.454 Casull in a rifle for hunting

TNBulldog · October 16, 2007, 02:17 PM

Ok, I've got several guns on my "wish list" right now, and one that I'd like is a hunting lever action. I'd been thinking a 45-70, but I currently own a SRH in 454. Looking at the Double Tap site, they claim 1,966fps out of a 20" Puma w/a 335 grain bullet and 2,085fps w/ a 300 grain. The energy on these loads is around 2,700-2,800 ft lbs.

So that got me thinking, this is not THAT far off a milder load 45-70. I know 45-70's can get up to 3,500ft lbs on hotter loads, but it would be kinda cool to have a handgun/lever gun combo. So my question is this, up to what size/type of game would you be comfortable hunting with this set up? Obviously none of the shots would be over 100yds.

Scorch · October 16, 2007, 02:39 PM

Providing it shoots accurately, I would hunt anything that comes within 150 yds with that rifle.

tyrajam · October 16, 2007, 02:49 PM

That load will be plenty for any game on this contenant, and yes, that includes grizzleys. With hard cast bullets, that gun has taken every animal in Africa, although I wouldn't use it on elephants or cape buffalos etc.
But for deer, elk, moose, and bear, with the right loads, it is plenty tough. I also like the Puma in 454 because when not hunting bear or moose, you can shoot your 45 colt loads, which are much more fun to shoot.

TNBulldog · October 17, 2007, 01:13 PM

Thanks for the feedback guys, I appreciate it. That's kinda what I was thinking, but I wanted to ask ppl who knew better than me. I don't plan on any mammoth sized hunts, and if I was to go on one, surely a gun would be bought specially for that. I really liked the idea of this set up, and it appears to be affordably priced as well. There are so many 270's, 30-06's, 308's etc. out there, I just thought this would be a unique and fun alternative.

October 16, 2007, 02:17 PM	#1
TNBulldog Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2007 Posts: 159	.454 Casull in a rifle for hunting Ok, I've got several guns on my "wish list" right now, and one that I'd like is a hunting lever action. I'd been thinking a 45-70, but I currently own a SRH in 454. Looking at the Double Tap site, they claim 1,966fps out of a 20" Puma w/a 335 grain bullet and 2,085fps w/ a 300 grain. The energy on these loads is around 2,700-2,800 ft lbs. So that got me thinking, this is not THAT far off a milder load 45-70. I know 45-70's can get up to 3,500ft lbs on hotter loads, but it would be kinda cool to have a handgun/lever gun combo. So my question is this, up to what size/type of game would you be comfortable hunting with this set up? Obviously none of the shots would be over 100yds.

October 16, 2007, 02:39 PM	#2
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Providing it shoots accurately, I would hunt anything that comes within 150 yds with that rifle. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

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October 16, 2007, 02:49 PM	#3
tyrajam Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2007 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 467	That load will be plenty for any game on this contenant, and yes, that includes grizzleys. With hard cast bullets, that gun has taken every animal in Africa, although I wouldn't use it on elephants or cape buffalos etc. But for deer, elk, moose, and bear, with the right loads, it is plenty tough. I also like the Puma in 454 because when not hunting bear or moose, you can shoot your 45 colt loads, which are much more fun to shoot.

October 17, 2007, 01:13 PM	#4
TNBulldog Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2007 Posts: 159	Thanks for the feedback guys, I appreciate it. That's kinda what I was thinking, but I wanted to ask ppl who knew better than me. I don't plan on any mammoth sized hunts, and if I was to go on one, surely a gun would be bought specially for that. I really liked the idea of this set up, and it appears to be affordably priced as well. There are so many 270's, 30-06's, 308's etc. out there, I just thought this would be a unique and fun alternative.