Has anyone tried loading one of the new spitzer-style pistol bullets intended for the .460 S&W in the .454 Casull? The .460 S&W was developed with the goal in mind of producing the fastest revolver cartridge ever (200 gr @ 2300 fps). Stout loads in my .454 will drive a 260 gr Partition HG 2000+ fps. It would be interesting to see if the .454 is capable of meeting or exceding .460 S&W velocities with light bullets.

Loaded to the same pressures in barrels of the same length it seems unlikely the 454 would beat the 460, but it will only cost you $17.29 plus shipping (Midway) to give it a try and let us know.

I believe the 454 opperates at higher pressure than the 460, ie 60 kpsi vs 50, though I may be mistaken. I also believe there is a point with a short barrel that more powder has minimal gains.

Can't say the 454 would match the 460, but it should pretty close.

I don't think the powder capacity will allow for it in the 454 Casull.

If I remember correctly the Saami Maximum for the 460 is 72,000 ,a good bit higher than the 454.

Sean

Actually, according to my last read, the max pressure for the .460 is 65,000 psi-same as the Casull. Case capacity may be the only limiting factor. We'll see in a few days as the bullets are ordered and on their way.

I checked around a bit and the average kPsi for the .460 is in the 65,000 range, which is why they had to do all those modifications to the original X-frame so it was actually last, such as the insert to prevent gas cutting and the radiused/mirror polished mouth.
Juggernaut76, I think the .454 could match the 460 with lighter bullets. I'm stuck here in Japan so I can't test that one out, but it would be interesting to see!

Hah sorry about that Juggernaut76...just posted a little too slow.

From what i"ve read the 460 S&W has a gain twist barrel, not used in the 454, so even if you do approach the velocitys of the 460 using the light bullets, you will probably encounter problems with accuracy and/or the jacket seperating from the bullet ???? I'm not sure what the gain twist barrel does to eliminate the problem only that I've read several articals refering to the problems S&W had with reaching those published velocitys.

The bullets I ordered are Barnes X, thus eliminating core/jacket separation. As it is, I have a case full of 296 to push a 240 gr 2000+ fps. I think Ramshot Enforcer is a little faster burning and will be a better candidate for speedy 200 gr loads. At any rate, the components should be here tomorrow and I'll let you all know by the weekend.

Juggernaut, As I recall when starting to load for the 454, the fastest loading published by Freedom Arms was for the 260g at 2000 fps, seems to me the 240 g offering was slower by a bunch. I think they were using AA9 and aproaching 57000 cup. I know some of the slower powders like heavy bullets to burn better. good luck on your endevers.

Juggernaut,
Where did you get the Barnes Spitzer bullets? I had checked their web site but didn't see them listed. I know Corbon loads them. I am glad to see that us handloaders can get them but would like to know where to look.
Thanks

Midway lists them http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=179484

Update?

The results are in!!! 200 gr Barnes XPB's cannot be seated short enough to fit in the cyllinder of a FA83. Might work in a TC. Anyhow, if anyone is interested in a cheap box of 200gr Barnes XPB's................

How much would you have to shorten a 454 case in order to make the pointy pill work? Or, if you loaded it in 45 Colt brass would the OAL be short enough for the 83 but still too long for any Colts you have, mebbe?

First of all, this is the worst damn 4-1 joke ever. Second, I gotta keep this short, my wife and I are going to see Broke Bitch Mountain. Third, this joke is bullshit. Anyway, the loaded round is about .100" too long. So, it sould work in a .45 LC case. This pink is pissin' me off. The original idea however, was to match .460 S&W velocities, which I seriously doubt is possible in a .45 LC-length case. It's not that I'm a homophobe...the bullets however, are still for sale.