I recently bought this boomer not because of need, but just because I wanted it. It is a 2005 model, it was on consignment and at a good price. I rounded up the various calibers it will shoot with the exception of the .45 Schofield and went to the range. I started with Hornady .45 Long Colt 185 gr. 920 fps. I found it to be a nice light load that makes it easy on the user to get used to the weight and handling of the 460. The only down sides I have read about are decreased accuracy due to the longer distance from the bullet to the forcing cone and carbon deposits at front of the cylinder making it difficult to load the longer calibers. Not my experience. YMMV. Next I tried Hornady .454 Casull 240gr. 1900 fps. After the first shot I was able to get up off the floor and finish the other 4 rounds. This is a stout load, and made me start to dread what was coming. Next up I used Federal Fusion 460 S&W 260 gr. 1600 fps. I found this particular load to be less punishing than the .454. Federal says that it is intended for those of you who hunt whitetail deer. I can see why so many of you reload, it really gives you a lot of control over how your ammo performs and the cost issues of course. I have ordered some Hornady 460 S&W 200gr. 2200 fps just to see the difference in pain production. Overall I feel the 460 XVR is a real versatile handgun. Mine is very nicely made and finished. I see them for rent at gun ranges all over and I feel it is worth your while to try one out.

Sounds like you had a great day!

I think you'll find the 200gr@2300fps load is going to recoil even less than the 454 and 460 loads you shot today.

The trade off though is that the 200gr@2300 fps load is going to have horrendous muzzle blast.

Enjoy your 460, and consider reloading for it. You won't regret it!

It's funny how these larger calibers, 44mag - 500mag behave with different size bullet's. My M-29, 8-3/8" barrel would shoot a fist sized pattern at 50 yards with a 250gr factory round. With a 170gr Federal HP the gun had a VERY sharp kick and my pattern was about 12" at 20 yards!!!

I've found the same is true with my 500! I was given some rounds by my dealer when I bought the gun: 270gr HP Federal Vital Shocks and some Winchester 400 gr HP Platinum Tip's. Also I bought some Winchester 350gr HP Reduced Recoil rounds. In my opinion the 270gr was the worst of the bunch as far as recoil because it kicked like a REALLY hot .357 mag load! Very sharp kick and I don't think it would prove to be a very accurate round for me..

As far as the other 2 rounds, both had a lot smoother recoil with the 400gn naturally having the most recoil but both were entirely controllable and comfortable to shoot!.

I decided to reload and have settled on the 350gr Hornady XTP HP for hunting and the 350gr Berrys coated SN for target practice using Titegroup. I've just got to make it to the range so I can try different charge sizes and find out just what makes this gun Happy!!

Have Fun with yer new toy!!

Good write up, I have yet to shoot 454 Casull as it's tough to find out my way. But be forewarned the factory 200gr FTX ammo packs a wallop @ 2200 fps (I think you have a typo as it's not 3200 fps). I have the 12" bbl and I'm slowly learning how to manage the recoil. The great bonus about shooting the big boom short stick is that it makes your hold that much better with your lesser caliber handguns !

That is one innovative screen name there my friend. Thanks for the kind words, and I did correct my typo. Mine is the 8-3/8'' barrel and it is taking me awhile to get used to that weight.

What is it that causes that muzzle blast? I am slowly researching whether reloading is for me. I like the idea of customizing loads to suit personal preference.

Sorry about the delay in getting back to you. Any magnum cartridge using a light for caliber bullet while loaded to max is going to produce a lot of muzzle blast.

Ever fired a hot 180gr load in a 44 Magnum? A lot of flash and blast!

The 200gr load in the 460 will have a similar effect only a lot more pronounced. A lot more!!

The 460 is really at its' best with heavier bullets.

Weight ?? What weight ? When you commit the the big bore sledge hammers you need to throw out all expectations of an easily manipulated handgun...

Where is the ashtray LOL. Nicely outfitted!

In just a few short sentences you gave me a much clearer picture of how the higher velocities are achieved and what the side effects are. Just another reason I think I would like to try reloading. One more question, when you fire your bi-pod mounted 460, how is the uplift reaction upon recoil controlled? Thanks for your time.