460 XVR 3.5pc muzzle velocities

[Birdland70]

I a man considering buying a 460 and really prefer the balance and action on the 3.5 in over the 5 in non-pc. I keep researching the muzzle velocity to try to ensure that it makes sense for grizzly area camping as well as range shenanigans. I can only find three reports of velocities and they are so widespread I am trying to confirm a rough estimate. Ultimately I would likely carry 305 to 360 grain flat nose but the results I have found have been 240 hornandy factory loads: one was around 1400 fps, one around 2000 fps (seems quite high), and one shooting 454 around 1650 fps. Can anyone confirm rough range where you should expect the 3.5 inch to perform? I know there is some variation gun to gun but it is hard to know which figure to trust with a 600fps swing

 

[ruggyh]

see the following

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/356679-460-s-w-velocity-barrel-length.html

Obviously the velocity of any given bullet can be several hundred fps different out of the same gun dependent on the loading.

Any barrel length 460 S&W with the correct bullet will be no issue with/on Grizzly.

I personally carry/use a different bullet for hunting than self protection from big bear.

Note, I have personally been successful with 460 on grizzly.

be safe and good luck
Ruggy

 

[Birdland70]

Thank you, do you have any insight on the 3.5 vs 5 for use as camping defense gun...ease of draw and follow up shot vs blast from compensator. I have yet to find one to fire but have experience with smaller 454s

 

[ruggyh]

For camping and hiking my concern is the muzzle report; flash and sound, even if you chose a 454 Casuall. The uncompensated version will have less flash than compensated version and only slightly less sound report. These really require hearing protection.

If you are hand loading, this can overcome by choosing a heavy hard cast bullet and run them at 1200 to 1400 fps. This is a defensive loading range as apposed to a hunting load. They will still be loud but no comparison to the typically offering. They will still fully penetrate the largest of bears at defensive range.

What ever you chose if you plan on using it you should become proficient at shooting fast moving target if you really expect to have to shoot a griz.

I see no issue with holstering and drawing, as with any gun you chose it will require practice.

Good luck and be safe
Ruggy

 

[Birdland70]

Thanks, yes I plan on reloading do for quite a few other calibers but will buy dies for 460. Mainly I will be using just for fun because I like the x frames...but I would download to a heavy bullet somewhere around the range you mention for remote camping but this will be like 5% of the Guns use. I just need to have some asinine reason to convince myself to purchase another revolver.

 

[locolobo56]

I can find a few good reasons for buying new to me firearms.
"I want this one is a good reason", as is "I don't have one of these" But my favorite is "just because".