Author Topic: Reloading for the .454 out of a Puma??? (Read 947 times)

lostinvt · « **on:** March 03, 2003, 09:20:00 PM »

Got a Puma on the way in .454 and I have a few questions, and this seems like the best place for them.

1. Who makes the best .454 brass and where can I acquire it at the best price?? Heard some arguments that Starline is better that WW, but I do not know.

2. Lil' Gun, H110, W296 are all common powders listed for this cartridge out of a handgun, but which powder would be most efficient out of a 20" barrel?

3. Obviously the rifle will push a bullet faster than a pistol with all other things being =. Anyone got a couple of cast bullets that come to mind that will be able to handle the increase in velocity when hitting those up close and personal shots? I do not want to load down, because I want to try to keep the trajectory as flat as possible if a longer shot presents itself.

4. Recommendations on dies? Heard good things about Lee's ability to put a good crimp on. Anyone hazard a guess as to the ability of a tubular mag as opposed to a revolver's cylinder to stop a bullet from jumping the crimp??

Thanks, LIV

John Traveler · « **Reply #1 on:** March 04, 2003, 05:33:23 AM »

Hi, Lost!

A firm crimp is essential on hot .44 magnum or .454 Casull rounds intended for revolver or tube magazine rifle. It's usually necessary for consistent ignition and velocities when using slow burning or ball powders.

The crimp serves to prevent bullets from pulling OUT of the case in a hard-recoiling revolver. The crimp serves to prevent bullets from being PUSHED back into the case in tube magazine rifles.

As for good loads and velocities, I've found the H110, WW296 and Accurate ball powders to give the highest velocities and accuracy out of my 20 inch carbine barrels.

lostinvt · « **Reply #2 on:** March 04, 2003, 09:26:45 AM »

Always heard quite a bit about jumping the crimp with the .454, but have not seen any discussion about it in a tubular mag. Makes sense though, that the bullet would get pushed in rather than jumping out. Thanks. LIV

lostinvt · « **Reply #3 on:** March 22, 2003, 02:24:21 PM »

Got the puma 2 days ago, and finally got a chance to play with it this weekend. Tore it down last night to clean it up etc. Real pleased with the finish and looks.

Went out and bought some ammo today for the Puma. I got it put back together last night around 2 AM and I did it with no extra pieces. Polished the surfaces to get rid of some burrs and tooling marks. Trimmed the hammer spring, the ejector spring, and the spring on the side of the carrier. Followed some pretty good directions from Jim Taylor on what he did with a Rossi .357. Came out real nice and super smooth.

I am looking for information now on what to do to get 45 LC to feed in the 454. I read something somewhere, but I can't remember where. IF anyone has suggestions it would be appreciated.

If you are interested, 800 and then 1500 grit paper do wonders for the action. Just polish it, be real careful around the sear, and go slow and you will be happy. Same advice for the springs, go real slow and don't clip too much.

Thanks. Hope to go shoot in the AM and I'll be back to let you know what I think. LIV Go to Top of Page

Mainspring · « **Reply #4 on:** March 22, 2003, 07:56:24 PM »

Well Lost, whudda think? How's she shoot? Are you going to keep that goofy safety in place?

lostinvt · « **Reply #5 on:** March 23, 2003, 07:12:54 AM »

I will probably keep the safety because it doesn't bother me where it is. It is also kinda nice if you let someone else use the rifle, they can use it if they want to. Lowering a hammer on a hot chamber is a delicate task, and a new user might appreciate the safety.

Love the rifle. Still can't get the 45 LC to feed. Soon as I get that wotked out I'll be happier. Shot some today...not alot, but I couldn't stand keeping ammo and a new rifle around any longer.

The 45LC is very pleasant. Also quite accurate. I didn't shoot much of the 454 though. Just enough to say that there is a distinct difference between to two. I bought some of the Win PG ammo. Wow that thing rocks. I have a new appreciation for those who fire that round in a handgun.

The rifle is definately a keeper. Nice action, and the stainless looks good. I used a furniture polish and cleaner with a rag last nice to clean the wood, and it removed some of the darkness on the wood so that you can see the grain better. I am pleased with the way it looks and handles.

If anyone has advice on the 45LC feeding problem I'd appreciate it. Thanks. LIV

RugerNo3 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 27, 2003, 03:21:09 AM »

The 454 Casull is an enigma in that people take it for granted it is acceptable to shoot 45Colt ammo in it. When this is done there is carbon and lead build up in the chamber designed for the longer cartridge. How do we clean this from a M92 design rifle or carbine? Disassembly is a requisite. You can't pull the bolt readily nor will cleaning from the muzzle safely and assuredly clean the forward area of the chamber. Inspection of this area is important to be sure the longer Casull cartridge chambers and has the required area for the crimp to release so the bullet may leave the case with the pressure it was designed for. Does Legacy Sports endorse the firing of the Colt roud in the Casull chamber? Are we looking for someone to turn to when disaster strikes be it damaged firearm or bodily injury? It is very easy to handload reduced loads in Casull cases and not to worry over these issues. Friends and innocent bystanders can be hurt in various ways from neglect, inapptitude, or careless operations of such firearms. freedom Arms will have no sympathy on someone using 45Colt in their revolver chambered for the 454 Casull. I wonder why? :?

ddivers · « **Reply #7 on:** May 09, 2003, 04:37:23 AM »

I have had no problem feeding 45's through my 454. Ive shot probably 300 45's through it, and 50 454's with no trouble at all.

jaycocreek · « **Reply #8 on:** May 23, 2003, 09:57:00 AM »

I personally use Starline Brass.As for powdwers H-110 and W-296 give a faster load than the others.I also recommend the carbide dies-I use Lee-and a factory crimp die.CCI primers.If you by Win brass from Midway they are already primed but you pay for it.I finally decided on getting a Chronograph to keep me honest.I have fired corebon thru it to give me a max to not go over.Also at Hunters Supply you can get a .328gr. hard cast that does not take a gas check.Buffalo Bore uses this one.They also have a .360gr.GS.The nice thing at least to me about lee dies is the scoop that gets you close when useing the old pan scales.Have fun and keep us posted on your Puma.