I am a big fan of the XTP bullet. In anticipation of loading a 454 Casull in the future, I am gathering components. I notice that Hornady makes a 250 gr for the 45 Colt but only a 240 gr Mag for the 454. The 300 gr XTP is where I will start. Has anyone done load testing with the 240XTP mag? How does it stack up in accuracy against the 300 gr? the 240 just looks short relative to bore diameter to me. Thanks in advance for any info or experience you may have.

Accuracy is only one part of the equation in choosing a bullet. What are you intending to shoot, Whitetails or Hogs and Elk? Pick your bullet accordingly. Also at what velocity are you planning to launch this bullet? Bullet construction is important and some light bullets may not hold up upon impact based on .454 velocities. Anytime you change bullet weight you also change point of impact, in other words you have to re-sight. I like to pick one bullet weight in the caliber of choice for all my needs and stick with it. I use a 300 gr in my .454 and .45 Colts if I need heavier then I go to a 400 gr in my .475, if I want lighter I go with a 250 gr in my .44 magnum. This way instead of spending time and money re-sighting my gun from the bench, I spend the time practicing the way I'm going to hunt, from field positions. Bottom line go with the heavy bullet, XTP's are all accurate, that way you can conquer anything you run into.
Good luck and

Thanks FAH,

That makes perfect sense. Not having any experience with the 454 left a question in my mind but you answered it. The 300 gr XTP looks like a winner. A tough bullet with more bearing surface should shoot well and perform well on game

The 300 xtp(mag version) works great in 454 but don't expect great expansion. It's a HARD bullet. You can still buy some of the FA 260 grainers from FA too

I've used both the 240gr and 300gr XTP in my 454's, on deer it's a moot point. I did try something a couple years ago just to shut up the nay sayers. Here in the pacific nw we have the largest species of elk with the Roosevelts. I loaded my 454 with 240 XTP Mags and a max charge of H110. I hit just off the mark right below the shoulder and powdered about 4" of leg bone. The bullet deflected forward just a bit and went through front rib and exited. Due to me failing to put the bullet in the right place I had to take a follow up which the only target I had was the butt so I touched it off and it destroyed the liver, guts and was embedded in the diaphragm. This was a mature cow, there are pics somewhere on the bragging board. I finally found a supply of Partition so i bought a 1000 of them and use those for elk but I use the XTP's in my 44 and 45 for deer hunting but there is nothing in North America the XTP won't bring down in the 454. Obviously if I were going after moose or grizz I would prefer the 300gr.

At lower velocities, would the XTP Mag not perform like a WFN in that it would punch through rather than expand due to its heavier construction?

Somewhat, but the XTP doesn't have near the meplat of a WFN.

I am not trying to start any kind of argument about the best bullet.[disclaimer] If I would choose to shoot jacketed bullets I would match bullet weight to the size of the animal and drive them fast as I could within it's recommended by manufacturers speed category to impart as much energy on the animal as possible. If I use a WFN cast I would choose a fairly heavy for caliber bullet that is accurate in whatever particular caliber I am using in the 1200-1400 fps range. I have experimented with both styles jacketed and hardcast and from the kills in my lifetime this has been my conclusion.

ln 1873 Colt introduced the Colt Model P or PeaceMaker lt fired a 255gr conical swaged lead bullet @ 900fps..These caliber,weight,and velocity figures met the US Army requirement for a handgun round that could completely penetrate a horse @ 100yds and kill an lndian on the other side.. No doubt the 45 Colt can STILL do the same today with the same load..


282

No, they will penetrate demonstrably better than if they would expand, but they do a poor imitation of a WFN. The big meplat is what does the tissue damage. I've used swift A-frames with success out of the .454 and I really like CEB's offerings as they can hold up to high impact velocities.

X2

Granted, it would no doubt still punch through game like a heavy WFN all right, but it wouldn't cause the type of damage you'd see from a WFN.