I really wish these threads didn't end up having the "Yeah, but what's the point?" element to them. It happens every time. The point is that the OP wants one because he wants one. I have no use, for a Barrett, but I'd buy one if I had the money. And I love it when I hear someone say "What's the point of one of those hand cannons? I'd use the money to buy a really nice 1911.......... to go with my others. I own 12 of them." What's the point of having a dozen 1911s? The point is the buyer wants them, so do what you like.
Back to the 460 and to the OP. I own a 460V with the 5" bbl, and it is a great gun to shoot. In fact, it is my favorite gun that I own. It is very accurate with all loads out to reasonable iron sights distances. I've shot it out to about 50 yards and it is dead on. The sights are adjustable, so take advantage if you need to. I have no doubt that with a scope, this gun would drop an elk out to 200 yards without any problem, though a lot of practice is obviously needed before that becomes a responsible shot to take.
45 lc feels like shooting 38's out of a full size, 6 inch .357. They are a breeze. The .454 Casull is obviously quite a bit more powerfull and loud, but since you have shot those, I'll leave it at that. I'd say that the recoil and noise created by the full power 460 rounds is about 20% more in both regards. I suspect that if this was the 8 and 3/8ths inch bbl, the increase in percieved recoil would be less discernable. You would maybe feel a 10% increase in percieved recoil. Also, since the 460 was originally designed for the 8" bbl, I undoubtedly have some reduction in performance going on, and there is a fair amount of powder that is not burning in the gun. With the Hornady 200gr. cartridge I can see basket ball size fire ball shoot out of the end of the gun in full sunlight. I really want to go out at dusk and try to capture the flash.
The Hogue mono grip does a great job of taiming the recoil. I find the .454 and 460's to be a bit painful to shoot, but I have very little meat on my hands. I'm a big guy but pretty lean, so my hands are rather boney. If you have meatier hands than I, you won't be bothered by it at all.
The bottom line is that 460's are just plain fun, but very expensive to shoot. The fact that you reload will help a lot, and this cartridge is what makes me want to get into reloading to begin with. If you like shooting a .454, then I'd say you would enjoy the 460 a great deal as well. I don't know how it compares to the 500, as I've not shot one.
Bigjj, I own a 460V and it is fantastic for hiking in Grizzly country. In fact, that is why I bought the gun to begin with. I carry it in a Desantes hip holster and it is comfortable. Keep in mind though that the gun still weighs just shy of 4 lbs, so your hip gets a little sore at the end of the day if you are lean, and you better have a good belt or your pants will be around your ankles. I chose this one because it will give you more power and control than say, a Ruger Alaskan. It is great fun to shoot. The one thing I'd caution you on though is that if you are packing this gun for bear defense, you had better have some really good sound dampening earmuffs very accessible. If you blow off a full power round without hearing protection, I have no doubt that you are going to do very severe and permanent hearing damage. I know, better deaf than dead, right? I agree with this, but if you need to take more than one shot, and you probably would, your hearing will be gone.
Now the bad news for you. No, they do not make this model anymore and they are getting harder to find. I like mine so much that I wouldn't mind picking up another one, but due to the price, this is unlikely. I paid $1025 for mine NIB in 2008. Yesterday I saw a bid on gunbroker for one at $1500, and that didn't meet the reserve. There is another one NIB and the minimum bid is $1999. I can't believe the increase in price on this model gun. I don't know if it's just because they are discontinued, or because people now realize what a great versatile gun this model is. If you see one in good shape used for $1000 or less, I'd snatch it up. That's just my though.
I hope this was helpfu to you both.