454 Casull

[Seabeeken]

I am going to start testing loads in my Ruger Super Redhawk soon. I have 250 gr Hornady XTP and 240 Gr XTP Mag bullets to test. I want to keep velocities in the 1200 - 1300 fps range just to keep it pleasant to shoot. My question is, at these velocities, is the mag bullet needed? I know at higher velocities the 250 gr bullet deforms and sends pressures up. I'm guessing that the 250 gr is designed to expand at standard 45 Colt velocities. At this point, I'm leaning toward the Mag bullet. They will be used for deer hunting. Will the mag bullet expand at 1200-1300 fps? Anyone actually have experience here?

Ken

 

[buck460XVR]

The XTP mag bullets are designed for velocities of 1100fps to 2100fps. The 250 gr XTP is designed for velocities of 800fps to 1600 fps. If you stay within those parameters @ 1200-1300 fps you should be fine using either with good terminal performance and without fear of premature forcing cone erosion and bullet separation with the 250 grainer.

 

[Seabeeken]

Thanks Buck!!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Hornady is helpful when it comes to the performance window for their bullets. If you go to the Hornady site and look at the page for each bullet you will see the "Muzzle Velocity Range (fps)" for each. The 250gr bullets list a range of 800-1600 fps and the 240gr Mag bullets 1100-2200 fps.
http://www.hornady.com/store/45-Cal-.452-250-gr-HP-XTP/
http://www.hornady.com/store/45-Cal-.452-240-gr-XTP-Mag/

 

[Lost Sheep]

Theiyr're...........take that Grammar Nazis!

What about us spelling nazis?

Lost Sheep

 

[SDGlock23]

I've got both bullets and a 454 also. For that velocity range I'd go with the 250gr as it does expand nice and dig in DEEP at those speeds. The 240gr has the extra thick jacketing to withstand 2000+ fps the Casull dishes out. I've recovered the 250gr doing that speed from water jugs (yeah not super scientific but it works) and they expansion was text book mushrooming with deep penetration and makes for a mild yet effective 454 load. I've got some 240gr XTP Mags but haven't played much with them yet.