Starting out reloading a 460

[Sherm]

I really enjoy shooting my new 460, but ammo is getting hard to find and expensive. So, I'm looking into starting to reload my own. I'm not planning on experimenting with monster loads. I've been shooting Hornady's 200gr and are comfortable with them. That being said, I'm truly a rookie at this. This is probably a pretty wide ranging question, but what basics would I need to start? I see that RCBS has what appears to be a starter kit. Would something like that be sufficient? If so, what might I need in addition? I really appreciate any help you folks could toss my way. Thanks!!!!

 

[Sherm]

I really enjoy shooting my new 460, but ammo is getting hard to find and expensive. So, I'm looking into starting to reload my own. I'm not planning on experimenting with monster loads. I've been shooting Hornady's 200gr and are comfortable with them. That being said, I'm truly a rookie at this. This is probably a pretty wide ranging question, but what basics would I need to start? I see that RCBS has what appears to be a starter kit. Would something like that be sufficient? If so, what might I need in addition? I really appreciate any help you folks could toss my way. Thanks!!!!

 

[duckloads]

Last summer, I was where you are now. I bought the RCBS Rock Chucker master reloading kit. It had everything short of a tumbler, dies and of course components (primers, brass, etc.). Don't even think about it without a good book. I think the Speer manual that came with mine is pretty good. I now load for three calibers.

A good target load that I found here on this site is 13-14 gr trailboss with hornady 250 gr XTP in the 460 mag case. I never found a lead bullet to shoot worth a crap out of my 460 XVR. Lead bullets pretty much tumble and go "over there".

Good luck with it. reloading is a hobby in itself.

 

[Rule3]

Start witha book/manual or two. Read about before you spend any money on equipment.
I enjoy the Lee Modern Reloading as he writes it like a book and not just load data. Of course he mentions his equipment a lot but it still is interesting. Plus the Lee is one of the lower priced manuals amd they also have kits to start. Maybe to some not the top of the line but many, many folks have started and still use Lee products. I also like the Lyman manual. has some history of the different calibers gives good basic info and nice pictures.

 

[kennyb]

+1 on the rcbs equipment

 

[Houndog2]

"A good target load that I found here on this site is 13-14 gr trailboss with hornady 250 gr XTP in the 460 mag case. I never found a lead bullet to shoot worth a crap out of my 460 XVR. Lead bullets pretty much tumble and go "over there".

Duckloads hit it on the head for a mild load. You can sub the 240 xtp or Gold Dot 250. I tried a LOT of others, btw. For mild, this is "it" in both Helen's V and my XVR.

Hey Duck, how's the hearing? And by now you know I am sincere in asking.

Ed (HD2)

 

[Sherm]

I have found a guy that will reload my 460 brass with Hornady 300gr XTP's and what I assume to be the proper powder load (I can ask what he's planning on putting in there) for 55 bucks for a box of 50. This seems pretty danged reasonable. At that price, should I consider moving to reloading? Thoughts? Thanks for all of the advice so far!!

 

[buck460XVR]

Originally posted by Sherm:
I have found a guy that will reload my 460 brass with Hornady 300gr XTP's and what I assume to be the proper powder load (I can ask what he's planning on putting in there) for 55 bucks for a box of 50. This seems pretty danged reasonable. At that price, should I consider moving to reloading? Thoughts? Thanks for all of the advice so far!!

Costs me roughly about $27 to load a box of 50 300 grain XTP-Mags using Lil' Gun. Takes me maybe a hour once the cases are clean. Sounds kinda pricey to me........but then I don't shoot other folk's reloads in my guns either.

 

[duckloads]

Hey Duck, how's the hearing? And by now you know I am sincere in asking.

Thanks for the thought.
Well, what was lost during that ONE shot of full pressure 460 mag is gone. Birds used to wake me up in the morning via my right ear. Not so much anymore. I was outside the other day and saw/heard some robins and a woodpecker. So I can still hear the birds, just not while in the house. I have been using ear plugs AND muffs while shooting anything to protect what is left.

Sherm, that big gun is a hoot to shoot, but take care of your ears. Those 300 gr full pressure loads will be a handfull.

 

[Redhawk1]

Sherm, I have been loading for the 460 Mag since it came out. I am not a fan of them Hornady 200 gr. bullets. I much prefer the 240 and up bullets. If you go on line to Hornady's site. You can get some good reloading data. http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

Reloading for this round is the best way to get the most out of the 460 Mag. As for loading light loads, I don't do it. I bought the 460 Mag to shoot 460 mag ammo, not reduced loads. If you want to shoot light loads, put a 454 Casull or 45 Colt in it. myself I will grab a different gun.

I don't reload using powder's that do not fill the case with standard loads and powder.

As for cast bullets, 95% of the bullets I shot in all (5) of my 460 Mags were hard cast bullets. Everyone shoots great, and accuracy is every bit as accurate as jacketed bullets. When I can get 1 to 1 1/2 inch groups from a rest at 100 yards with 300 gr. hard cast bullets, I don't think that is bad what so ever. At 150 yards, I can consistently hit a 4 inch clay target with these loads.

The 460 Mag is not just a jacketed bullet gun, and if someone tells you that they need to do some load development.

The bullets I have shot in my 460 Mag and got great accuracy with are 250 gr. 300 gr. and 325 gr. hard cast gas checked bullets from Montana Bullet _orks, 370 gr. Hard cast bullets from Ranger Rick, 240 gr. Hornady XTP Mag, 260 gr. Nosler Partition's and Barnes 200 gr. bullets. Everyone of them has shot great in all of my 460 Mags.

 

[duckloads]

hard cast gas checked bullets from Montana Bullet Works

What diameter bullets are you using? Are you using the hard 22 BHN bullets from the 45 colt selection? What "case filling" powders are you refering to? What length barrels do you have?

Thanks

 

[DonD]

While I didn't read all the posts word for word, one thing you really need to do is buy carbide dies. They're slightly more expensive but WELL worth the cost.

They make sizing much easier and that's a real plus on a large, long case like the .460.

Reloading is the only way to fly with guns like the .460 and .500 unless you like burning up your shooting money. Don

 

[Redhawk1]

Originally posted by duckloads:

hard cast gas checked bullets from Montana Bullet Works

What diameter bullets are you using? Are you using the hard 22 BHN bullets from the 45 colt selection? What "case filling" powders are you refering to? What length barrels do you have?

Thanks

Bullet diameter is .452
Yes I am using the 45 Colt bullets he has listed as well as some Ranger Rick bullets.
The powders I use are H 110 and Lil-gun.
Barrel lengths I shot the bullets out of, 5 inch, two different 7.5 inch barrels a 8 3/8 inch barrel and a 10 inch barrel.
I also shot them out of my Encore barrel 15 inches.

The reason I made that statement about the powder is, to many people try to make light loads using tight group and such powders, in my opinion it is not a smart idea, the case can easily be double charges and blow up your gun and worse you.