[selmer]

I'm trying some heavier bullets for my .454 Casull, but don't have any data for them, so I'm winging it, and before I touch them off I want some opinions of those older than I, because there are old reloaders and bold reloaders, but no old, bold reloaders.
I loaded up some 360 gr. cast bullets with 20 gr. of H110 and some 370 gr. bullets with H110.
If you've read my previous post, you know that H110 is ticking me off by now, but I know I should only go so low with it, and I'm wondering if these loads are too low to go to? Please let me know, I'd appreciate any info.
DOK, I know you meddle with such things, so any info from you is greatly appreciated.
Selmer

 

[Big Bore]

For a FA revolver, 20 gr. is not even the start load for a 340 gr. bullet. That may well be your problem. My start load that John Taffin sent me for a 340 gr. bullet and H110 was 22.0 gr. and a max load of 32.0 gr.
I used the same loads for a 355 gr. LBT hard cast GC WFN bullet and even at 32.0 gr. there were no signs of pressure in the FA. This data was published in the Jul/Aug 1987 issue of American Handgunner.

At the start load of 22.0 gr. H110 burned very dirty with lots of unburned powder left behind. It did not start burning "clean' until around 25.0 gr and at max of 32.0 gr there was almost no residue left behind. Also, accuracy increased as the charge went up.

 

[selmer]

Thanks, I'll pull the bullets and try putting more powder in them, I think my Encore should take anything a revolver will handle, but I'm sure I'll get burned for that statement.
Selmer

 

[MikeG]

If you want the lightest possible load for a .454 w/H110 or WW296, simply use the 30,000CUP load data that is published for the .45 Colt for Ruger, T/C, etc.

Actually, 20 grains & a 360gr. bullet is pretty close, although your OAL might leave more room in the case than .45 Colt brass.

With that heavy of a bullet my experience would suggest you will not have any ignition problems, although it will certainly be a very light load for the Casull.