Like, has been said, yes you can do it, but... Even in Alaska, I felt no need to carry a 454, mostly carried a 44 Mag with a good hard cast from Buffalo Bore Ammo. Talking to Tim Sundles (Buffalo Bore owner) about it, he agreed the 45 Colt load I used would do anything the 454 load would do. Get on line and read some of the John Linebaugh articles where they test a lot of loads. Sometimes more is not better, it's just more. I also prefer the 45 Colt 325 grain HC +P Buffalo Bore ammo, is your time back on target is quicker if you need follow up shots. I know of several people who have used their handguns to save their bacon from bears. 2 used 454 loads and both ended up tieing up their guns with bullet creep. Even some factory loads will do that. You have a good gun, just step up on the ammo some.