Loading for the 460 S&W Mag revolver

[reloading_rich]

I am starting to work up loads for the big X frame and was wondering what others have come up with. I am thinking of using the Hornady FTX 200 grain bullet as it may be one of the only ones that will handle the velocity without coming unglued. I will use it for Deer, hogs and critters up to Elk/Buffalo in size.

 

[duckloads]

I have been reloading for my 460 XVR for over 2 yrs, maybe 3. My gun is the 8-3/8" version with the "gain twist" rifleing. That's important. I also have a Burris 2x7 scope. That's real important.

Hornady's website has the load data for the FTX.

My accurate load is with the 200 gr FTX bullet, 50.5 gr H-110 and LRM primer. I tried using standard LR primers, but I got somewhat better accuracy with the LRM's. I'm talking about 1/2" better groups at 50 yds and 1" better at 100 yds. I chrono'd that load at around 2,200fps. When the conditions are right, 5 shot, 3" groups at 100 yds is very douable. Five shot, ragged hole groups at 50yds is also douable. Hornady's data goes to more than 50.5 gr, but that is where I stopped.

My gun does not shoot lead worth a crap at any thing better that 25yds, but then I've only used Trail Boss powder with the lead bullets.

I had some success with 300 gr Speer bullets meant for the 454/460 velocities, but the best accuracy was around 4" groups at 50 yds. My take on that is the "gain twist rifleing" will not stabilize a heavy bullet. That would make a great short range, big hog load.

Have fun with those 200 gr FTX bullets with compressed loads of H-110. I will warn you NOT to shoot that gun without hearing protection. I wear plugs and muffs. The compensator will direct the blast back at you. It is like being hit in the face with a pillow.

I once shot mine with the muffs (no plugs) on my head and above my ears not covering my ears. I will never recover from that blast. I got distracted and didn't place the muffs back over my ears before I shot. It was like an icepick was jabbed through my left ear.

I've made a couple of shots with only plugs. That's not fun. The muffs I use amplify sound and then shuts off the gun blast. They work great alos with wearing plugs. You can amplify the sound to carry on a conversation, and a a gun blast the world goes kind of quiet.

Have fun

 

[buck460XVR]

I am starting to work up loads for the big X frame and was wondering what others have come up with. I am thinking of using the Hornady FTX 200 grain bullet as it may be one of the only ones that will handle the velocity without coming unglued. I will use it for Deer, hogs and critters up to Elk/Buffalo in size.

Hornady makes their .452 dia. 240 and 300 gr XTP-MAG(not their 250 and 300 gr regular XTP-HPs) bullets that are designed for reliable penetration and expansion at .460 mag velocities. There are others out there also, like the Speer 300 gr Gold Dot. I do not recommend the 200 gr FTX for any game larger than coyote. My experience is that at close range(30 yards or less) that they tend to disintegrate upon impact on deer sized game. When shot into a sand bunker they(the 200 gr FTX) turn into a thin flat sheet of gilding metal whereas, the 240 and 300 gr XTP-MAGs tend to hold there shape and retain their lead core.


.....but them 200 FTXs sure look purdy.

 

[Schofieldkid81]

buck460XVR, do you know if hornady's 250xtp muzzleloader bullet, is any tougher than the regular xtp? The box I have says up to 2000fps. I loaded a few and they grouped ok. But I don't know how they would perform on game.