After reading Grant's posting, I made yesterday ".45 day" at the range. I took along two 1911s and a Colt NS in .455.
Starting out with the .455 at 15 yds, the NS gave me what I expected - six rds in 1 - 1/4" with an off hand two paw grip; right on point of aim, a little to the right. I see no point in bench rest shooting a hand gun, even less than I do rifle shooting. One never has a bench in the field.
Load was a lead .452/230 gr RN over 4.5 grs Trail Boss. Yeah, I know - this flies in the face of what is supposed to work in a .455, but I don't knock success; if it works, I run with it. My Tranter shoots even better with bullets sized .450.
I had IPSC silhouettes at 25 and 50 yds for the 1911s, and felt encouraged to try the NS at 50. As expected, the group printed to the right; a 12" spread bracketing the 'A' and 'C' zones of the IPSC target, slightly below POA. Definitely 'combat accuracy', but I expected better of the big Colt as I find the sight picture adequate and the trigger pull superb. The gun is also fitted with a Pachmayr grip adapter, giving a great hold on the gun.
How do your .455s group at 50 yards?
I'm puzzled as to why a load that prints so well at 15 yds grouped so poorly at 50. The 1911s (one a Gold Cup, t'other a box-stock Rem 1911 R1) did much better at 50 yds, so it isn't my ability to hold or see the sights. In fact, I've yet to find a load that my 1911s don't group beyond expectation. Oddly, the only bobbles I've had are with the Remington R1 and 230 RN - go figure .....