.460 Conversion: XDm or M&P?

[Snowdog]

I've finally got around to focus again on the .460 Rowland with intent to purchase the platform (to be converted) within the week.

I still don't want a Glock as I find they really don't feel good to me. However, both the XDm and M&P do. I've been looking at both the XDm 5.25 and M&P45 and I find myself wondering if one may be a better candidate for this conversion.

I'm aware the 460 Rowland is a punishing round and will likely reduce the lifespan of whichever platform used even with the massive muzzle brake and heavier springs. I simply like the idea of 850 - 1000 ft/lbs from a service-size auto (even if wearing a brake). Having 11 to 14 rounds on board with 10 to 13 round mags in tow is nice too.

If it helps, I do intend to load for it, but whichever it is will likely cut its teeth on either Underwood's 200gr Lehigh Xtreme Penetrator at 1400 FPS (870 ft/lbs) or Underwood's 255gr hardcast of 21 Brinell at 1300 FPS (957 ft/lbs).

As you may suspect, I'm quite the fan of Underwood as their prices are every bit as good as the others, but unlike some of the others, their actual velocities from real-world firearms reflect their posted velocities. My experience has been nothing but excellent with their .380acp, 9mm .40 S&W and 10mm offerings.

Between the M&P45 and XDm 5.25 (or even 4.5), does one seem to be more suitable than the other for this conversion?

Thanks in advance!

 

[hAkron]

I vote M&P

 

[cstarr3]

I would first check and see which gun you could get the heaviest recoil springs for. I think that would probably be the XDm, but you'd have to check. I know the Glock conversions of years back were shipped with something like a 24 pound spring.

If you have the option of getting a replacement barrel that has some extra length and weight on it, that would be a good idea. If you are going to have a fast, heavy caliber, there is no point wasting that velocity with a short barrel. So that might figure into your decision. I know there are a few companies that do aftermarket barrels for the XD/XDm, but none pop into mind for the M&P. And the M&P comes with 4.5" longest factory barrel, where the XDm comes in 5.25".

The XDm may have better aftermarket availability of parts and mods, and if the platform is going to get beat up, price and availability of replacement parts are something to consider.

Finally, I think there is always the question of which gun is cheaper. The XD series that I've seen go for less than Glocks, and M&Ps go for more. If this gun is going to shoot itself to pieces, you may not want to invest too much into such a fleeting item.

So my vote goes for the XDm, but I do not think that the M&P would be a bad shoice. It will be fine. I just think the XDm is a little better choice. I know you said you don't like the Glock, but have you tried their SF version? Still bulky, just not as bulky as usual.

I haven't shot much .460, but I have shot .40 Super, which is a necked down .460, and it is a fire-breathing dragon. The recoil was probably on the level of "Dangerous to those around me." So, after shooting the Underwood .40 Super, I bought an arm brace for my Glock, and that helped a lot with the recoil, making the firing line safe once again. If you are so inclined, check and see if there are braces available for M&Ps or XDms.

Good luck. Let us know how it works out!

 

[Snowdog]

That's some good info there, cstarr3!

My wife informs me that she already bought an XDm 5.25 in .45acp for me as a birthday gift, an idea I planted a few weeks ago. She had to break the news early as she saw I was pricing them on Buds and became concerned I'd end up with two.

So, instead of purchasing the pistol, I'll use those funds for the conversion kit and ammunition.

I also noticed Rowland offers their own .460 Rowland ammunition, one of which has piqued my interest. It's called Johnny's 240 Magnum FMJ-HP (interesting name) and it features a 240gr Hornady XTP .452 JHP designed for rifles (according to the site) that has been resized to .451 and loaded to 1350 FPS (957 ft/lbs). This is interesting as I understand most if not all JHPs intended for the .45acp will utterly fail at .460 Rowland velocities and this bullet appears to address that.

Once I accumulate brass from factory loaded .460 Rowland, I do intend to load my own with hardcast. But for now, I'm sticking with what's currently available.

 

[gotboostvr]

That 240gr XTP looks like it has a minimum velocity of about 1100fps, but a max of 2100fps.

I'm not sure what effect (if any) swadging it down a little will do.

But their 250gr XTP has a range of 800-1600 and seems like a better choice to me.

 

[ClevelandK]

I started looking too! Xdm .45 5.25 in .460 Rowland, BUT...460Rowland nor any others I've found yet do the conversion for the 5.25 length barrel. Anyone???
I want the slide that's on the 5.25, otherwise I'd go smaller. Glock will be coming out with their G41 with their MOS soon, similar cutout slide, but I'd rather stay with SA, like I have now.

 

[ClevelandK]

See mine below, please!

 

[Snowdog]

ClevelandK, the following is a link to Rowland's website (directly to their XDm 5.25 conversion):

Click here