.460 S&W Magnum, just picked one up & time to reload

[terrybarb3]

I'm brand new to the forum and after searching for several minutes, couldn't find any discussion on reloading for the 460XVR.

As it it an incredibly large capacity handgun case, I'd appreciate any feedback you have with this round. I've researched enough to know I've got 240gr & 300gr XTP Mag bullets. I also have a lot of H110 powder.

Looking at the different sites, some say to use large rifle primers, some say to use LRM primers.... lots of variance in a case that calls for loads +45 grains of powder.

What's your thoughts and experience?

 

[ruggyh]

Use the bullet manufactures data.

Hornady has good data for the 460.

Don't confuse internet opinion with with proven data.

H110 is is a good choice just follow Horandy load range information. Start at the bottom and work up- I focus on grouping rather than top velocity.

There are numerous loading discussion on the 460 though most are actually posted in the revolver 1980 Present section.

good luck and be safe,
Ruggy

 

[buck460XVR]

My experience with H110/W296 in my .460 is that prefers magnum primers. While I use the 240 grainers sometimes at the range, I prefer 300s for hunting deer. I've found my X-Frame prefers IMR4227 with them. Sticky extraction in your .460 means you need to back down. Start low and work up in small increments...and only use bullets appropriate for .460 velocities and pressures when loading legitimate .460 ammo. While bullets intended for .45 Colt will work for reduced recoil and plinker type loads, they may separate or cause excessive forcing cone erosion when used at .460 velocities. You will find you do not need to load your .460 to max for it to be effective. Load for accuracy first.

 

[Road_Clam]

I've noticed my best consistency using the Hornady 300gr XTP MAG. Shooting off a sturdy rest I can hold about 4 moa at 200 meters. I've tried several loads using the 200gr FTX and they do shoot well but per my data the 300's shoot a bit better.

 

[oldman10mm]

http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/440176-45lc-454casull-460s-w-magnum-dies.html

 

[Misskimo]

Just got me a 460 too.
What have you come up with. I bought mine with 21 boxes of ammo. And 7 boxes of emt
Got 100 horns primed and now been reading all day
Got 2 boxes of horns 300 xtp mag. 4 boxes of 250 xtp for mild loads
1 lb of H110. 2 lb of W296 and 2 lbs of a 2400
Ready to load here in the arctic
Just went out and shot my 454 300 g bullet and 460 320g at the same time. What a blast

 

[Rob70]

Makes me a bit envious here in Aussie cannot buy any loaded ammo in 460 but just got a few cases so have done some reloading and it is a blast

 

[fredj338]

I don't load for the 460, but anytime you are loading ball powder I excess of 25gr, time for a mag primer. A lot of good cast bullet designs in 452. None of my magnums see jacketed bullets.

 

[Misskimo]

Good point fred. Ill get some big ole lead bullets

 

[Road_Clam]

anytime you are loading ball powder I excess of 25gr, time for a mag primer.

More myth than fact. I tested the "mag vs. std primer theory" a few years ago in .223. I loaded 26 gr of W748 ball powder and 69 gr SMK's using both CCI standard and mag primers. Per my data , absolutely NO difference in velocities or accuracy. Even loading 50 gr or H110 for the 460 mag I only use std primers. If you feel you need mag primers then by all means go for it.

 

[Ahab]

More myth than fact. I tested the "mag vs. std primer theory" a few years ago in .223. I loaded 26 gr of W748 ball powder and 69 gr SMK's using both CCI standard and mag primers. Per my data , absolutely NO difference in velocities or accuracy. Even loading 50 gr or H110 for the 460 mag I only use std primers. If you feel you need mag primers then by all means go for it.

Big difference between a bottle nosed .223 and the .460. I only use rifle mag primers as advised by the powder makers.

 

[Nevada Ed]

After loading 3.5-6.8 grs of powder for the little 9mm...........

Having to pour 40 to 48.8 grs of powder into one case.......
just blows my mind !!

Have fun.

 

[Misskimo]

Loading my 300 ultra mag is a mind blower. 98 gr of returnbo
I loaded mag primers in my 460. Cold weather 8 months out of the year. Thinking that H110 needs the extra heat

 

[Road_Clam]

After loading 3.5-6.8 grs of powder for the little 9mm...........

Having to pour 40 to 48.8 grs of powder into one case.......
just blows my mind !!

Have fun.

I believe the recipe for the factory Hornady 200 FTX is about 52.2 gr of H110 ! Now that's a LOT of powder !

With my 12" XVR I like to load the 200 FTX using 50 gr. as I notice no added accuracy loading beyond 50 gr. I'm not a velocity nut so no need to run max IMO.

 

[Misskimo]

Well Im ganna shoot my 200s sparingly . My 460 I just bought has 6 boxes of 200s ran through it, Notice the flame cutting just from off the shelf ammo
I will be loading nothing but heavy bullets from now on

 

[ruggyh]

The flame cutting is self limiting and have a numbers of 460s with 10K + rounds. I wouldn't worry about it to much.

And yes heavier bullets will help limit it to a degree but this a not a 35K psi revolver!!!

On the other topic about with regards to H110 and primers.
I have loaded / shoot 10s of thousands of 460 rounds now assembled with H110 and regular WLR primers without a single issue. With case fills above 80% I have not seen any issues - in the 460 case fills with this powder should be 90% to slightly compressed.

If you want lighter loads chose a more appropriate powder like 4227 or even 4198 if you are g0ing for real heavy (>540) bullets.

Be safe
Ruggy

PS. and never had any issues even in the cold

 

[Road_Clam]

The flame cutting is self limiting and have a numbers of 460s with 10K + rounds. I wouldn't worry about it to much.

And yes heavier bullets will help limit it to a degree but this a not a 35K psi revolver!!!

On the other topic about with regards to H110 and primers.
I have loaded / shoot 10s of thousands of 460 rounds now assembled with H110 and regular WLR primers without a single issue. With case fills above 80% I have not seen any issues - in the 460 case fills with this powder should be 90% to slightly compressed.

If you want lighter loads chose a more appropriate powder like 4227 or even 4198 if you are g0ing for real heavy (>540) bullets.

Be safe
Ruggy

PS. and never had any issues even in the cold

That hat is badass !

 

[Misskimo]

Yeh. Up here in the Arctic. Alaska. Those are the standard hats