Freedom Arms 454 bullet selection

[jjsharpshooter]

After many years of wanting a Freedom Arms revolver I purchased a new Model 97 22/22 mag a few years ago and as everyone says once you buy one you'll want more, well recently I purchased a used Model 83 454 Casull and have some questions. I recently worked up a good load using Starline brass, Rem 7 1/2 primer, H110 powder and Hornady 300gr XTP-MAG bullets that clocks 1600 fps with less than 1" groups at 50 yds. I have shot a 3" 100 yd group and plan on using this load on PA whitetails but am using it on groundhogs as practice. My gun is the premier model, 7 1/2" magnaported barrel, with a Bushnell Elite 2-6 scope and recently got a groundhog at 104 yds off my Bog PSR rest but have also missed a few at similar distance, now some questions. I am currently using Rem 7 1/2 primers, will the Federal Gold Medal 205 M primer tighten up my groups as I have read? How is the accuracy of Hornady 240 gr XTP-MAG bullets in this gun, I would like to use these for groundhogs but only if they are as or more accurate than the 300 gr bullets I'm using. I don't mind the recoil with the 300 gr loads, any difference in recoil using the lighter 240 gr bullets loaded to max? Thank you for your time.

[jjsharpshooter]

PSR rest with Bog pod, 104 Yd groundhog and 50 yd group.

Attachments:

[zeus]

I never cared for the 240. I shot a lot of critters of all sizes with the 300 mag bullet at 1615fps. I used the same bullet for everything. That’s a M83 by the way 😉great gun!

Put a drop of oil on both ends of the cylinder and it will help keep it tight over time.

[bigbore5]

And people say I'm overgunned with the 357max on whistle pig!

[bigmuddy]

You’re wanting to tighten your groups??? 🤪

I use nothing but Remington 7 1/2’s in my guns. Recoil with the 240’s will be less but muzzle blast seems worse to me, especially with the MNP. Very nice gun btw.

Dan

[freeze]

Aug 3, 2024 21:54:44 GMT -5 jjsharpshooter said:

... How is the accuracy of Hornady 240 gr XTP-MAG bullets in this gun, ...

I have had very good accuracy with this bullet at 1450 (using IMR-4227). I have not loaded it any faster, and I can confirm it works well on PA deer at that velocity.


-Freeze

[45MAN]

CONGRATS ON THE FA 454, AND THE GOOD SHOOTING. I HAVE ALWAYS USED 7 1/2's SO HAVE NO IDEA IF ANY OTHER PRIMER MAY BE BETTER. RATHER THAN 240's I WOULD JUST KEEP USING THE 300gr XTP-MAG BULLET AS IS or TRY SOME REGULAT 300gr XYP's AND POSSIBLY LOAD THEM DOWM SOME.

[bearskinner]

I’ve shot a FA83 in .454 a lot. Hunted with it for decades on every continent. A stout load of 2400 with the fantastic Sierra 300 grain (8830) bullets is absolutely the most accurate load for me. That load and gun make e look like I can shoot like Zeus or Sixshot. The Swift 300 grain A frames hit the same POA as the sierras as well, just a Slightly larger group.

[jjsharpshooter]

Thanks for all the comments, yes Zeus you are correct a Model 83, don't know why I called it an 97. Might try the Sierra 300 and Hornady 240 to see what I think. Thanks again.

[sixshot]

Glad to see some people are oiling their cylinders, pretty important on that ratchet & base pin.

Dick