Large revolver reloading

[joleson00]

I have a 454 that I reload in 240/300 gr xtp mag. I'm looking to start loading the heavier hard cast loads. Is there anything different I should be doing??

 

[russc2542]

Different from what? Are you starting from scratch with reloading or just a new load?

 

[joleson00]

Different from what? Are you starting from scratch with reloading or just a new load?

Just starting with heavier lead and not using jacketed. I see the gas checks and all. I never loaded lead, so im kinda dumb in that aspect. I've reloaded for years and just never used lead before.

 

[russc2542]

Just starting with heavier lead and not using jacketed. I see the gas checks and all. I never loaded lead, so im kinda dumb in that aspect. I've reloaded for years and just never used lead before.

I mean, have you loaded other stuff or are you new to reloading entirely?

Nothing terribly exotic. Make sure the case is flared just enough (but not too much) or you'll shave the bullet (more of a problem with lead than jacketed). Hot loads need a sturdy crimp of course. Follow the published loads.

 

[joleson00]

I mean, have you loaded other stuff or are you new to reloading entirely?

Nothing terribly exotic. Make sure the case is flared just enough (but not too much) or you'll shave the bullet (more of a problem with lead than jacketed). Hot loads need a sturdy crimp of course. Follow the published loads.

Gotcha. I have many years of reloading, I always leaned away from lead. This 454 is big girl and feeding her isn't cheap... Just curious to give the heavier hard cast a go and steer away from the jacketed xtp's

 

[joleson00]

Gotcha. I have many years of reloading, I always leaned away from lead. This 454 is big girl and feeding her isn't cheap... Just curious to give the heavier hard cast a go and steer away from the jacketed xtp's

 

[Bill2905]

The potential for barrel leading is the main drawback to using cast bullets. You should be aware of it but don't let it deter you. The faster you drive them, the more lead they can leave behind under the right conditions. This can be avoided or minimized by using bullets of the proper hardness, learning velocity limits through trial and error, and using bullets that match the throat diameter of your cylinder. Gas checks are another method used. It's an interesting topic and you can find lots of articles and information with a quick Google search. Also check out the cast bullet forums as they have tons of information.

If you do nothing else, start at the low end of the velocity range and work your way up, checking the barrel for signs of leading as you go.

Here is an article which covers the basics.

The Lowdown On Lead Fouling - Shooting Times

By Allan Jones Gas escaping around the bullet in the chamber throat is the cause

www.shootingtimes.com

 

[joleson00]

The potential for barrel leading is the main drawback to using cast bullets. You should be aware of it but don't let it deter you. The faster you drive them, the more lead they can leave behind under the right conditions. This can be avoided or minimized by using bullets of the proper hardness, learning velocity limits through trial and error, and using bullets that match the throat diameter of your cylinder. Gas checks are another method used. It's an interesting topic and you can find lots of articles and information with a quick Google search. Also check out the cast bullet forums as they have tons of information.

If you do nothing else, start at the low end of the velocity range and work your way up, checking the barrel for signs of leading as you go.

Here is an article which covers the basics.

The Lowdown On Lead Fouling - Shooting Times

By Allan Jones Gas escaping around the bullet in the chamber throat is the cause

www.shootingtimes.com

Thanks for your input, the both you. This is what I was looking for, pushing a lil hard and the leading issues that may come from it.

 

[t-squared]

Don't know if you've used coated bullets before, but Missouri and Acme both make 300gr and heavier bullets.

Missouri .452" bullets

Acme .452" bullets

 

[Bill2905]

Thanks for your input, the both you. This is what I was looking for, pushing a lil hard and the leading issues that may come from it.

I got some pin gauges and determined that the throats on my Ruger Blackhawk .45 Colt and S&W 686 .357 were both pretty tight and uneven from hole to hole. They were shaving the bullets down. I had the throats opened up to 0.4525 and 0.358 respectively and they both shoot better with less leading now.

 

[Leo]

It is pretty hard to beat the performance of those XTP bullets, but I understand what they cost these days. You mentioned gas checks. Those only install on bullets that were cast in molds designed to accept gas checks. Gas check bullets do work well calibers that are usually jacketed. I like some of the teflon or polymer coated cast bullets rather than the waxy smoked mess from conventional cast bullets, but again, they cost a little more.

If you are loading the cast bullets light, you could shoot modern 45 Colt loads and save that expensive 454 brass for the hotter loads. Are you shooting a Casull?

 

[joleson00]

Don't know if you've used coated bullets before, but Missouri and Acme both make 300gr and heavier bullets.

Missouri .452" bullets

Acme .452" bullets

I'll give them a go

 

[Leadeye]

I cast most everything I shoot, rifle and pistol. For large stuff in the 45 pistol caliber range it's tough to beat the Lyman 452651 325 grain GC. It has two crimp points and a large grease groove.

More important than anything when shooting lead is to know your bore diameter. Lead bullets should always be a little larger than the bore diameter to get a good grip. Cylinder throats on a revolver can squeeze the bullet down and should be checked as was mentioned in an earlier post.

Gas checks do a good job of keeping the base of the bullet from being eaten up by large powder charges.

 

[joleson00]

It is pretty hard to beat the performance of those XTP bullets, but I understand what they cost these days. You mentioned gas checks. Those only install on bullets that were cast in molds designed to accept gas checks. Gas check bullets do work well calibers that are usually jacketed. I like some of the teflon or polymer coated cast bullets rather than the waxy smoked mess from conventional cast bullets, but again, they cost a little more.

If you are loading the cast bullets light, you could shoot modern 45 Colt loads and save that expensive 454 brass for the hotter loads. Are you shooting a Casull?

Yes, I'm shooting a casull. The brass part isn't a problem, I stocked up years ago @ a 1500 show.

 

[Leadeye]

My only issue with 454 is the primers with the Ruger SRH. CCIs are intermittent at best and are most of what I have. I've just switched to 45 COlt brass and adjusted loads accordingly.

 

[DadSmith]

My only issue with 454 is the primers with the Ruger SRH. CCIs are intermittent at best and are most of what I have. I've just switched to 45 COlt brass and adjusted loads accordingly.

How fast can you push 45colt brass in a 454 revolver without pressure signs?

 

[Leadeye]

How fast can you push 45colt brass in a 454 revolver without pressure signs?

I don't have a number, but that and the Henry are what eat those 45Colt loads that go through deer lengthwise. I use Starline brass and that Lyman 452651, CCI Magnum primers and Lil gun powder.

 

[DadSmith]

I don't have a number, but that and the Henry are what eat those 45Colt loads that go through deer lengthwise. I use Starline brass and that Lyman 452651, CCI Magnum primers and Lil gun powder.

How much powder do you use?
I don't have a 45colt or 454 I'm just interested for educational purposes.

 

[Leadeye]

How much powder do you use?
I don't have a 45colt or 454 I'm just interested for educational purposes.

A lot. I don't divulge my really high end numbers, but if you hunt around you will find a magazine article about stainless Ruger Blackhawk Bisley revolvers with some of the info in it.

 

[boatswainsmate]

Be aware shooting large chunks of shaped lead becomes addictive!