While I have shot handguns all my life I only recently got seriously into handgun hunting. So far I have found Hornady XTP bullets very accurate in my 45 colt and two 44 magnum revolvers, and Swift A Frame to also be accurate in my 44's.

I have also found I enjoy target practice more with my stiff hunting loads than with my lighter practice loads using Berry's Plated Bullets. As a result I am spending more and more time shooting longer distance at targets just for fun.

I am wondering if I might find even better accuracy with cast bullets that might cost a bit less.

I do reload but do not cast bullets and looking at some companies like Oregon Trail, Beartooth and Missouri Bullet Co it looks like it might be more economical to shoot cast even when buying them.

I am sure if I cast my own I could make them fit my individual handguns perfectly and, therefore, shoot really well, but I don't want to cast my own.

Every gun is a rule onto itself, and you can die of old age before experimenting with every conceivable load of case, primer, bullet and powder. But sometimes there are general rules that save time and money.

Question is, if a generality is even possible, assuming I can find bullets that fit my chambers and throats well, are purchased cast bullets likely to be as accurate as my XTP's?

(I love talking about handgun stuff even when there are no real answers)

I went to Cast Performance bullets in my 460 S&W, 45 Colt, and 500 JRH. Never looked back. I used to shoot the XTP's as well, but the 335 wlngc for the 460 and 45 Colt are tack drivers and hit like hammers. I was going to cast my own at some point, but those are so good I can't justify trying to improve on them. In the 500 JRH, I went to the 440gr bullets and love those too!

Give em a try. Won't hurt nothing!! If ya don't like them, I'll buy them off ya.
http://www.grizzlycartridge.com/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=CP45335

Thanks, I'm going to check those out. Do you find the heavy for caliber bullets more accurate or do you use them for the terminal ballistics?

Yes, on both counts. But that's my gun / primer / powder / bullet combination that my guns like. Yours may vary. Heavy for caliber usually shoot pretty well, from what I've heard.

I use Titegroup (light loads) and H110 (heavy loads) in my loads for the 460, 45 Colt, and the 500 JRH. Those two powders cover my needs very well, so that's what I go with. Incidentally, I also use Titegroup for my trap and skeet 12 bore loads. Pretty versatile stuff.

Just a suggestion, but slow the hard cast down, and it REALLY hits hard on the terminal end. Lot easier on the recoil too! My hunting loads, in all three calibers, are made with Titegroup. Now that I'm looking to get a 500 JRH rifle, that may change. But otherwise, I like Titegroup hunting loads. Uses a LOT less powder than H110 too!

Here's a pic of a 50 yard shot group using Montana Bullet Works 300 gr WFNGC bullet out of a stock Ruger Bisley Hunter and 2X burris scope....



This was a .430 dia bullet and seemed to shoot well. You may have to experiment with diameter. I called MBW and got their suggestion on bullet diameter for this was the first time ever shooting cast - I didn't venture any further.

That is a great group KRal. Do you know the size of your cylinder throats?

I have the Ruger Standard grip Hunter, also with a fixed 2x Burris. My cylnders will pass a .431 pin gage through but the bore is .427 and it shoots .430 XTP's really well. Does that translate to .430" cast bullets or do you get cast bullets larger?

Also, are those the standard scope rings on your gun or the higher rings?

that`s a keeper Kim...................

Spinsail, those are the factory rings: high. I traded the standard rings back to Ruger for the high rings.I never measured the throats; just order the bullets, loaded over 19.0 gr of h110 and shot it. My son has a Bisley Hunter that's shooting the same bullet just as accurate - except with 21.0 gr of H110.

James, that Hunter was a keeper, but I let a friend talk me out of it - with the understanding if he ever wants to get rid of it, it comes back to me.

Thanks KRal. I kept the standard rings and also ordered the high factory rings so I could switch scopes out quickly. I haven't used the high ones yet as I am shopping for another scope but I like the way they look on your Hunter.

Now, if only I can shoot a group like that.

I've shot 3 Bisley hunters and they all shot like that.

My bisley hunter shoots the same bullet really well with 16gr/2400. I have a 2X weaver scope on that one. Also, that shoot really well with 21.5gr/296 in my SRH. [2 1/2" @ 100 yds.] Both sized .430.

Bruce @ MBW is a great guy. I try to buy all my cast bullets from them. Great people!

SPinsail. mattsbullets has some inexpensive offerings The Ray Thompson design in 265gr is a good one for the 44 mag. He has some Keith designs also. For the 45 Montana and Leadhead are good. Look for the Lyman in 44 cal and try the 429215 (I think Montana has some ) they are accurate. I load 2400 under them. I have had them drop from 215 to 230gr do weigh them If you ever do experience leading, then get a copper Chore Boy cut off a few strands wrap them around a old brush and it will take it out quick. Bad man bullets and Missouri sell the Hy-Tek coated no leading no smoke. But I have not found any that I would want for hunting . Don?t forget the Lyman 310gr with 21.5grs of H110 or 296another accurate load for 44 mag

Thanks guys. cherokeetracker, can you give the load you use for the Lyman with 2400?

Pm sent