Good whitetail deer load for 454 casull

D

Dano4734

New member
Any suggestions on a good deer load for the 454 casull, or would you use a long colt in it instead. Any suggestions. Thanks
 
Factory only I have no way to hand load. I was wondering if I should shoot long colt for them instead of the 454
 
Hornady, Federal and Barnes all make a good hunting round in 250-260gr ammo. If you need more then those, look at Corbon or Buffalo Bore.
 
Most factory 454 loads are very stout, well above what is necessary for deer. Winchester makes a somewhat lower power 454 load in the Super X line. There may be a better selection of 45 Colt loads suitable for deer.
 
I dropped a mule deer a few years ago using the Barnes Vortex ammo. DRT. Bullet was recovered just inside the opposite shoulder from entry. I didn't weigh it but I'd bet it was 95-100% weight retention. Every petal was intact. That's what I would suggest for a factory load.
 
Appropriate 454 ammo is easier to find, as it most it is appropriate. Most factory 45 colt ammo is not. All you need is a good 240 to 260 grain load.
 
I use 24 gr of AA2400 with a 250 gr jacketed bullet.

I use 26 gr of AA2400 with a 255 gr cast bullet.

Both have been clocked in the high 14s for velocity (approximately 1478 avg velocity). That is plenty for what I do.
 
The Magtech 454 Casull ammo, like the majority of factory 454 ammo is very stout and well above what is needed for deer. If you are able to shoot those loads well, you can certainly use them successfully on deer. But many, or perhaps even most, people don't shoot 240 gr bullets at 1800 fps all that well. More power to those who do. Personally, I would look for something along the lines of 240 to 260 gr at 1000 to 1200 fps. Such a load will bring home the meat and be considerably easier to shoot well.
 
I've got a mild 454 load that would work well. It's my plinking load for 454 and delivers about the same foot pounds as a hot 44 mag.
260 gn jacketed bullet over 14.3 gns of HS-6. Averages 1150 fps from my Super Blackhawk Bisley 6.5 inch barrel.


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I tried the mag tech 240. It really wasn't bad at all. Not like the federal vital shok 300. I took a lot of white tail with my 44 mag so I am pretty much use to the big bore handguns. I think I will try the magtech on the critters
 
According to published ballistics, I wouldn't expect a big difference in recoil between the two rounds. Perhaps the powder choices produced a big difference in muzzle blast. At any rate, if you are comfortable with the Magtech round I would use it.
 
There will definitely be a difference, heavier bullet and different powder charge. You'll definitely be able to tell when you're shooting the two because of this.

The 260gr rounds will be more than enough for taking deer, try out the 300 and see how many you can keep on target Vs. the 260. You can probably guess what the outcome will be but you'll get some practice shooting some heavier projos out of your pistol.
 
I went back to the range tonight again.. The 300 federal gave me a spanking big time. That 240 grain was more than my 44 mag, but the grips they put on the ruger reallymade it aacceptable to this old guy. That federal round was great for the first two shots then my palm said ouch and I was off bad. Much better with the 240
 
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