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Cast bullet selection for my 454

robsgunsrobsguns Member Posts: 4,581 ✭✭
edited August 2002 in Ask the Experts
I cant find enough info. to substantiate my theory, but I think I can use a Lyman mold, # 457643, a 400gr. bullet mold, designed for a 45 cal. rifle, in my .454 Casull. My bullets are sized to .455 for my 454. Lyman molds cast small with my lead mixture, and this mold would cast normally around .459, but smaller with my mix, so most likely around .457-.458, which is ok, because my bullets cast at .457, and I have no problem sizing them to .455. So my question is...does anyone see a problem with this idea? I have researched other bullets of similar design and weight and believe the crimp groove would be approximately where I would want it in the 454, and the nose to crimp groove measurement seems to be pretty close to what it is in the .454's bullets. Has anyone tried this? I believe the base is pretty close to the type I have, like a PB, and the lube grooves are smaller than mine, but it has 2 and I only have one actually, so that should be alright, wouldnt it? So long as I have enough room for the powder charge, and the crimp groove is close to being in the right spot without causeing the bullet to be sticking to far out of the case, causing a longer than max C.O.L., I should be ok, right??? Please advise if you have any experience in this.

Posting this in both 'ask the experts' and 'general discussion', so just answer in one forum please, thanks.

SSgt Ryan E. Roberts, USMC
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Comments

  • WheelgunWheelgun Member Posts: 149 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Ryan,

    You don't mention which revolver you have in .454, but I believe all guns chambered for the .454 Casull are using a .452" groove diameter. I'm concerned more about your chosen bullet diameter that with the weight of the bullets you're considering. The .454 operates at comparatively high chamber pressures, and using a bullet that is .003" over groove diameter will elevate those pressures even higher...... possibly to DANGEROUS levels.

    The other thing that could be a potential problem is that when these bullets are sized to the correct diameter the lube grooves will be too shallow to hold enough lube to prevent heavy leading.

    My overall feeling is that there are probably better bullets for what you're trying to accomplish.

    Wheelgun
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  • Shootist3006Shootist3006 Member Posts: 4,171
    edited November -1
    Ryan, I doubt that your barrel is larger at the middle or forcing cone end. I suspect that the reason a bullet is easier to push after it gets past the muzzle is that it (the bullet) is now formed to the barrel and further forming is not required. I would listen to wheelgun as you could be getting into dangerous ground.
    You might check with some of the custom bullet makers and see if they can make a heavy bullet for you. I know it will be a bit more expensive than casting your own but I suspect you will not want to shoot enough heavy ones to justify the cost of the mold!

    Beartooth makes a 405 gr. bullet just for the .454 http://www.beartoothbullets.com/bulletselect/index.htm

    Quod principi placuit legis habet vigorem.Semper Fidelis
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  • WheelgunWheelgun Member Posts: 149 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:I'm pretty sure I can load a bullet of this weight without causing excessive pressures.....

    No doubt the bullet you have in mind can be loaded to safe pressure levels, but whether or not you can acheive that goal and get the type of performance you're looking for.... that's what I'd question.

    If you haven't already done it, I'd recommend checking the diameter of the chamber mouths (all 6) with a jacketed bullet of known diameter. Measure a few bullets with a micrometer (not a dial caliper) in 3-4 places around the circumference (to be sure they're perfectly round) and see if they fit through the mouths of the chambers. If a .452" bullet goes through with minimal resistance, cast bullets sized to .453" will usually give their best performance. If the chamber mouths are on the snug side (not uncommon on Rugers), it would be best to have them opened up to .452", same as the groove diameter.

    I still think you'll get more satisfaction from a bullet that has been developed for the performance potential of the .454 than from a bullet designed for a .45-70.....

    A six month backorder on the Beartooth bullets? Hmmm...... They make a good product, but they're not the only source for heavy .45 cal handgun slugs..... Check out these guys.... http://www.castperformance.com/

    WG



    Edited by - Wheelgun on 08/07/2002 05:46:12
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  • rick_renorick_reno Member Posts: 186 ✭
    edited November -1
    This won't give you your heavy bullet at medium speed; but years ago Dick Casull hooked up with Lyman and they made a mould for the 454 Casull. I'm pretty sure I got mine from Freedom Arms with one of my pistols; it's a Lyman 454647BV and it casts a 286 gr. bullet that is very accurate in those guns, sized to .452. Mine came with a typed sheet with loading data on it for the bullet. I don't think this mould is available these days; it should be given the number of manufacturers producing guns in 454. I've stopped casting and am shooting Laser Cast 300 gr. bullets. I found I liked shooting more than making bullets. I don't what pistol you're doing these experiments in; but my FA guns are very picky about COL.
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