.454 Casull BP?

[Schmit]

Had a thought while shooting my Sharps today. Why not make up some BP loads for my .454?

What I'm thinking is that seeing smokeless creats higher pressure then BP this shouldn't be a problem.

Any thoughts?

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Schmit
GySgt, USMC(Ret)
NRA Life, Lodge 1201-UOSSS
"Si vis Pacem Para Bellum"

 

[HankL]

You could use standard construction or even lead bullets as velocitys should not be excessive. You have a chrongraph Gunny? This might be fun.
Hank

 

[El Chimango Pete]

Hey Gunny - your'e getting imaginative
Now - who goes first? well - its your idea...
Actually there should be no problem, especially in a stainless Raging Bull, though there will be some cleaning up to do. Lets call it a Snorting Bull as it should make an interesting amount of flash and smoke.
Great idea - Hasta pronto
Peter

 

[HankL]

Gunny, You done it yet?

 

[HankL]

Ok, it's the weekend. You done it yet Gunny?
How about you Peter? I wan't to know what my FA with 4 3/4" bbl. is going to look like when it goes bang next weekend!
Hank

 

[Schmit]

Hank,

Now I haven't. I still have to order some bullets... unless I cut down the 405 Grains I use in my Sharps.

There are a few other things I need to pick up also... like... oh primers. Also, my work schedule has been day on stay on (10 - 12 hour days, 7 days a week). We are in one of two yearly busy seasons.

But, hey... you are welcome to go first. Please let me know what they do cause my FA is also 4.75.

------------------
Schmit
GySgt, USMC(Ret)
NRA Life, Lodge 1201-UOSSS
"Si vis Pacem Para Bellum"

 

[El Chimango Pete]

Same here - only bullets available are 405 gn (from the 45/70) or 470 grain (from a percussion Sharps replica - a mite heavy for the 454 methinks) - I have some moulds for .457 ball that might do... have to think about it: Black powder and ball? That could be one fast ball and a very leaded nostril in the Snorting Bull
Guess I'll wait a little longer -
Peter

 

[HankL]

What about this idea. Somewhere between 40 and 45 gr. of FFG in a FA case. Small rifle mag primer and a Hornady 300 gr. .452 XTP/HP?
I've been messing around with firearms for over 30 years but have zero knowledge of bp cartridge shooting. If you guys think that this is doable I will load up a handfull and take it to camp next weekend.
Regards,
Hank

 

[Schmit]

Hank,

I wouldn't use jacketed bullets first. I plan on trying this out with hardcast lead to begin with. Jacketed bullets are "harder" to move down the bbl. My concern is pressure levels... while this shouldn't be a problem in the FA I'd rather go one step at a time. Also, the bore diameter of the Casull is .454 and not .452.

Remember... good things take time... better things longer.

------------------
Schmit
GySgt, USMC(Ret)
NRA Life, Lodge 1201-UOSSS
"Si vis Pacem Para Bellum"

[This message has been edited by Schmit (edited February 14, 2000).]

 

[HankL]

Gunny, I agree with the jacketed bullet being a bit harder to start down the barrel. However, the correct bullet diameter for the 454 Casull is the same as the 45 Colt .452.
I looked this up in several manuals including Speer and Hodgdon then got really curious and pulled out boxes of FA 300 and 260 JFP and measured just above the crimp. Came up with .4515 dia.
As Pete says, it's gonna get pretty dirty firing so I would just as soon not lead up the bore if possible.
How much BP would you load a 45 Colt with?
Best Regards,
Hank

 

[Schmit]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by HankL:
However, the correct bullet diameter for the 454 Casull is the same as the 45 Colt .452. As Pete says, it's gonna get pretty dirty firing so I would just as soon not lead up the bore if possible[/quote]

Hank, your right. I was looking through component catalogs and a few of the companies list their .454 Casull rounds @ .454. Interesting. I just checked FA's sight and they list .451/.452.

Soooooo .452 it is as recommended by yourself and Pete. Thanks!



------------------
Schmit
GySgt, USMC(Ret)
NRA Life, Lodge 1201-UOSSS
"Si vis Pacem Para Bellum"

 

[HankL]

What about the powder charge there Sarge?
Hank

 

[Schmit]

As much BP as I can cram in the case!

No, actually, I have to get a new powder measure as mind doen't go that small. (Remember, the only other BP Cartridge I load for is a .45-110)

 

[HankL]

Ok, Not this comming weekend but the next. My surgeon friend can go up that weekend just in case! Will take along digital camera and gun cleaning gear!
Hank