460 S&W reloading Qs

[TargetTerror]

I am fairly new to reloading, but have had much fun and success loading for my S&W 686. There is a used S&W 460 for a good price at my local gunshop, and I am seriously consider picking it up. Given the price of 460 S&W ammo, I will be shooting my own handloads exclusively.

I have a couple of questions, though, on what I need and where to get it. Bullet diameter is .452, meaning that any bullet of that diameter (and proper weight) will suffice? Basically, is any 45 LC bullet suitable, as far as size/shape goes?

Given the extreme velocities that the 460 is capable of, are there any hard cast bullets up to the task, or should I stick primarily with jacket bullets? Does anyone have any recommendations on where to good bullets for this caliber?

As for brass, does anyone have any place they recommend for picking up brass, new or once fired, in this caliber?

In case it affects your recommendations, my goal, at least short term, is to develop a mid to moderately hot load for off hand shooting at 25 yards. Once I've mastered that distance, I will probably develop a load for longer ranges, but that is down the line a ways.

Thanks in advance for all of your help!

 

[Grumulkin]

You can use any .451 or .452 diameter bullet but due to the velocities involved, I would recommend jacketed bullets. You probably won't have much trouble getting acceptable accuracy at 25 yards or even 50 yards. For longer ranges, I would suggest Sierra Sportsmasters. I use Starline brass which I got at MidwayUSA.

 

[R.W.Dale]

Bullet diameter is .452, meaning that any bullet of that diameter (and proper weight) will suffice? Basically, is any 45 LC bullet suitable, as far as size/shape goes?

YES and NO With full power loads you DO NOT want to shoot thinly jacketed .45 ACP or LC bullets. Sierra warns that the lead core can actuality be pushed out the end of the bullet by the extremely high pressures 460 operates at. potentially leaving the jacket stuck in the forcing cone.

But that's rather a moot point as you can shoot weaker 45LC and 454 casull loads if cheap bullets is your goal.

Given the extreme velocities that the 460 is capable of, are there any hard cast bullets up to the task, or should I stick primarily with jacket bullets? Does anyone have any recommendations on where to good bullets for this caliber?

The Hornady XTP mag bullet is THE bullet to load in the big 460. I'm pushing them over 2100 FPS in my carbine with great results

In case it affects your recommendations, my goal, at least short term, is to develop a mid to moderately hot load for off hand shooting at 25 yards. Once I've mastered that distance, I will probably develop a load for longer ranges, but that is down the line a ways.

Load a 200grn cast SWC over a few grains of unique in a 45 long colt case.

 

[TargetTerror]

Thanks for the responses, guys. I went to the store to look at the gun (I'd only seen it online) and it already had a deposit on it. It was also the 5 inch model, and I'm interested in the 8 3/8 incher. Ah well, now I just have to save up for a new one, right

I did get to shoot a 500 Mag today that someone had at the range. I then shot the same guy's S&W 44 mag (seems we both like big bore revolvers). We both agreed that the 500 mag was MORE controllable than the 44. The 44 jumps all over the place when fired. The 500 doesn't rise much at all, though it pushes BACK rather violently.

Recoil seemed about comparable with the 460. I'm glad I tried the 500, as now I'm more convinced that I want the 460. It just seems a lot more versatile than the 500.