Can`t imagine what you went through but the 454 is a perfect straight wall cartridge for the reloader.. It can be difficult to improve on some of todays factory ammo but with the money you save it makes it worthwhile.. Never counted the animals taken with mine but its more then a few. From Africa to Alaska and all points in between she will never let you down... picture: my ever faithful Freedom 454 and old bison. Load was a 300gr Partition over case full of 296