Looking for Handload for .460 S&W; TC Encore 20" Rifle

[goathollow]

I'm wanting to load up some 275 gr Barnes XPBs to shoot out of my TC Encore .460 S&W rifle. The Lyman manual suggests something between 46-48 grains of H-110 (one option for powder) for that bullet. That isn't a lot of variance so I was just wondering if anyone has any experience with this bullet/rifle combination in a handload. I've loaded up some with 47 gr as a middle of the road but wouldn't mind going lower if accuracy is good. I will be using this load for hunting black bear.

I've tried the Hornady SXT 200 gr factory loads but they disintegrate on impact. I've killed whitetails and hogs with them but never gotten a pass through and frankly they make a mess.

 

[ruggyh]

I agree the FTX is the wrong bullet for game animals, they are meat wasters.

The Hornady XTG MAG bullets, 240 and 300 are good choices, these have worked well for me on hogs and others I know on deer.

The Barnes bullets are typically what I use and in most cases will be pass through, expansion has been good on all recovered bullets. I have had no issue with using the 200 on black bear, they shoot flatter than the 275.

The 225 and 250 grain Barnes intended for 45 Colt and 454 Casull also perform well under reduced loads, I use them when using dogs on pigs with a case full of Trailboss. Easier on the dogs ears and little to no muzzle flash for these up close shots; even the wife uses them.

I have also used the Cutting Edge bullet bullet with good results recently. Note out of rifle length barrel at close range there will be an excessive entry wound with a small exit, at extended range >30 yards with long barrel they have been normal entry, massive wound channel and small exit hole.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/393708-460-s-w-results-warnin-graphic-content.html

I have not used the Swift or Speer 300 grain bullets on game but suspect the results would be similar to the XTP MAG bullets.

In general I would say that most 460 loads group well over a wide load range. Typically I use #9 with Barnes 200 and 275, though 2400, N110, H110 also work equally well.

As a 460 user I would be very interested in the results of your load testing and grouping results out of your Encore.

I will send you some load data when I return home for H110.


Good luck and be safe
Ruggy

 

[goathollow]

Ruggyh:

Thanks for the info. I'm hoping to hit the range tomorrow to see how the Barnes 275's shoot with 47 gr of H110. If time allows this evening, I may load up a few rounds down closer to starting load...but that is only about 1 grain less with the H110. I will post up my results. I'm not sure I will have time to test other bullets and powders before my bear hunt...I leave 5/3.

I'd be really interested in learning more about your reduced loads you use for hogs. I really like the .460 Encore. The short 20" barrel and the light total weight of the gun makes it ideal for deer hunting from a tree stand. It is also is a great hog gun, but as you note the muzzle blast is significant with factory loads like the Hornady 225. It would sure be nice to be able to shoot more then 3 or 4 rounds before a shoulder bruise forms!

 

[goathollow]

Just a note for anyone that might read this thread. My previous post indicated I was going to load 46 to 48 grains of H110. That should've read 36 to 38 grains of H110. Don't want anyone to freak out and call the bomb squad in!

 

[goathollow]

As a 460 user I would be very interested in the results of your load testing and grouping results out of your Encore.

I will send you some load data when I return home for H110.


Good luck and be safe
Ruggy

Results from range testing yesterday were interesting but not remarkable.

I shot the 275 gr XPB with two loads. 36 gr of H110 and 37 gr of H110. I saw little difference in the recoil of either load. I will say the recoil of either of these loads seemed significantly less that the factory Hornday 200s.

The first picture is my group with the 36 gr 5 shot group at 5 yds. Not horrible but certainly not spectacular either. And not really up to my standards; although I readily admit I'm not a great rifle shot.

In the second picture, the two highest shots are the first two. The two in the bull are the next two after making an elevation and windage adjustment. The three in the bottom left were the final three shots, no further scope adjustments.

All shots were taken with my TC Encore with a 20" barrel. Temp was about 60 degrees, wind was blowing left to right at about 15 mph. All shots were off a solid bench rest.

 

[goathollow]

Sorry, don't know why the pictures are turned 45 degrees.

 

[goathollow]

I should have mentioned that I was shooting using a 1.5-4 Leupold Pig Plex scope.

I did also take 2 more shots with the 36 gr loads and 6 more with the 37 gr load at 100 yds. I was in a rush to get home and forgot to take pictures. The 36 gr loads seemed to open up more, although two shots isnt much of a sample. More importantly, the 37 gr loads seemed to stay nice and tight. And, the poi of the 37 gr loads was about 1" higher at 100 yds that at 50 yds.