Thompson Center 460 barrel

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cowboy77

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I got one of the pro hunters a while back used but great shape in a 270. Shoots moa or better and added a 300 win mag barrel for it. Action and barrels are ss. Had the action reworked at EABCO and it does even better. Had some decent shipping deals today an I ordered a 460 barrel to the list. I know it’s supposed to shoot 460, 454, and 45 colt. I mainly bought it for a lightweight 454 rifle. I have molds to cast for 454 and 45. I loaded up a few 45 colt tonight until I can get some 454 brass and dies. I’m wondering if shooting 45 a lot will hurt the chambering of 454. I had a Henry I let my Grandson shoot 38s out of for so long it got to where it wouldn’t cycle 357. Used a brass brush on a drill and a lot of breakfree and ballistol to clean the shorter powder burns out in order to cycle a 357 again. I’m also thinking the longer throat for the 460 may cause some accuracy issues with the 454 or 45. If so I guess it will become a dedicated 460 but not anything I really needed with 45-70 in the house. Any feedback would be great.
 
The longer throat of the 460 MIGHT cause accuracy issues. It's not guaranteed though.

The shorter case will, as you have experienced, cause issues when chambering the longer cartridges. The solution is to not let the buildup get to the point where you have to use power tools. Regular cleaning with a brush and basic solvent, paying special attention to the chamber area, will prevent that issue from occurring.
 
I've read up on the "feature" of shooting 45C and 454 Casull in the S&W 460XVR and most of I've come across is velocity comparisons between the three cartridges in that revolver, but not much at all on accuracy. I've decided not to bother with them in my 460, I'll just download 460 rounds when I need to. YMMV
 
I have that barrel for my Encore. So far, I have only fired 460 S&W handloads in it. Some observations:

1. The 460 is a simple cartridge to handload once you get brass. I used data from Lyman #49. Based on the pressure data for H110, I just used a Lee Dipper to measure the powder. YMMV.
2. It makes a nice, light, compact, easy to point package. It feels like about 5.5 lbs. With the power of a warmish 45-70. Therefore, it kicks (Recoil broke the foreend when I was load testing it).

Frankly, I have not tried any 45 Colt or 454 rounds in it because of the potential for messing up the chamber.
 
I just bought some Federal Fusion ammo so I could use it and save the brass for reloading. I am hoping a 260 grain gas checked bullet downloaded to 454 velocities will be accurate in it. I purchased this barrel for my Grandson and I am sure he can't handle the 460 recoil at his size and stature yet. I am hoping the cast will make a good bullet for him.
 
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