At my gunsmith, I personally seen 2 guns brought in that people shot 45 colts in for a few hundred rounds and couldn't get the 454's in or had pressure issues. So I would be careful doing that.

I have a 44mag, and love it. I bet it has had 4000 rounds thru it. Its a model 29, so it can be a handful.

I know the 454's in the rugers and raging bulls are a handful. But if you get them in the Smith frame (460), its a piece of cake.

I would consider the 460 if I was you. My brother and I was hitting targets at 200 yards with his. Amazing gun.