460 S&W reloading results?

[Action_Can_Do]

Hello everyone. I was wondering if anyone has been able to handload 460 magnum rounds to anywhere near the velocity of the top factory loading (I'm talking the Barnes 200grn bullet at 2300fps) and if so how was your accuracy. The reason I ask is cause I'm picking up a 460 in a week or two and want to know if it's worth trying for.

 

[Grumulkin]

I've gotten about 2,350 fps with 250 gr. bullets out of a 15 inch Encore in 460 S&W Magnum with excellent accuracy but that load isn't suitable for a revolver.

A couple of pointers in case you're getting a revolver; be sure the bullets are crimped or they'll "walk" under recoil. The best way to crimp if you don't want crushed cases is with a Lee Factory Crimp Die (I had one custom made). Also, this is the only cartridge for which I size new brass when shooting it in a revolver since without resizing, the bullets will be too loose to be held firmly enough.

Also, the "maximum" acceptable case length differs depending on the manual you use. Go with the longer one if you think you must trim.

 

[buck460XVR]

I was wondering if anyone has been able to handload 460 magnum rounds to anywhere near the velocity of the top factory loading (I'm talking the Barnes 200grn bullet at 2300fps) and if so how was your accuracy.

The first thing I reload for is accuracy...then I worry about speed......but even then, not much. My PC X-Frame still amazes me with it's accuracy every time I take it out, and the deer I have shot with it have cared less how fast the bullet was going. I prefer 240-300 grainers and have good luck with Hornady's XTP-MAG bullets in these weights. I've also have had good luck with the 300gr Gold Dots intended for the .454 Casull. Remember, when choosing bullets for the .460, to make sure the bullets are intended for .460 velocities.......many .45 cal bullets are not designed for the velocities the .460 and altho are fine for plinking with reduced recoil loads, will explode on impact when pushed at .460 velocities. I too use a heavy crimp, but have always just used a heavy standard roll crimp and have yet to have any bullet movement from recoil or crush any cases. The .460 produces very high pressures, and it does not take much sometimes to go from a comfortable load with easy extraction to one that takes a dowel and a hammer to get the casing outta the chamber. My X-Frame likes middle of the road loads, so that's what I stick with. I suggest always starting at minimum and then progressing VERY carefully in small increments. Many think they must shoot the biggest and the baddest outta a .460, but the truth is, the .460 is big and bad even when loaded moderately. When the need for speed is finely quenched, there are some plinking loads with TrailBoss, that shoot well and are a fun way to enjoy the notorious big-bore.

 

[Action_Can_Do]

The thing is, I already own a 454 casull, so if I'm not getting higher velocities than that cartridge delivers (and most of the manuals don't) there's little reason to buy one. My particular interest in the 460 is in it's long range superiority to the 454 casull.

 

[kludge]

I'm very happy with the XTP/Mag bullets in the .454 Casull. The 250gr FTX for the .450 Bushmaster would be an interesting one to try (but no cannalure).

What do you consider "long range" and what will it be used for?

many .45 cal bullets are not designed for the velocities the .460 and altho are fine for plinking with reduced recoil loads, will explode on impact when pushed at .460 velocities.

...or worse come apart in the forcing cone.

 

[bogus mcall]

Check out Gunblast.com. Jeff did a review of the 460 s@w and has some data there as well as Handloads.com. If your planning on shooting 200+ yards I suggest you look at the Barnes 275gr xpb or their 290gr tipped MZ muzzle loader bullet or even Hornadys 300gr SST ML bullet.

 

[Action_Can_Do]

I'm going to start at 100 yards and gradually push out to 200. Provided my skill is up to the challenge that is. I've never fired a handgun beyond 100 yards before.

 

[bogus mcall]

At those ranges the 200gr FTX should work well for u.

 

[Grumulkin]

The thing is, I already own a 454 casull, so if I'm not getting higher velocities than that cartridge delivers (and most of the manuals don't) there's little reason to buy one. My particular interest in the 460 is in it's long range superiority to the 454 casull.

The reason loading manuals don't list velocities over 454 Casull velocities is because they don't consider their bullets adequate for 460 S&W Mag. velocities. The 460 S&W is capable of significantly higher velocities but you'll have to go outside of the published velocities of certain manuals (Speer for one).

The 460 S&W is rated for up to 65,000 psi per SAMI but if you don't size your cases enough you won't eject spent cases from your revolver easily at those pressure ranges though an Encore will eject them just fine. That's another reason the loads in manuals are as low as they are. Also, at the upper limits of pressure, brass life will not be what you'd expect out of a straight walled handgun cartridge (read head separations). You will also need a good crimp (better than a roll crimp) for high pressure loads or the bullets WILL walk (I don't crimp at all for my Encore).

As far as ranges the 460 is good for, I would consider it good for up to 225 to 250 yards tops because bullet drop after that is very significant. I've shot a 1.5 inch 3 shot group at 200 yards with my scoped Encore and have taken a Klipspringer (about the size of a large dog) at about 180 yards with it. Sighted in dead on at 100 yards, the drop from 100 to 200 yards is about 7.5 inches.

I also have a 460 S&W revolver with iron sights. My goal with that one is to be able to shoot 3 to 4 inch 3 shot groups at 100 yards with it with iron sights and I haven't gotten there yet. In fact, I would consider the 460 S&W a bit picky to load for and it took quite a bit of work to get my Encore shooting as well as it does.

By the way, I've shot even bullets meant for 45 Autos in both of my 460s with full house loads with no problems; your mileage may vary.

 

[Casefull]

When I shoot jacket bullets in my casull many of them rip off the jacket because of the velocity. fwiw.

 

[Grumulkin]

Just out of curiosity, how do you know the jackets are ripped off? Do you find them in the barrel?