454 casull handloads for a short barrel

[smidrow]

I know I am asking about a load for a Ruger but you guys are smart so bear with me.

I'm just starting to reload 454 Casull's and want to know if anyone has a great load for the Alaskan and it's short barrel.

I'm carrying it in bear country so want to get the most out of the cartridge in the short length it has to get going yet be as effective as possible.

Thoughts?

 

[Carnage_7]

Double Tap has the hottest load for the .454 Casull-get their's! Here are the details:
".454 Casull 400gr WFNGC Hardcast 20rds. $27.95
This is the real heavyweight for woods and big game including the big bears. A 400gr wide flat nose LBT-style bullet at 1400fps! Here is the deepest penetrating load that you can buy for the .454 Casull.
Caliber : .454 Casull
Bullet : 400gr Wide Flat Nose Gas Check Hardcast
Ballistics : 1400fps - 1741 ft./lbs. - 7.5" bbl.
1675fps from a Legacy Sports Puma 92 20"
1125fps from a 2.5" Ruger Alaskan
Box of 20rds.

 

[off road]

Some bear load wisdom (JJHack posts): Model 29 Mountain - Topic Powered by Social Strata

Lucky guy: Bear Killed in Self Defense with Ruger .454 Casull Revolver - Takdriver's Forum

I don't handload, but I pack Hornaday 240 gr XTP in the Alaskan, and 300 gr XTP in the 7.5" SRH.

 

[nebmike]

I don't handload, but I pack Hornaday 240 gr XTP in the Alaskan, and 300 gr XTP in the 7.5" SRH.

I agree... the 240gr XTP-MAG bullet will do the trick just fine on bears and may be a better choice out of the short barrel. I've got an Alaskan and mine really likes the 240gr with 36.0grs of W296/H110 (they're the same thing). I think the book max is a little bit higher but when I go over 36 I start to get sticking cases.

If you're wanting to use a heavier bullet, the 300gr XTP-MAG will still be hella-potent out of a short barrel. I load those with 31.5grs of W296/H110 (and again, the book max is slightly higher).

 

[off road]

I like short barrels, and I like lighter bullets in those barrels because they get a better start from the shorties. With longer barrels where the propelant is behind the bullet longer....go heavy!

 

[smidrow]

Thanks for the info! Just what I was looking for.