I just loaded up some rounds for my FA .454Casul to try after mounting a scope and only having used squib loads around the house since then.
I'd forgottn what my old standard loads were and they were developed in a Ragin bull anyways.
The Speer manual list 34grains as the maximum with H110 and 32gn as the minimum for a 300 grain bullet.
I loaded up 10 rounds with 33.5 H110 to see how it would shoot, since the Speer manual usually lists much lighter loads than the Vhita Vhuori manual (they were 2 full grains higher with N110 than Speer)
Well, the recoil was STOUT though groups were about 1" offhand at 20 yards.
However the cases slid out with no fuss and the primers appeared to be normal.
When I had a look on Ammoguide and Reloadresnest it turns out that 33.5gn of H110 for a 300 grain bullet is pretty close to the upper limit, should have checked first but then I am still within the manuals' limits.

So what's the consensus? The load doesn't appear to be giving any pressure signs, but it is hell to shoot.

I think I'll see how it shoots at 32.5gn which I think was closer to what I was shooting in my old Raging Bull and leave it at that.

I shot these a few days ago over a chronograph.

I was using my raging bull 6.5 inch. (5.25 actual barrel length).

H110 300 grain gold dot
30-----1519
30.5---1504
31-----1501,1504,1512,1495 shot 2.5" at 27yards offhand using truck to rest forearms on
31.5---1546
32-----1561
32.5---1617 stuck case

This tells me that max is more around 30 grains for my pistol even though I did not get a stuck case until 32.5 grains.

Well, the reloading manuals are a guide for keeping you within safe limits on loading cartridges. Each firearm is a law unto itself and you need to try the various components in your firearm. Some max loads are more max for some than others.

As far as your FA goes, I believe you will run out of desire to stand behind it before you will load enough H110 to hurt it. Another thing to consider is the bullets you are using. Most of the jacketed bullets won't stand up to the higher velocities and pressures the .454 Casull is capable of generating.

My personal take on Speer data for rifles gained over the yrs is that it tends to be on the hot side. Haven't that much experience w/their handgun data but approach it like a 3-legged coyote ~

Also I have found too that factory 300 grain jacketed loads along with my 300 jacketed loads sting like a beyotch. I much prefer my 340's at 1350 hardcast gaschecked.

Every factory load I've shot in .454 is on the hot side! They load them to spec or thereabouts and that means that they tend to kick even with lighter bullets.......

quote:

Originally posted by Whitworth:
Every factory load I've shot in .454 is on the hot side! They load them to spec or thereabouts and that means that they tend to kick even with lighter bullets.......

I have to agree, the only ones I found that did not have the 454 Casull kick was the Magtech.

The Freedom Arms data I have shows a max load for a 300 gr bullet at 31.5 gr. for 1780 fps!

I don't have the latest Speer manual, but in my experience FA's data has been hotter than anyone elses.

Are you sure you are looking at 300gr data?

dvnv

I thought I had a container of H110 on my loading bench. As I recall 34gr was the max for 300jacketed. I know it is 37gr for 260jacketed..........this one is mega-freaking-hot. But the cases fall right out of my FA model 83, primers look good, it is a handful!!!Velocity on can is 2005fps from 7.5inch, I have a ten inch. I suspect I could go hotter but what would be the point. That load has NEVER failed to kill-instantly BANG FLOP anything I have shot thus far.

That FA is one tough customer, and I don't think you'll hurt it!! 37 grains is indeed very hot!

I wish I still had some of the original collector loads that were given to me. They were the loads first put up by Freedom Arms and sold to folks who purchased from them. The said ballistic data was 1800 for 300gr bullets FROM A 6" BARREL. They were brutal to shoot, but very accurate. I learned how to let my sa roll in my hands and not fly away or get dropped. These days I am still fighting recoil and still haven't made up my mind, but am leaning more favorably towards Magna Porting. That muzzle jump has got to go!

Andy

Andy, I believe that the FA load later became the Winchester 300 grain semi-jacketed flat point. It is indeed a hot load, but I think their claims may be a bit optimistic -- but I could very well be wrong!

quote:

Originally posted by Whitworth:
That FA is one tough customer, and I don't think you'll hurt it!! 37 grains is indeed very hot!

Not to delve into detail (as its vague and if I knew everything at the time ~ it wouldn't have happened?) but have had a min. load stick in my barrel go unnoticed ~ then a break on the firingline. Following 'commence firing' my first shot and the only shot for several seconds, resulted in 2 holes in the target. Recoil w/the magna port was robust but didn't touch my capbill. No damage to the gun ~ and grateful for the porting. I've a range rod made from one of my wifes chopstick as part of the shooting kit now ~

YOU HAD A SQUIB AND IT DIDN'T BLOW UP?! If that isn't testimony to strength, I don't know what is! Dang! You are a lucky man!

Yeh ~ owe God bigtime. Did pickup a particulate in my right cheek when it came up and back ~ came out of the port methinks.

I pay a lot of attn to crimping now ~ have a lee factory crimp die doing it as a separate step and don't load minimum 296/H110 any more. Have been toying w/use of sealant on the case/bullet contact area like many factory loads theirs. Planning on working up some loads using Ramshot Enforcer.

I'd get a brass squib rod. Those wooden ones may splinter on you at the worst possible time.

quote:

Originally posted by MS Hitman:
I'd get a brass squib rod. Those wooden ones may splinter on you at the worst possible time.

No, no The chopstick (bamboo)isn't for knocking out. Just sticking down the tube to see if its obstructed. After a recent mishap at our range (when our city police were using it no less), remedial action like dislodging a bullet on range property is frowned upon ~ it must be removed/cased from range property. Beside, I like to do undies at home and really didn't want to get into this here ~