Hello. New to the forum but not new to firearms. I’ve been looking for a new pistol that is different from everything else I own. I’ve pretty much settled on a 8 3/8” S&W 460 XVR.

I’m aware of how unpractical it is. But I’ve just got a big bore itch that I need to scratch. I’ve read many posts in this forum and other online resources about ammo for this pistol. The consensus seems to look like most reload their own ammo.

Considering the price per round, that’s understandable. But I haven’t reloaded or owned the equipment in 25+ years. And it’s not something I plan on getting back into.

So that leaves me with the question I’m hoping some of you 460 owners can help with. I don’t plan on shooting any other ammo aside from the 460 rounds. I know this won’t be a pistol that sees a lot of range time so I’m content with quality factory ammo.

I shot a 460 S&W years ago and it was the 5” model. Can’t recall the exact same grain bullet, but it was above 300 gr. First time I had ever tasted my sinuses and felt concussion like that from a pistol. I wanted one then, but I just wasn’t financially able to get one at that time.

Any input from you guys who are experienced with this platform and factory ammo (good and what to avoid) is greatly appreciated.

Never had an issue with any factory ammunition.

Ammunition should be purchased based on the intended job it going to perform not price.

If the job is to shot paper then any factory round is going to work.

Typically Hornandy 200 FTX is most cost effective for just punching paper,
as have stated in previous post I would not use this on game animals as it opens to quick under some conditions and ruins meat.

If you are really going to get a 460 you should take up reloading.
Not because you will save any money ,it will allow you to shot more and become more proficient with your gun. Getting good with these takes practice- and don't mean a box or two.

__________________
be safe
Ruggy

Thank you. I’ve been offered a deal on 340 nib rounds of Federal Fusion 260 grain. I primarily shoot steel, melons and colas with revolvers along with paper. But I do want to try the heavier grain rounds 325 and up. I won’t be using this to hunt. I have zero practical reason for this pistol. I just want one. Im not getting any younger by any means. Again, thanks for the answer.

The fusion 260 grain will work fine for paper and melons.

Barnes makes a 325 bullet and there are some lead bullets loads from several companys in the 325 to 360 range.

THE Hornandy 200 FTX are the ones that will clear sinuses.

They will work fine on hogs and deer.

__________________
be safe
Ruggy

I had a 460 for a short time. I shot Hornady and some reloads (of mine)
Unless you are hunting with it, the most impractical caliber in a handgun!

__________________
Still Running Against the Wind

Thanks! I know where some are available.

Since you don't reload you could shoot .45c cowboy ammo at the range, .454c as a mid-range load, and save the full power .460 stuff for those times you want to clear your sinuses. It is a versatile chambering.

Larry

I've tried s&b 255gr, hornady 200gr and 240 grain, and precision one 240gr. No issues with any of it. I wouldn't recommend the precision one if your goal is to shoot full power 460, but the other 3 listed will do the trick. Lax has 460, as does house of payne, but I haven't tried them out yet. If you want something heavier, underwood has a 360gr hard cast that might do it for you. I'm sure buffalo bore and double tap have similar loadings.

__________________
Please no more EZs...

Did not see any handgun scopes on the Leupold site.
Nice to have scope on the 8"+.
Members here can advise as to what to look for,
that will hold up to the 460/500s.

__________________
Have Fun/Stay Safe

I am pretty sure that any ammo made by an established company will be amply reliable. I'd even bet that failures will be rare if ever you ever experience any.

__________________
NHI, 10-8.

As everyone else stated, its hard to find factory ammo that is not reliable.

Out of curiosity I checked at SGammo and they have S&B ammo in 460 for a little over $1/round. I suspect it will be substantially less powerful than hunting rounds but will still have a satisfying impact on melons, 2 liters and water jugs.

But if you really want to scratch that big bore itch why stop there? Buffalo Bore typically makes the hottest ammo available in most calibers. It's probably going to be at least $4/round but it would be worth buying a box or two just to see what your new gun feels like with ammo loaded as hot as possible.

In general you will get more impressive melon explosions and muzzle flash with lighter bullets. If you are being honest with yourself, and it sounds like you are, that's a big part of why you bought the the gun. I once owned a 338 rifle for pretty much the same reason you bought the 460.

While factory ammo is expensive its not like you are going to be burning through a lot of it in this caliber.

My factory round in 460 is HSM " Bear Load "with 325 gr.
Otherwise, I reload Rim Rock Bullets swc's.

For the price it all better be reliable.