Reloading 454

[6Covered]

OK...I reamed my Handi 45LC to 454.  Because I didn't know any better I used my 45LC dies with the spacer disk (washer thingy) from my 38/357 die to add about 1/8" to compensate for the length of the 454 vs th 45LC.  Seemed logical.
 
I loaded 250gr and 300gr XTP's over 2400.  Got pretty good results.
 
Now my question.  In doing more research (or just beginning to do research duh..) I see 454 stand alone die sets.  Am I playing with fate or missing something by using the 45LC dies (RCBS) with the 357 spacer instead of dedicated 454 dies?  Is this a common practice?
 
Thanks.
 
Jon

[revbc]

You'll be ok with the washer thingy.  Same caliber, same external case dimesions....just a little longer and a good bit stronger.  However, if you are pushing her hard.....the 250 xtp possibly won't hold together.  It's made for the 45lc.  Try the 240 or 300 xtp mag.  It's made for Casull velocities.

[cwlongshot]

Your 45 Colt dies are perfectly fine for loading the 454!!
 
The 45 Colt case is 1.285 while the 454 is 1.383. For a difference of  .098
 
The 38 Spl case is 1.155 and the 357 magnum is 1.29. For a difference of .135
 
This means that the 38/357 "washer" will NOT properly alter the dies to work with the 454, its .037 too thin.  That's the most math I have done in years!!  LOL
 
But thats all not a big deal cause you can likely buy the correct "washer"... Or make it like I did 20 years ago. Or simpler still set up the dies without the washer for each Caliber.
 
CW

[rdlange]

I'm doing the 454 and 357maxi with 45LC & 357mag dies becasue that's what I have .  Already recommended earlier here.  Seems to work fine.  I just back off to where I want and set the dies.  Guess that means I'm only 'neck' sizing. 

[6Covered]

Thanks guys.
Just wanted to make sure I wasn't doing something unsafe.
What a great website/bunch of guys.
Jon

[luckydawg13]

if you have some H110 give it a try works great in my Encore pistol