Ruger Alaskan 454 Loads

Thanks for the info but it lists loads tested in a Freedom Arms 9.3+ inch barrel which will not be the same in the shorter 2.5 inch tube.  I realize that I can shoot a big heavy bullet at 900 fps and take about anything in the continental US but that takes the fun out of experimenting with different components to get the best out of gun/caliber combination.  I currently working with 325 gn wide nose, gas check bullets from Cast Performance.  I've used these bullets in my 45 Colt loads for my Vaquero with great results on Whitetail.  I bought the Alaskan for protection from critters with claws and tusks and I realize the 45 Colt will work just fine with these critters too but the Alaskan is chambered for 454 so why not use the extra power?  Besides, I love to experiment.

Old Coot wrote: .452dia, Here is the link to Hodgon's load site: ww.hodgdonreloading.com/data/pistol.  As close as I can tell all the data is for jacketed bullets, but you can use the same data for cast with a great degree of confidence as the same or similar weight cast bullet won't develop as high a pressure as a jacketed bullet with the same load.  Unfortunately this means that the velocity will also be lower.  If you don't own one or have access to a chronograph I would get access to one.  It not only tells you how fast the bullet is going, but will also indicate pressure of a given load.  There is a direct relationship between pressure and velocity.  The higher the pressure the faster until the gun comes apart.  It is a valuable tool to have.  

Just what speed are you trying to drive this 385gr. bullet?  I would think that a 1000fps would be plenty to drive such a slug from the north end and out the south of anything that walks this continent.  Remember: ” What you shoot doesn't make as much difference as where you hit them.". Brodie