Author Topic: Hardcast How low can I Go ? (Read 813 times)

WildBill · « **on:** April 25, 2003, 11:37:56 PM »

I was just wondering if anyone had load data specifically for hard cast 300 Grain bullets for 454 casull.I have loaded some using the min. charge for jacketed bullets and the shot OK . I hope to find a load similar to my hunting load just for practice.By they way I have been using H-110 & 2400,any help would be appreciated. :grin:

MS Hitman · « **Reply #1 on:** April 26, 2003, 01:19:52 AM »

One can usually stay within the same loading range for equally weighted hard cast bullets as what would be used for jacketed. The harder bullets will usually lead at lower velocities because of gas cutting around the base of the bullet. Friction is lower, so velocities will be higher with cast bullets.

Varmint Hunter · « **Reply #2 on:** April 26, 2003, 02:40:56 AM »

I am not sure what you are looking for. Very light loads for the 300gr HC or loads that are like your hunting loads that are presumably heavy. :?
You can get a tremendous amount of loading data for the 454, both light and heavy, by going to Freedom Arms web site. However all of their data was developed with jacketed bullets.

Hodgdon developed TITEGROUP for the purpose of loading light loads in large pistol cases. If that's what your looking for they should be able to help. They sent me data for 240-250-260gr jacketed bullets @ moderate velocities with this powder. 10gr is all it takes to get bullets up to about 1,200 ft/sec and the loads are safe, unlike light loads of H110 or W296. Even 2400 should not be loaded to light.

I heard from another shooter who was loading 5gr of TITEGROUP behind a 255gr cast bullet so that his wife could enjoy shooting his 454.
:wink: VH

new snake owner · « **Reply #3 on:** April 26, 2003, 04:30:57 AM »

I will second the idea of tightgroup. I have benn using it in 45 colt for a while with great results. It is very fluffy so it takes up a lot of room in the case for the velocity that you receive.

shotgun1 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 26, 2003, 10:28:51 AM »

MY TWO 300g LOADS;

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

.454Casull#1 (Light Practice / Hunting Load)

Load Data: D&J Cast 300g TCFP
*Sized .452 *Starline Case
*Meplat .312 *CCI-400 Primer
*SD .210 *13.3g Unique
-Lee Factory Crimp
-C.O.L. 1.770inch
-Fired from Taurus Raging Bull 6.5inch. Open sights.

Input Data
Muzzle Velocity:   1200   ft/sec

Sight Height: 1.00 inches

Range    Velocity    Energy    Momentu    Drop    Time
(yard)    (ft/sec)    (ft-lbs)    (lbs-sec)    (inches)    (sec.)
0    1200.0    959.2    1.60    -1.0    .000
25    1153.9    886.9    1.54    0.3    .064
50    1113.6    826.1    1.48    -0.0    .130
75 1078.2 774.3 1.44 -2.1 .198
100    1046.7    729.8    1.39    -6.0    .269

Penetration @ Mz = 33inches

Taylor KO @ Mz = 23

*Made as a practice round to match hunting load #2.
(300gXTP Mag @ 1200fps)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

.454Casull#2 (Light/Medium Hunting Load)

Load Data: Hornady XTP Mag 300g
*Sized .452 *Starline Case
*Meplat .312 *CCI-400 Primer
*SD .210 *13.3g Unique
-Lee Factory Crimp
-C.O.L. 1.770inch
-Fired from Taurus Raging Bull 6.5inch. Open sights.

Input Data
Muzzle Velocity:   1200   ft/sec
Ballistic Coefficient:   0.218

Sight Height: 1.00 inches

Range   Velocity   Energy   Momentu   Drop   Time
(yard)   (ft/sec)   (ft-lbs)   (lbs-sec)   (inches)   (sec.)
0   1200.0    959.2   1.60   -1.0   .000
25   1153.9    886.9   1.54    0.3   .064
50   1113.6    826.1   1.48   -0.0   .130
75 1078.2 774.3 1.44 -2.1 .198
100   1046.7    729.8   1.39   -6.0   .269

These light .454Casull loads exceed, Hornady factory .44mag 300g ballistics, with less pressure and recoil, and this from a 2inch shorter barrel than the Hornady .44m test barrel. They should be excellent for game through large Deer & Black Bear, maybe larger. Use for Light to Medium game where bullet expansion and limited penetration is desired.