I load mine with LBT 265-grain flatnose and 28 grains of 2400. This gives 1550 fps, a reduced load, but as powerful as any full-out .44 Magnum, and plenty adequate for deer!! I also shoot .45 Colt handloads in mine, the KEY HERE is to make sure you clean any and all fouling out of trhe cylinder before firing .454 ammo again!! Some dangerous pressures have resulted from not making sure of this, because the .454 case mouth could not open freely!! BOOM!! Split cylinder!!