When I was in my prime, top of my game, my load was a 465gr SWC at 1350 FPS. (which looking back was probably over loaded) I shot one critter with it. He was unimpressed. Even at my best, I could shoot 15-20 of them and that was enough. I was just enduring them after that, marksmanship had gone away. After a time I started shooting lighter loads. Main load now is a 500 grain WFN at 1000 fps. Much more tolerable, more enjoyable. (though you still know she's going off.) I ran across a box of my old hunting load, figured I shoot them up. I think I fired two or three of them and said "Was I nuts? The hell with this!" and pulled them all.

For scale of the bore.


My Dave Clement's build 500 at the top. Seems crazy that I've owned it 25 years now. I can still remember reading about them in high school thinking "I'll never own one of those."



Bottom is an Alan Harton build 5 shot 45 colt. 300grs at 1400fps. That's about my limit these days. Much sharper punch recoil wise. The heavy "slow" 500's are easier to shoot.

I can't remember the last time I shot my 454. I stopped enjoying that a while ago.

I can not see the fun in that WICKED recoil anymore. The least fun pistol I have ever shot was a 454. The 500 SW was way more comfortable. The 44 and 45's loaded to max pressures are more than enough for me.

The Bisley frames and smooth grips absolutely let the revolver roll in your hands reducing the PAIN IMO.