Deer cartridge for the 460 XVR

[XVR-460-14"]

What bullet do you suggest for deer size game in a 460 XVR

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! It depends on your capabilities and the intended distance from and size of the deer. Many suggest the equivalent of a heavy loaded .45 Colt (250 gr at 1100-1200 fps) as being perfectly adequate for deer, but I think you would have a hard time finding a factory .460 expanding bullet load that would not work for this purpose.

 

[XVR-460-14"]

I have some of the Hornady 200 gr. FTX that I had planned on using but have read mixed reviews on deer size game. Main complaint was on shoulder hits, the bullet was not reaching the vitals.

 

[steelslaver]

Velocity isn't everything. Go with a heavier bullet. You don't need much expansion with slugs this big. You have the king of 45s and I would go with 250-300 gr bullets and never worry about a good hit going bad.

I have shot several deer with 45 colts and 44 mags using bullets in the 240-255 range with good results. I once shot one at very close range with a hot 200gr HP in 44 mag. Near side front shoulder about fell off when skinned, far side of chest cavity peppered with bits of bullet fragments.

 

[ruggyh]

Lots of threads this last year on bullet selection here.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/393708-460-s-w-results-warnin-graphic-content.html#post138106359

YES



The 200 FTX fragments to easy in my opion on game and ruins to much meat.
Any of the Banres XPB work well or the Hornady 240 or 300 XTP MAG. Speer and Swift also make 300 grain bullets that are suitable.
Cutting Edge bullet makes a 240 grain HP and a 300 grain solid.

The XTP MAGs are a very good low cost solution.

Though I have yet to use a hardcast hunting they should be suitable if your state allows the use of non-expanding bullets.

Good Luck and be safe
Ruggy

Would suggest you look through past posts for more information.

Good luck and be safe
Ruggy

 

[Jinglebob]

A 200-grain load is best suited for deer-size game. A 275-grain slug would be an excellent choice for boar or black bear.

 

[ruggyh]

A 200-grain load is best suited for deer-size game. A 275-grain slug would be an excellent choice for boar or black bear.

Not just the size but the construction- as stated may times the 200 and 225 FTX opens to fast for game hunting (out of a 460).

Any off the other bullets pictured above will work.
I have used the all the Barnes, Cutting Edge, and XTP MAGs above without issue on boars to bison.

Shot placement rules, little more is better than not enough and a hole in and out is better than hole that's not deep enough.

Good luck and be safe
Ruggy

 

[XVR-460-14"]

Deer loads for the 460 XVR

Thanks for the info, I sighted in with the Hornady 200 grain FTX and got a 2" group (4 shots) at 100 yards. I purchased 2 boxes of the Federal Premium 275 Grain Barnes Expander and will re-zero and take to the woods this Saturday for our whitetail opener.
Happy Hunting!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[buck460XVR]

While the 200 gr FTX is very accurate, I do not recommend it for anything but varmints. While it may work on antelope or small deer out past 100 yards, my experience with them is that they are too fragile for deer sized game, especially at close range, which is what many of us experience with handgun hunting.

Decent deer hunting factory ammo for the .460 is expensive and hard to find. The .460 is a handloaders cartridge and for a very minimal investment and a simple SS press, one can make custom ammo for their gun that is cheaper and more consistent. My go to deer cartridge outta my .460 is a 300 gr jacketed doing about 1700-1750 fps.

 

[XVR-460-14"]

Difference in Hornady 200 Gr. FTX and Federal 275 gr. XTP

I sighted in my 460 XVR with the Hornady 200 gr. FTX and changed to Federal 275 gr. XTP. for deer hunting. Rechecked zero and I was 17" low at 100 yards with the Federal 275 gr. Has anyone else found this wide range between different bullets?
Thanks,