I shoot 45 colt in my SRH 454 for reduced recoil practice. They are less expensive than 454. For the least expensive ammo you need to handload. That should interest the tinkerer in you. It allows tweaking of ammo to match the gun.
If you cut the cylinder on a 454 for moon clips will you be able to shoot 454? It is my understanding that you will not.
I saw your post in the rifle forum and the SRH in 454 and a companion lever gun would be awesome. Both should be able to run 45 colt. And either will kill bear.