.460

[Michaelp57]

Leupold

Here is a thread which contains what you are looking for 460 S&W: Velocity / Barrel Length


I have them all- yes every model produced by S&W.
Depends on what I am using it for....
I have hunted with them in 2.75" ES all the way to 14"models.
The 10.5" and longer I would only recommend to hunt with in blind or stand as the are front heavy and require a rest or to be shot from bipod.

If you just plan to shot paper get what you like best, from the bench for me it would be either the uncomped 12" or uncomped 14". Off hand it would be 5" to 7.5" model, leaning toward the 7.5".

Here are threads discussing S&W 460 offering over the years.
I am sure there are other threads if you do a search

Lew Horton 460 S&W Magnums (with photos)

Factory 460 S&W Magnums finished in Black (with Photos)

7.5 inch Barreled 460 S&W Magnums (with Photos)

Long Barreled 460 S&W Magnums (with photos)

X-Frame .460 - Looking for Advice/Recommendations



Several threads that are relevant to optics on the 460.

Personally I have the Leupold 2.5-8x have the longest life
Most scopes don't last 100 rounds, buy once cry once.



460 S&W with H1 Aimpoint test

Revolver Sights

PC 14” 460

If you don't reload you should to get the most out of your 460.
It takes a lot of practice to get proficient with these guys, reloading not only allows you to tune loads to the gun it allows you to get the most shooting in for dollars spent.

I will have to save up for a few weeks for that leupold scope, especially after buying a 460. I do agree with your sentiment: "buy once, cry once".


Given that a bipod is an option for the 7.5" and 10.5" also, this decision just got a lot more difficult. I'll look through those threads you posted and see if the ballistics do anything to narrow down my decision. I'll let you guys know what my final decision is and let you know when the order is placed. I don't even have an order placed, but I'm already excited to shoot the beast and give myself an extra excuse to start reloading, even if just on a small scale.

 

[Tom S.]

OP, you missed one listed for sale here last month. Although I wasn't particularly interested in one, the seller dropped his already decent price by a hundred and I couldn't resist. Here is the result:

Waiting for weather to try it out. I wonder if the seller sold it because of possible accuracy issues. I wonder this because the scope mounts were both loose because the screw holding each side to the picatinny rail had loose/bent screws. I replace the mount with ones shown in the picture and suspect it will shoot well - probably better than my old eyes will allow.

Here's the ad with more pictures: **SOLD** WTS MODEL 460XVR - 14" ***LOWER PRICE*** SKU: 170339 WITH BI-POD & SCOPE

The rust mentioned in the ad was all surface rust and wiped off with oil. The gun also received a through cleaning.

 

[IAM Rand]

I have the 14" barrel but, not the muzzle brake. I love, love, love it. It kicks like the biggest mule you ever saw but, I love that. I was planning on hunting with it but have been having a hard time getting a good grouping.

It might just be that it won't be sub-moa at 100 but, I am still trying. I have taken it into an indoor 100 yard range and will have heads popping around the dividers to see what I am shooting. It is louder than most of the rifles.

I even have bullet molds for it to cast my own. If nothing else, it is a blast (meant the double meaning) to shoot.

 

[Shibadog]

FWIW, a .460’s not much fun to shoot or tote. Big heavy cannon. Unless I was going hunting something Seriously nasty I’d much rather have a smaller, lighter revolver. If you’re a recoil junkie just get a 329-44’scheaper��

 

[hdfinder47]

I agree that the 7.5" is a good compromise between being able to carry more comfortably, shoot freehand and bench. I'm 76 and can still shoot it free hand (not too long) but prefer the bench. Mine is a Whitetailers Unlimited (1 of 2 for Texas) with a Leupold scope and I normally only shoot the cheaper Hornaday 200 grain ammo. All the options you are considering are fun. Enjoy.
Ed

 

[Michaelp57]

Nah

FWIW, a .460’s not much fun to shoot or tote. Big heavy cannon. Unless I was going hunting something Seriously nasty I’d much rather have a smaller, lighter revolver. If you’re a recoil junkie just get a 329-44’scheaper��

I respect your opinion, but I've wanted a 460 for a while, just haven't had the funds to justify buying one. Finally I do, so I won't be swayed away from it. I know it's big and heavy and clunky, but that's kinda my thing. I'm also going to be looking at buying a desert eagle later on this year. I want to eventually have all of the big bore revolver rounds, and the 460 is my ticket to 3 of them.

I will end up getting a 44 also, but I'm too dead set on the 460 right now to pass it up.

 

[AmStaff64]

The DE can kill 2 "big bore birds with one stone". 44Mag and 50AE - just need a separate barrel. The bolt is the same for both as the 44Mag and 50AE case heads are the same.
I had a DE with both barrels and sold it a couple of years ago. It was not my thing, did not fit my hand well. If you like "big and clunky" you will like the DE. Lots of people like them.

If you want to shoot the big bores with any frequency reloading ammo is a must, unless you have pockets deeper than the grand canyon.

I assume you have a 500 S&W Mag on the list too? I also have one of these in the same config as the 460 - 8 & 3/8" barrel.

 

[Roofuss]

I respect your opinion, but I've wanted a 460 for a while, just haven't had the funds to justify buying one. Finally I do, so I won't be swayed away from it. I know it's big and heavy and clunky, but that's kinda my thing. I'm also going to be looking at buying a desert eagle later on this year. I want to eventually have all of the big bore revolver rounds, and the 460 is my ticket to 3 of them.

I will end up getting a 44 also, but I'm too dead set on the 460 right now to pass it up.

Do your research before buying one, and figure out the best version / barrel length that works for you, and go for it. By the way, I have not owned a Desert Eagle , but did have a Magnum Research BFR revolver single action { 7.5" bbl. } in .454 Casull....and it was a blast to shoot .
It too, was a big & bulky gun but a ton of fun. They do make quality stuff.
Happy shopping !

 

[Imissedagain]

I would think a sling or something can be made to carry the
big X Frames while running thru the wilderness.

When I finish stocks for a warm gloved hand and bare hand/thin glove, as I have only tested the gun's function with TrailBoss and medium stout loads, I'll work up other loads.
The OEM rubbers do not fit my hand.
Too low of a hold and too thin.
Waste of ammo and time.

Bullets:
230/255/300/340 grain HC coated leads.
200/240/275/300 various Jacketed and solids.
Powders:
H110, #9, 4227, 4198, Unique, 2400 and TrailBoss.

Now I'm just trying target shooting at
50/100 yds and F Class.
Will ask the advice of Hunters when that time comes.

Have a Geissele SSP on the way and will put the Weaver T36
on a 223/5.56 rifle, punch holes at 50/100yds, and hopefully enlarge them with the 460.

The other side of that Teak stock is interesting and will show and explain it when finished.
Always a bit of tweaking to get it right.
Designed for two hands.
We call it the Rogue Wave because of the right side's shape and
when the hammer drops at the range, it's like getting hit by a rogue wave at sea.
That's what the 300 Blackout shooters say.

Surf's Up.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I definitely see the attraction, "cool factor", and temptation, but our animals here in south Texas, even the two legged ones, succumb readily to 357. Love hearing about and seeing the 460 though. It would likely be a safe queen for me. Thank you for posting.

 

[Michaelp57]

Hell yeah

The DE can kill 2 "big bore birds with one stone". 44Mag and 50AE - just need a separate barrel. The bolt is the same for both as the 44Mag and 50AE case heads are the same.
I had a DE with both barrels and sold it a couple of years ago. It was not my thing, did not fit my hand well. If you like "big and clunky" you will like the DE. Lots of people like them.

If you want to shoot the big bores with any frequency reloading ammo is a must, unless you have pockets deeper than the grand canyon.

I assume you have a 500 S&W Mag on the list too? I also have one of these in the same config as the 460 - 8 & 3/8" barrel.

Hell yeah 500 is on the list. I'm going for 460, 500, 480 ruger(eventually). And semis I'm going for 460 rowland, 50ae, and hopefully one day I find a 45 win mag(LAR).

I have a 45-70 lever so maybe I'll end up getting a BFR in 45-70 also

The 460 will be the first gun I'm reloading for and I will start reloading for other calibers eventually. My pockets are certainly not that deep. I am that weird guy that goes to the lgs or gun shows and buys boxes of ammo for random calibers I dont have a gun for yet, so I at least have enough for a short range trip for most any gun that I end up picking up.

 

[Michaelp57]

Thank you

Do your research before buying one, and figure out the best version / barrel length that works for you, and go for it. By the way, I have not owned a Desert Eagle , but did have a Magnum Research BFR revolver single action { 7.5" bbl. } in .454 Casull....and it was a blast to shoot .
It too, was a big & bulky gun but a ton of fun. They do make quality stuff.
Happy shopping !

Thank you Roofuss. I have landed on the 14" barrel. Now I just gotta find one. I may end up with a BFR one day as well. We will see how things go.

 

[Michaelp57]

I definitely see the attraction, "cool factor", and temptation, but our animals here in south Texas, even the two legged ones, succumb readily to 357. Love hearing about and seeing the 460 though. It would likely be a safe queen for me. Thank you for posting.

Honestly the cool factor is what gets me on most of my gun purchases. I dont believe in safe queens(unless I find a good condition PC sd40/sd356/sd9). Every gun I buy will be shot, maybe some less than others, but they will all be shot. Save for the exceptions named above, no point buying it, if it isn't gonna get shot.

 

[Michaelp57]

Powders

I would think a sling or something can be made to carry the
big X Frames while running thru the wilderness.

When I finish stocks for a warm gloved hand and bare hand/thin glove, as I have only tested the gun's function with TrailBoss and medium stout loads, I'll work up other loads.
The OEM rubbers do not fit my hand.
Too low of a hold and too thin.
Waste of ammo and time.

Bullets:
230/255/300/340 grain HC coated leads.
200/240/275/300 various Jacketed and solids.
Powders:
H110, #9, 4227, 4198, Unique, 2400 and TrailBoss.

Now I'm just trying target shooting at
50/100 yds and F Class.
Will ask the advice of Hunters when that time comes.

Have a Geissele SSP on the way and will put the Weaver T36
on a 223/5.56 rifle, punch holes at 50/100yds, and hopefully enlarge them with the 460.

The other side of that Teak stock is interesting and will show and explain it when finished.
Always a bit of tweaking to get it right.
Designed for two hands.
We call it the Rogue Wave because of the right side's shape and
when the hammer drops at the range, it's like getting hit by a rogue wave at sea.
That's what the 300 Blackout shooters say.

Surf's Up.

Which of those powders have you had the best experience with for the 460? And yes, please let us know how those grips turn out. I will be anxiously awaiting pictures of them.

 

[Imissedagain]

"The 460 is way way up there in the handgun pressure world.
Not exactly riding the edge of madness, but you can see
it from there".

One of my favorite quotes.

Barrel length along with the purpose of the ammo, is important
for powder choice.
I added 2400 and #9 when it was recommended for the
3.5" 460.
All the powders listed are often used but I have 4198 so
I loaded some.
Bullets hit the paper but I would not use that as others are
better.
It's my goto powder for a 1:12 twist with 223/5.56 and
458 WinMag.

Shortly I'll have grips that fit and will get back to the range.

Check all the links above and research using their screen names
as they hunt and know what really works.

I'm a fisherman.
Wanna learn to catch baitfish and paint the bottom of
your hull, to raise big fish, I can be helpful ........
but I won't provide Lat/Lons.

Thar She Blows, Grandpa.
Pipe 'em up.

 

[Imissedagain]

Be prepared as you're about to drop the hammer
on your 460, of lotsa shooters screaming.....
IS THAT A 500?
Even when I hang the ammo bag behind me,
inquiring minds have to know.
Perhaps red LEDs, flashing the 460 might work.
It could happen.

 

[Michaelp57]

Be prepared as you're about to drop the hammer
on your 460, of lotsa shooters screaming.....
IS THAT A 500?
Even when I hang the ammo bag behind me,
inquiring minds have to know.
Perhaps red LEDs, flashing the 460 might work.
It could happen.

I'm pretty well used to the inquiring minds by now. Every time I bring my Henry golden boy 45-70 or my 7.62×39 ar with a muzzle brake to the range, the moment a round goes down range the rest of the range gets quiet and i see heads peaking around the dividers. Always fun to put on a show for the others at the range.

Unfortunately, I would only be allowed to shoot the 45lc out of the 460 at my local indoor range, so no show for them. Once it gets warmer out, my buddies will be in for a treat at the farm though.


I will do a little more digging around for info on realoading though. I'm sure with the wealth of knowledge that is this forum, it shouldn't be too hard to find good info and start reloading.

 

[IAM Rand]

After reading this post I felt the need to break out the 460 and kick the tires. As posted by Michaelp57 above, someone notices what I am about to shoot. When I start throwing rounds downrange it makes everyone stop to check it out.

Kinda fun being the loudest on the indoor range. Ours lets us use 460 mag inside on the 100 yard range.

 

[llowry61]

I can appreciate your zest for the power wagons of the pistol and rifle world. While it is not my thing, I am one of the gawkers when you guys send the pressure wave across the shooting line. Our indoor range allows big bore handguns and I get looks just firing full house 44magnum.

One thing I have noticed is that they seem a bit challenging if you decide to sell.

Have fun and as others have stated reloading will be an absolute must. I started reloading for 357 and 44 due to cost and they are cheap compared to the big boys.

 

[toroflow1]

Just in case you need larger grips to hold onto that .460....