460 SW or 44 mag

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aOWENc

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Hello everyone,

I’m in the market for a big bore revolver that I can carry on western hunts and potentially for deer hunting. I already have Model 29, but am looking for something newer.

I am mostly interested in the 4” model 69, and the 5” 460. I would be taking it on future elk and hunts in Montana for bear protection. I don’t want to turn this into another bear gun thread, as I already know that using a handgun on a bear is a last ditch attempt at best.

I am not too concerned about the price as they seem to be within $300 of each other. I like the versatility of the 460 with the 45LC and 454 Casull loads for plinking. However, I’ve read that the point of impact is very different with these lighter loads, and the 45 LC also isn’t very accurate due to the long distance to the forcing cone.

As far as hunting goes, I likely wouldn’t do this very often, and it would be sort of a fun thing to do when deer get within 30 yards while bow hunting during the gun season or something of this manner. I am not interested in going longer in barrel length, as I want this to be a packable gun.

So, should I save on weight and go with the 69, or go up to the 460 for the most power and versatility?

Also, both of these will be handloaded for.
 
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How much power do you want?
My M69 is a breeze to carry all day. Lights out accurate and handles book max magnums well.

I do not have a 460, bit it is a lot bigger. Bigger than me, almost.
 
I own a 460 X Frame, and Several .44Mag. Revolvers. My choice would be a 5" 460V. You can fire 45 Schofield, 45 Colt,454 Casull, or 460S&W from the same Cylinder. That equals, and Greatly exceeds the 44 Rem Mag in my opinion. Of Course the 460V weighs 61oz
 

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Practical minded, the 44.
Either is overkill IMO for deer.
If you wanted a handgun PRIMARILY for hunting, then the 460.
But this will be back up to the bow.

Bang flop on buck, or at least a very easy to follow trail? 460.
Make sure to Wear electronic hearing protection no matter what you choose
 
I wouldn’t dream of taking an X frame along on a real hunting trip as a back up piece unless I had a gun bearer to carry the thing for me.

I’m not sure I could find a gun bearer who could be relied upon to hang around as the bear charged and hand me the X frame.

Due to the dearth of reliable gun bearer help, the choice is easy: get the M69.
 
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The model 69 would be the last .44 mag I would consider for a hunting .44. One would be better off with a comparable 629. As for a backup gun, whether one wants a .44 or .460, it would depend on what one was intending to back-up and what against. If one is grouse hunting in an area where there are grizzlies, I'd want the .460 to back up my shottie with light loads. Iffin I was hunting elk in the same area with a rifle, even the .44 would be just extra weight. If I was looking at a primary hunting weapon for areas out west, I would first look at the .460 because of it's greater range and accuracy at those longer ranges. The model 69 would make for a EDC for the woods when one is not going to shoot it a lot with full throttle magnum ammo.
 
I own a 12" 460 XVR , and a DE44 and a GP100 357 mag. Normally I would belly right up and suggest a 460 mag, but where your considering the 5" you need to understand that first off a 5" 460XVR is going to pack some BRUTAL recoil. Secondly the 460 XVR's ammo is VERY expensive. I really think you would be more happy with a 44 mag at this time. Maybe down the road then have another look at a 460 , but I suggest the heavier 8-3/8" barrel as it softens up some of the felt recoil.
 
Seems like the real question is more about how much weight do you wish to actually carry. Since you stated that you would reload for either , the LC accuracy from the distance to the forcing cone doesn't matter since you could load a 460 case down to 45 LC specs . {using a different powder that would fill the case better for LC velocities} The main drawbacks to the 460 is carrying the weight and the noise. If you wish to go into the hunting area early and stay late and need a protection gun, You either need to wear electronic hearing protection or choose the M 69 or load the 460 down. A few shots from a 44 mag is doable with a 44 mag...not so sure about from a 460. I've been surprised with CC permits that bow hunters haven't all bought Model 69's with the 2 3/4 inch barrel since it's a lot of protection in a very small/carry-able package. If you go with the 460 you'll probably want a double D chest holster to carry the weight. The 69 is much more versatile for everyday woods gun. I have both a M69 2 3/4 inch and a 629 3 inch and prefer the weight and L frame package of the 69 for actual carry.{although I love the sound of the action on a 629 when cocking it} For hunting I would opt for a longer barrel. {some comes down to asking yourself the question of how often you would want to unleash the power of a 460 or is a 44 mag all you really care to hold onto. If you decide to always have the 460 loaded light for recoil management and noise, then the 69 makes more sense almost half the weight to carry but still manageable for recoil even in the short barrel. That 460 is a brutal beast for weight. I put night sights on both my 69 and my 3 inch 629 because going hunting and walking into or out of the woods at dark early or dark late...and they still function in daylight just fine.
 
"Fun" and packing an X frame seem to be mutually exclusive. Sure, they are versatile, but so is a 120mm Rheinmetall tank cannon.

I think you want a 69 or a shorter barreled 629. A Mountain Gun sounds perfect but would be tough to find for less than a grand. A regular ol' 4" 629 perhaps.
 
I would recommend the 69. From what I got out of your post it sounds like you want a gun that would be carried more than shot in the field. I personally don’t like the x frames. They are huge and heavy and only shine if you are serious about handgun hunting for big dangerous game. I like 44 magnum a lot and I really like the L frame 44 magnum concept. I think it’s one of the best ideas Smith & Wesson has came out with in a long time.
 
Don’t think the excess weight of the 460 would find much holster time while hunting. I recently picked up a 4” 629 with a bianchi thumb break holster for what you describe. I’ve fired around 200 reloads and factory loads from it. It’s not quite as light as the 69 but there’s only a little more than 4 oz. difference.

I’m planning to use mine the way you’re describing.

Best of luck with your decision.
Rick
 
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If you are going to be hunting elk in the Montana rockies, go with the M69. At 5000 ft +- elevation and some seriously challenging terrain, every extra ounce feels like a pound at the end of the day. The handgun is a good idea when your rifle isn't close at hand and when field dressing you harvest.

You should have no problem taking a deer at 30 yds with the 4 1/4" M69.

FWIW,

Paul
 
...Super Blackhawk...

...from my trail cam in bear country...

1asbh3.jpg
 
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I had a 460 and couldn't imagine packing one around all day. My 69 is a airweight in comparison. The 44 magnum will handle your needs just fine.
 
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Paul105 said:
There's bear country and then there is BEAR country -- LOL. Love trail cam pics.


Paul
Click to expand...

...the Colorado Division of Wildlife says there are no Grizzlies in Colorado...

...I was above Lake City a few years ago without a camera...

...I beg to differ...but alas...no proof...
 
No offense intended -- FWPs seem to have different agenda -- lot more griz in MT than officially admitted to.
 
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Paul105 said:
No offense intended -- FWPs seem to have different agenda -- lot more griz in MT than officially admitted to.
Click to expand...

And, from what I've heard, wolves.
Here there are definitely more cougars and close encounters with them then they'll admit.
 
OP, you already have a .44. For bear protection go with the .460 and find a quality chest rig that fits.
 
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