Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns .454 Casull

Finally got a handle on this beast. Problem now is I can't shoot full power loads too much without bruising my hand. I shot a half-dozen rounds a few days ago, and was testing 325 gr loads today. My right palm is bruised to the point I won't try shooting it again until next week.
I've been shooting 260 gr jacketed bullets from Freedom Arms. With a load of 34 gr H110, speed is said to be 1800 fps, and recoil is sharp. According to my Hodgden manual, the max load of 26 gr H110 with the Rimrock 325 gr GC bullet should be producing 1500 fps, 200 fps than the same bullet weight used to produce in my .44. These loads do not produce quite the same level of recoil the 260 gr load does, and recoil must be a bit slower as it does not feel as sharp.
I know what kind of penetration a 325 gr bullet achieves, so I expect this to be a very effective load for elk.
Another plus is the heavy bullets seem to group better. I've been getting 6-7" groups at 100 yards, open sights, and heavy bullet loads today were around 5".

I shoot the 335 gr Cast Performance WFNGC's to 1585 fps with 296 powder, also use a firm grip and have never had any bruising, hope ya get healed up and find a solution long before opening morning if ya decide to shoot the full power loads again.

Gunner

Uhhhh Gunner, YOUR "firm grip" would make a fuggin clam cry! The triggerguard on yer 454 was a bit harsh on my middle finger

I use PAST rubber lined gloves when shooting the heavy hitters, which for me is anything above .44 mag.

It's worth noting, some of the old timers who developed these loads had/have a lot of issues, such as carpal tunnel, from shooting these big bruisers.

Oh I'll be shooting the full power loads again next week. I've fired off about 150 over the past few months. I was shooting prone over a rest today. My hand was taking a lot of recoil that way.
I have to chrono this load to see what my speed actually is. All I know so far is Hodgden lists it as the max load with a velocity in the low 1500's, with the same 7 1/2" barrel I believe.

Are you using a Super Redhawk or a Freedom Arms. In my Alaskan I mostly use Buffalo Bore 45 Colt 325's. That will do anything you need to do in North America. I've shot 454's in it and the grip works very well for that but just don't see the point. I'd rather have a faster recovery if I need to shoot something.

LOL ET, Tex, I heard carpel tunnel was caused from Hustler magazines. .

Good news Cobrad, hope ya bust an elk with her, I would never sell my 454C.

Gunner

What type of revolver is it?

Ain't no shame in using a glove. It's a hunting weapon, not a CCW. Put on a glove and enjoy it. The caution about hand and wrist pain later on in life is not a joke. Nerve pain/damage is also a distinct possibility with a steady diet of full house loads. Best advice is learn how to let the beast recoil and don't fight it. Direct it! Let'er go where she wants to - preferably off to one side of your forehead.

I shot a .454 once and decided that my .44 mags were all I would ever need. Just me......

The first time I fired a .454 was at 1/4 inch steel. The .44 Mag made a really neat dent. The .454 made a really neat hole. I searched my memory for a deer in my past that had been wearing 1/4 inch steel and came up empty. I still get a kick out of shooting them, but haven't found a reason to buy one yet. I don't begrudge those who do.

Freedom Arms, I believe.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthread...ad/Search/true/Re_454_Casull#Post7856385

Yes,Freedom Arms.
My old .44 was a Dan Wesson and it was a good revolver, but this FA is the most accurate handgun I believe I've ever owned.
I did a little research last night and found a few recommendations for a load of 27 gr H110 with the 325 gr bullet. This is 1 gr more than the Hodgden manual shows. Anyone use the 27 gr load?
I think shooting prone to load test was pounding my palm more than usual. Not a lot of recoil absorbed by my upper body or arms. This thing is just a kick in the azz to shoot!
I kinda feel like I did years ago when I finally mastered shooting magnum rifles. It's a bit awe inspiring to discover that much power can be directed accurately.

I have been shooting the starting load of MP300 with 310 gr hard cast SWCs 1605 FPS out of a 10" FA. The load is mild the cases are slightly smoked and primers show low pressure. Shooting groups just about an inch at 50 yards, using the CCI mil spec primers for the 5.56. (#41) white box.

That sounds like a load to stick with. Any living thing that cannot be killed with a 310 grain hardcast 45 caliber bullet at 1600 fps holding an inch at 50 yards, is not indigenous to the earth.