Handload Arena: 45 Colt vs 454 Casull?

[keithhagan]

Which of the 45 caliber revolver cartridges benefits most from or is better for handloading?

This could be based on cost savings, performance, availability of components, low barrier to entry for new reloaders, something else entirely, or a combination.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

While the 45 Colt ammo is expensive, most times 80¢ to $1 a round or more, the 454 Casull is even more expensive to buy so my choice would be the 454. ($1.45 A round and up)

Even hand loading the 454 Casull is more expensive than the 45 Colt. The bullets cost more, you use more powder and the brass costs more. (26¢ vs 51¢) Even though the components cost more it's nowhere near as bad as the price of factory ammo, if you can find any!

 

[rays44]

Most cartridges benefit from handloading. The .454 Casull is designed for and intended to be a hunting cartridge. It can be loaded down, but that's not where it shines. Freedom Arms does not suggest loading .45 colt in a .454 chamber. Other manufacturers have no problem with it. An extra .45 Colt cylinder fitted to the Freedom Arms revolver gives you the best of both worlds at a $3000 price tag. It is however, truly the finest quality revolver.
The .45 Colt by itself is probably more versatile in all revolver platforms as it can be loaded "cowboy" to "Ruger only" in terms of power and need. Can also be had for around $500 up.
For most folks, a good revolver in .45 Colt is the way to go. I have shot both extensively for over 30 years.

 

[oddshooter]

45 Colt is a sweet caliber . Cartridges can be used on lots of guns by lots of people.

454 is a beast with brutal recoil; and not that many shooters can handle or want to.

I think you need to handload both of them because of cost; and you can tailor a round to a particular firearm.

Prescut

 

[reddog81]

.460. This a a S&W forum…

 

[chief38]

Since I am a former S.A.S.S. Cowboy Match competitor and use the 45 Colt caliber in two Colt SAA Revolvers and a Marlin 1894 rifle, I guess you'll know which one I voted for.

After competing for 22 years, I have reloaded more 45 Colt cartridges than one can shake a stick at. I still enjoy shooting the Colts and the Marlin!