Can anyone point me to some information on downloading the 454 to normal 45 colt? I would like to shoot some softer recoiling loads from time to time, but haven't found much in the books. I would prefer using my accumulated 454 cases over standard 45 cases to prevent residue from building up in the cylinder ahead of the case.

Thanks
Hunter20ga

Are you talking about the 250grain@ 850 fps .45 Colt?
Or do you want something with a little more meat to it?

Let me know and when I get home (i'm at work now), ill look up a few of my "lighter" loads for the .454.

FYI, I have a FA Premier Grade 7.5" bbl, so that is what the loads were tested in.


JFR

Could you not use 45 Colt data? The 454 has just a slightly longer case so the data should be pretty darn close.

My two favorite VERY light loads are:
11.5 grains Accurate #5
250g RFP Lyman Cowboy Action Bullet
FA .454 Case
Small Pistol Primer
This averages about 930fps out of my 7.5 FA.

7 grains of 700-X
250g RFP Lyman Cowboy Action Bullet
FA .454 Case
Small Pistol Primer
This is really light..the gun hardly recoils at all.
This gives me about 850fps and is very accurate.


JFR

Thanks, JFR. This is exactly what I was looking for...something in a lead cast 250 grainer that will be accurate (potentially...every gun is different, etc.) and reasonably inexpensive to shoot.

I'm relatively new to reloading, and only know that light charges in large cases can be inconsistent performers...so was concerned about just using 45 Colt cowboy loads in the 454 case.

Guess it never hurts to ask!

Thanks again.

hunter20ga

For light 454 loads, I would try to stick to a flake powder like Unique or 2400. You could probably just use 45 colt data and it would be slightly slower in the larger 454 case. The small charges in the bigger cases won't make any difference if you use a flake powder.

The main thing when downloading a good size case is to make sure you weigh each powder charge. A double charge of 700x would be VERY unpleasent (as in maybe scattering the gun).



If you own a Freedom Arms, you may find that the Lyman 250s fit VERY tight in the chambers. In mine, I would have to swab out the chambers if they got to dirty. Also, you may notice that your gun will be dirtier with the light loads than with heavy; caused, I think, because the case doesnt expand as much with the light loads.



Just be very careful and always check various reloading manuals.





JFR