Shoots accurately. Is manageable. Is enjoyable to shoot. Also, I would like something that will be reliably accurate to 75-100 yds from a rest, as I would like to try hunting with whatever I decide on.
I know some people have a different definition of enjoyable and manageable. I dont intend for a .460 VXR to have the recoil of a .22 LR. I know what the expect when shooting the bigger guns, but some are just nasty and are miserable to shoot more than a few shots.
This is a very broad question. I can share what my experience has been but it is limited.
Accuracy will be good in any
quality revolver with a decent sight radius if
you have the skill to shoot it accurately. X-Frame, SRH, Colt Anaconda, BFR, and possibly some other that some folks would include. This is my list though, so.....
I've shot a 44 mag SRH before, and it was fun. Nothing heart stopping, but a good thumper of a gun, and the 44 mag is a very well proven cartridge. With good shot placement it will kill any animal in North America.
I have owned and regularly shot a 460V for like 6.5 years I think. It's one of the more economical choices given the range of ammo it can shoot. Some folks have commented that they are not real accurate with 45 Colt ammo because of the long cylinder jump to engage rifling. I've found it accurate enough at 40 yards to hit two litter bottles with, or to slap steel, but I don't think I'd use 45 colt ammo to hunt with.
454 Casulls are a hand full in this particular X frame, but pretty accurate, and certainly manageable if you know how to grip the gun properly, it has a grip that fits you properly, and you let your arms and upper body absorb the recoil. I think a lot of folks lock up their elbows and wrists in anticipation of the recoil and enhance the shock to their extremities. Don't do that. A firm grip, and tension in your arms is all you need, and let the gun role up into the air. Don't try and fight it or you'll have no fun at all.
200 gr Hornady 460 magnums are not bad to shoot at all. The concussion is huge from a 5 inch gun, but only produces perhaps 15-20% more recoil. Lots of flash and bang due to the shorter barrel. I've found that 300 gr 454's sting a bit more than the lighter 460 load.
Personally I like a 5 or 5.5" barrel as it balances really well for me. I only shoot iron sights with hand guns so going for a longer barrel isn't going to gain me that much unless I scope it, because my eyes aren't really sharp enough to accurately aim out past 125 yards max anyway. Just my personal interest.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBVB2lfuh7Q
While some of the commentary in this video is obviously just some guys joking around, it does give you an idea of the recoil differences.
If you want to actually utilize the full potential of the 460 mag, and shoot longer distance, a longer barrel would likely serve you well.
I really enjoy mine, but as I said in a thread earlier this week, if I was going to do it again, and hunting big game at moderate distances and/or dangerous critter defense was a concern, I'd probably get a 480 Ruger or 500 magnum.
I have not however shot either of those.
The real benefit to the 460XVR is range. So if you want to knock over deer and elk sized game, it'd do just fine.
