I'm just about set to get a .460, 5" S&W, what bullet diameters can be used?

[da gimp]

Going through Midway's selection of .45 bullet, I noticed there were only three jacketed listed as being intended for the .460 S&W, each had a diameter of .452.... not .451 .

S&W says that I can load & use my normal .45 Colt loads & brass in it & ,454 Casul too, though we do not have one, so that is a non issue. All of our .45 Colt loads are used in a S&W .25-3 .45 Colt or a Ruger old model Blackhawk .45 Colt. Every load for those use .451 jacketed bullets, with even most cast bullets being sized to .451, a few to .452.

As long as the bullets are of sturdy construction, why can't I use the .451 jacketed Hornady's? There are so many more choices in the .451 diameter.

I have heard/read here that the lighter, more fragile jacketed bullets break up too easily & that a few have stripped their jackets in some type of barrels........is that why they recommend the .452 now?

Question 2) Starline recommends that we use only large rifle primers in their brass.......... is this standard for all .460 reloads/loads ? All of my manuals are 15 years old or older...... none carry any data on the .460 S&W........I suspect that if we do get it, I'll pick up a new version of the Lyman manual... it should have data for both cast & jacketed loads...

 

[DTL]

My books call for .451" with Magnum primers. Make sure the projectile is rated for the MV those things can make. Hornady has a "mag specific" version of their .451 projectiles that they call for in their manual.

 

[da gimp]

thanks DTL........how much reloading have you done with it? Any bullets to stay away from?

 

[BLUEDOT37]

In Hornady bullets, .451" do not have a cannelure & are intended for use in 45ACP, automatics. Their .452" bullets all have a cannelure, except for the 250gr FTX for the Bushmaster, & are intended for the 45 Colt, revolvers. Speer makes .451" & .452" bullets with cannelures. Sierra splits the different & goes .4515" for all their 45s.

In short you want to use .452" bullets with cannelures & only use ones designed for the muzzle velocity you'll be loading them to. Ones designated as "Mag" are for use in full 460 Mag loads & are of stronger construction. The "standard" ones are for reduced loads in the 460 Mag due to lighter construction. Consult the manufacturers specs, & manuals for specifics.

Different components for different applications. What type of shooting will you be loading for?

You can try the 45 Colt loads, with .451" bullets, you already have loaded up & see how they perform in the 460. The jacketed should be fine but the cast lead may not perform as well because of the longer 460 chamber. It won't hurt to try a few, just remember to clean the chambers good before you shoot any full power 460 loads in them to avoid extraction problems.

.

 

[da gimp]

Thanks Blue for the good advice.. it pretty well answered all my questions sir.

Intended use is back-up gun/ always have on you gun (even when using the head) in big bear country....maybe some wild hog & deer hunting, plinking.........100yd shooting or less..........

 

[ruggyh]

Most important not to drive bullets past their design max rated speed, most jacketed bullets rated for 460 velocities are .452 .

I did experienced several jacket separation with XTP bullets driven at 460 velocity, stopped did some research and found the error of my ways.

460 do indeed use large rifle primers. While some profess the need for magnum primers I have loaded over 30K rounds with WLR primers and never had a primer/ignition issue.

Suitable powders I have used include H110, Lil,Gun, N110, 2400, A9, IMR 4227, Trailboss. Also used IMR 4198 with extremely heavy bullets > 405 grains.

I personally avoid powders/loads that will not fill the case over 80%.
Ammunition manufacture use powders with similar burn rates to H110 - LiL'Gun

Good luck and be safe
Ruggy

Suitable 460 bullets at 460 capable velocities

 

[buck460XVR]

You can use any .45 caliber bullet(.451-.452), as long as it is used at the velocities the bullet was designed for. I've used bullets intended for .45 ACP without a cannelure when making powder puff loads with TrailBoss. If you are loading for legitimate .460 velocities tho, there are only a few bullets out there that will perform well, both when firing from the gun and terminally. If in doubt, contact the bullet manufacturer.