primers. That been said I get even better accuracy with 460 smith brass cut down to 454 lenght using cci 350s.

[Blackhawker]

Great info, thanks!  I read a review on the Midway site stating that someone used the 250g XTP in a Contender for the 460 SW and the jackets shreded off from extreme high velocity.  I guess 1700 fps is all they can withstand.

Thanks irold and thanks to all for your assistance.  Much obliged!

Blackhawker ,  I've used both S.R standard and mag primers in my loads , I've seen no difference at all.  My heavier load consists of W-296 and Horn 240 gr XTP-Mag bullets.  Gets me decent accuracy and lots of "knock out power".   I've been told by the Horn people not to use the 250 gr XTP in a 454 due to the thickness of the jacket , they're afraid of separation due to the pressure.  It was designed for the 45 Colt.

 Last year I worked up a load using 2400 and the 240XTP , loaded down somewhat , it shoots very close to my "heavy loaded" 45 colt , as far as poa is concerned.   I wanted to be able to shoot both the 454 and 45 colt through my scoped SRH with out changing the scope adjustments.  I pretty much accomplished that.  The 454 calculates out to 1200 Ft /lbs....where as the 45C works out to just under 800 FT/lbs.  Just for reference , my 44 mag load works out to 1125 Ft/lbs.  That's all with 7 1/2" barrels. 

 My 44 mag load is 24.5 gr of w-296 under a 240 XTP.   Good luck , regards ,irold

[BIG Dog454]

The 250 gr xtp will blow apart when it hits a deer at more then 1250 fps, I know this form experience.  A cast flat nose 250 gr bullet at 1000 fps will go in one side and out the other with everything in between (lungs etc) in shambles, the shock from a flat nose bullet is awsome. 
BD