Quote:
The 44 magnum has about 1000 ft-lbs of energy. Chamber pressure tops out around 38000 CUP. Hot loads can get you 1200 ft-lbs of energy.
The 454 has almost 2000 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. Chamber pressure tops out around 60000 CUP.
|
That's pretty much the essence of it. Just like rifles, when pressures get that high the increase in velocity isn't worth the additional bullet velocity. Point of diminishing returns.
From buffalobore.com:
Quote:
|
The .454 Casull is one cartridge that BBA does not load to it's full pressure limit. When loaded to it's full pressure potential the .454 Casull can become unreliable and unpleasant to shoot. At upper pressure levels, heavy bullets tend to jump crimp - tying up the cylinder. (wouldn't this be great in an emergency) Also, fired brass can stick in the chambers. BBA feels that a 360 gr. bullet (or 325 gr. bullet at 1525 fps) at 1425 fps is still very powerful, comfortable to shoot, and TOTALLY RELIABLE. At these levels, these bullets give up nothing in killing performance.
|
It is possible to get too much of a good thing...
.44 magnum can't really use bullets in the 345-360 range, and, the .454 can, and shines with them.