Outback, how many grains of 820 for your 360gn load? I'm useing 26gns of 820 with my 340gn loads for around 1350. I have the 6.5" bbl. I didn't try shooting my 340's any faster because as I increased the powder charges, the groups were opening up fast. I'll have to try again and see if they tighten up again at a higher velocity.

I have a batch of 360 grain hardcast I haven't worked all the way up yet.What kind of velocity can I expect in the Raging Bull 6.5 inch?I see Buffalo Bore advertises 1425 fps and there not supposed to be max loads and last I herd they tested theres out of a 6 inch barrel?

Thanks.Jayco.

Jaycocreek,

First thing you need to realize is that your 6.5" Raging Bull actually has about 5.5" of usible barrel because of the ported muzzle. This means you will not get true 6.5" velocity.

This is really not a big deal at all since in a big bore revolver, an extra inch of barrel, especially when going from 5.5 to 6.5" of usible barrel will result in only a slight change in velocity.

That said, I would contact Buffalo Bore and varify that they O.K. these loads to be fired in the Raging Bull handgun. I would suspect that this is a pretty potent load for your particular revolver and may result in premature loosening of the revolvers timing and lock work.

I am not saying the Raging Bull is a weak design. As far as handling the high energy round, its 5 shot cylinder is more then up to the challange. As a gunsmith I would be concerned with the mechanical operation of the revolver, just as I am with the 500 S&W.

Neither system is what I would call mechanically stout.

For that reason, I would have to recommend that you load your 454 to approximately 1350 to 1400 fps with the 360 gr bullet.

If you want full tilt loads, 1450 fps does not seem unrealistic from the 454 with that bullet weight and some will even hit 1500 fps.

I would caution you though to not use these level loads on a continues basis. Using the lower perssure loads for the majority of your shooting and then carrying the max loads for serious work only will safe and greatly extrend the life of your revolver.

Good Shooting!!!

50

50-Thank you.I was looking for 13-1350 fps before I posted this.But I thought I might ask as there are a few that use the RB in .454 on this forum.Once I get close I'll be looking for accuracy.And I agree on the full house loads as I only shoot for fun lighter 300 Unicore loads now and my hunting loads are seperate from that.

Thanks again.Jayco.

My heavy mold drops around 350gns. I shoot them around 1350 because that is where my gun seems to like to shoot the most accurate. I would imagine that the 360's would come in around there also. I'm loading with Surplus WC820 and really like it. I would probably still pick it over 296 even if it wasn't $8 a lb. For my 454 loads it seems to take about 2gns less than 296 for similar velocities.

I have pushed 405's to 1550 once. I'm sure the pressure was way too high and I won't go back there. The bullets never did stabilize and keyholed in the target.

jaycocreek:
I have a Raging Bull 8 3/8" and shoot 360 gr. LBT GC Bullets in mine. I get just under 1500 fps. I'm using WC820 surplus powder. I also know two other guys that have the same gun I have and shoot the same bullet and load. We've all had good success with ours. I think you would be all right with your load.

Outback

Lar45:
Now you know that WC820 burning rates vary a little. Some are the same as H110, and some as fast as AA#9. Mine apparently is slow,like H110. I worked up to 26 grains for my 360 GT LBT GC hard cast bullets.

Outback