I am a new reloader and really want a single action to shoot 45 colt. I like the 45 Colt because of the versatility of the cartridge. I can shoot light cowboy loads up to loads that can kill most anything on the planet. I like that I can use the light loads for my wife or new shooters, and heavier loads for my woods gun (265-300 grains at 1,000-1,000 fps).
So why consider the 454 Casull for these tasks? I've seen new BRF revolvers in 454 Casull for $1,200 and used Freedom Arms model 83s for $1,700-1,800, where as 45 Colt versions are much less common and come at a significantly higher price. Although Starline 454 Casull brass is $0.33 per thousand, versus $0.20 for the 45 Colt, from what I read Casull brass loaded at lower levels will last a very long time, making these initial reloading costs a non-issue.
I know I can send either the FA or BRF back to the factory and get an extra cylinder in 45 Colt, but that will add $400-500 plus shipping. I also know I can run 45 colt brass in a 454 Casull cylinder and realize there will be a fouling/carbon ring at the end of the cylinder because the difference in case length.
Thus, for all these reasons it make sense to me to purchase a 454 Casull at a good price and use Casull brass to download to 45 Colt levels (mild to heavy).
My main concern as a new reloader is getting good reloading data for 454 Casull at 45 Colt levels. I really want the versatility of light to heavy loads and am concerned without much published data I will have difficult getting there safely.
Besides the lack of reloading data, are there other concerns I have failed to consider?
Thanks much.
So why consider the 454 Casull for these tasks? I've seen new BRF revolvers in 454 Casull for $1,200 and used Freedom Arms model 83s for $1,700-1,800, where as 45 Colt versions are much less common and come at a significantly higher price. Although Starline 454 Casull brass is $0.33 per thousand, versus $0.20 for the 45 Colt, from what I read Casull brass loaded at lower levels will last a very long time, making these initial reloading costs a non-issue.
I know I can send either the FA or BRF back to the factory and get an extra cylinder in 45 Colt, but that will add $400-500 plus shipping. I also know I can run 45 colt brass in a 454 Casull cylinder and realize there will be a fouling/carbon ring at the end of the cylinder because the difference in case length.
Thus, for all these reasons it make sense to me to purchase a 454 Casull at a good price and use Casull brass to download to 45 Colt levels (mild to heavy).
My main concern as a new reloader is getting good reloading data for 454 Casull at 45 Colt levels. I really want the versatility of light to heavy loads and am concerned without much published data I will have difficult getting there safely.
Besides the lack of reloading data, are there other concerns I have failed to consider?
Thanks much.