light loads for 454

[luckydawg13]

i just got a new barrel for my encor in 454 13" aney info on light reloads for deer thanks

[kynardsj]

While I haven't loaded for the 454 I've loaded many 45 LC's. Easy to find load data for whatever size bullet you're using. It would be kinda like me shooting 38's in my 357 mag. Good luck.

[Nate C]

I agree with the above post.

Pick any reloading manual and look a the 45 colt loads.  In particular the ones labeled for 'ruger or tc only'.   Those could be transferred directly to the 454 as-is, with a very slight (maybe not even noticable) loss in velocity due to the larger case capacity.

Or you could shoot 45 colt loads in 45 colt brass   --- just keep the front edge of that chamber clean and you'll be fine.

Either way, a good 250gr Keith style SWC, or properly constructed HP (Nosler PT, Horn XTP) will get the job done @ 1100 to 1200 fps.  No need to hot rod 'em.

Good luck.

[cwlongshot]

I agree, the loading manuals are full of lighter loads, just look at the 45 Colt +p loads!! The only worries I would have would be those loads with H110, #9 and 296, these powders do not do well reduced or in your case loaded in a larger case of the 454. Stick with Lil Gun, 2400, H/IMR 4227, blue dot or another like powder steer clear of colt loads with H110, 296 and #9 as these could cause problems.

Reg 45 Colt loads are another option, if the so called "45colt in a 454 chamber problem" bother you, just load your own with 45 loads 454 cases...

CW

[kynardsj]

I may have mis-represented something in my earlier post. What I meant to imply was to shoot 45 LC's in his 454. Guess I just should have wrote it that way.

[irold]

Hey dawg,

I spent all fall working up loads for my SRH 454.  I wanted a light load  in 454 and a heavy load in 45 Colt.  Turns out, what I finally settled on has really worked out well.  Both loads shoot to close the same POA at 35 yards.  While I haven't got to chrony the 454 load yet , the 45C load averaged 1190 with a 250 grain XTP over 2400 powder.  The 454 was a 240 XTP MAG over 2400 also.......love those XTPs.  I really don't like giving details on loads over the net......too many variables.  If your interested give me a pm and I'll give you details.  regards, irold

[luckydawg13]

thanks for all your help on light loads 454 i chose the 454 over 44 magnum cuzz i can allwas load up for mor power and i like the edge bigger hole = more blood = more dead

[Lloyd Smale]

put 10 grains of unique in a case and top it with any bullet you have.

[S.B.]

I agree, the loading manuals are full of lighter loads, just look at the 45 Colt +p loads!! The only worries I would have would be those loads with H110, #9 and 296, these powders do not do well reduced or in your case loaded in a larger case of the 454. Stick with Lil Gun, 2400, H/IMR 4227, blue dot or another like powder steer clear of colt loads with H110, 296 and #9 as these could cause problems.

Reg 45 Colt loads are another option, if the so called "45colt in a 454 chamber problem" bother you, just load your own with 45 loads 454 cases...

CW

John Linebaugh recommend loads with H110 in .45 Colt with heavy 300-325 grain bullets. While not neccesarily light loads this powder is useful in this caliber?
 http://www.handloads.com/articles/default.asp?id=12
My $.02
Steve

[454Puma]

Lloyd Smale
 Yep Unique 10 gr my #1 plinking load for 454!  With a 255 gr SWC Lee bullet will take deer just fine out to 75 yards! Runs about 1100 fps or so out of my 7.5" SRH!

[irold]

Hey LLoyd.....ya get any leading with that load ??    I was using almost the same load , little milder , same 255 SWC , (surely a different brand ) got some serious lead just beyond the forcing cone.  Haven't tried any other bullet.......maybe mine was soft.           regards  irold

[corbanzo]

Leading doesn't have much to do with bullet design, usually the hardness and the lube are the two big factors. 

I buy a lot of cheap small bullets to shoot fast, and they leave evidence behind.  If I am shooting hard cast at high velocity though, not much leading at all. 

A lot of time companies which make cheaper bullets will list the use as CAS, to cover for problem if you load them fast at all. 

[Sweetwater]

Lloyd +1

10gr of Unique works in a lot of different circumstances - I even use it in my 32WSpl with cast bullets.

Regards,
Sweetwater

[BIG Dog454]

10 gr of Herco and a 255 gr, 1050 fps and very accurate in my 454.

[Redhawk1]

Just start on the starting loads for the 454 Casull in any reloading manual. If you want a lighter load, shot some 45 Colts.