454 Casull short barrel loads?

[Nise]

Hello all,
Well, I couldn't walk away from the boat anchor, The Alaskan, I had to have it. With me it's what I can hold steady and that thing was rock steady, weight distribution being great for me. I am aware that one shouldn't use lighter bullets designed for slower velocities, 45acp/light 45lcolt. I would like to use the 200 grain FTX. Comparing Hornady's FTX to it's critical defense it appears to be the same bullet w/ different nose cones. Due to the fact that the 200FTX can hold up to the 460s&w, if was thinking it may hold up w/ the 454 in the 2.5". Any load suggestions for this combination using W296 or H-110?

Also, I wanted to 'play' with some .458- 45/70 heavy cast rounds. I have a 435grGC mold and have already resized them to .452. Any suggestions? Found one guy that used 20.8-22gr of W296, I was just seeking any yea's or nay's. (dang!, how I hate holding onto a frag grenade! or even the thought of it) Thanks all. ~Nise

 

[Grumulkin]

There is nothing special about loading for a short barreled handgun; use the same loads you would use with a longer barreled handgun and at least start with loads published in a manual or a reputable web site.

H110 is, by the way, exactly the same powder as Win. 296.

 

[Nise]

results

Grumulkin,
I know that loads are the same, but as w/ my BFR vs lever action, I can't use most of the same loads, (unburnt powder in revolver). Also, as with my snubby 357 vs full length, 2400 doesn't burn effectively in the short barrel. The 200gr was designed for the 460s&w which apparently has more room from the case mouth to the end of the cylinder than the ruger 454, (or standard 45 colts). So chopping off the tip of the 200 ftx afforded me the necessary clearance, (biggest question was using the most appropriate powder to take advantage of short barrel while keeping velocities up to the revolvers best potential. As w/ the 435gr cast, it's tough to find details on that bullet out of any revolver, (sized down to .451).

Well, claiming no responsibility in your firearms if you try this. These are the results out of my Ruger Alaskan. (none of the normal pressure indication was found w/ any of these loads, primers, case, etc.)

200gr FTX- 36gr W296= 1503fps Good expansion
300gr Sierra JSP- 26gr W296= 1402fps Great Penetration
45-405-FN RCBS/ 435grGC Sized to .451- 21gr W296= 1063fps Excell. Penet.