So I have been reloading a bunch of 45lc using the oregon trail hard cast bullets. I got the 250gr RNFP bullets. They are labelled 45LC on the box.. .452 dia. They have a lube ring on the bottom, and a crimp ring up top. I found that when I crimp right in to the ring, I am sitting almost exactly where the hornady manual says to for COL.

Here's my question. Can I use these bullets to load 454 casull? They are hard cast so I figure Id be safe pushing them around 1000-1200 pressure. I have some alliant 2400 and small rifle magnum primers ( could drop the powder just a little to compensate for the magnum primer. Where I am concerned though is the crimp ring. I loaded a bullet in to a 454 casing to see what my COL would be and im about 1.680 when the manual call for 1.745. Think this is much of a problem?

Im wondering what the difference wpould be in these LC bullets over a casull bullet as far as case space goes. Im sure the COL would be fine to shoot, but the ammount of room inside the case might be off compared to a dedicated 454 casull bullet. I dont want to blow my hands off so I was asking around here for any guidance.


Bullet: .452 250gr lead (hard cast) 45LC from oregon trail
Powder Alliant 2400
primer small rifle magnum
casing Starline brass

1. When you say "pushing them around 1000-1200 pressure" I believe you're talking about velocity rather than pressure. The main problem you would have in pushing cast bullets too fast would be barrel leading.

2. Using small rifle magnum primers in that size of a case probably won't increase pressure very much. Since you're loading at lower pressure anyway for cast bullets, it won't be a problem.

3. I wouldn't be concerned about your cartridges being a little shorter than load book specifications.

4. I'm not a big cast bullet fan but I wouldn't be hesitant to load hard cast bullets in a 454 Casull. In fact, I've even shot a few cast bullets in a 460 S&W Magnum.