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#64831 - 02/18/10 11:34 PM

Question on 460 S&W Ammo

IDhandgunner
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Registered: 02/18/10
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I have done quite a bit of handgun shooting over the years, and have always wanted to hunt with one. Anyway after 20 years in the Navy I am finally settled down in Idaho and have started to hunt more again. I just bought a S&W 460. I plan to hunt antelope, deer, and elk with it after I practice enough and feel comfortable with the handgun. Most of the country where we hunt here is open sage brush with occasional timber --- long range tends to be the norm. My question is what grain bullet would you recommend for antelope, and also (a separate cartridge??) for deer (mule)/elk. My thought was that I would use a particular round for antelope, and then pick a separate round for deer and elk --- factory loads. Any thoughts and experience would be appreciated.

Edited by IDhandgunner (02/18/10 11:45 PM)

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#64832 - 02/18/10 11:50 PM

Re: Question on 460 S&W Ammo [Re: IDhandgunner]

rlb
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Registered: 02/22/09
Posts: 294
Loc: Challis,Idaho

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Your 460 should do it all. Just find what it likes the best and practice, practice, practice. It will be a good challenge to get an antelope with it and you'll know that you have acomplished something big.

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#64854 - 02/19/10 09:28 AM

Re: Question on 460 S&W Ammo [Re: IDhandgunner]

s4s4u
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Registered: 01/18/04
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Loc: Northern MN

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IMO it is better to fine one load that does everything well so you aren't having to adjust your sights every time you go out. As far as trajectory there isn't much difference between a 250 grain and 300 grain bullet. All are good to 200 yards and beyond, and you can't overkill anything, even speedgoats.

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#64856 - 02/19/10 10:04 AM

Re: Question on 460 S&W Ammo [Re: s4s4u]

wtroper
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Registered: 01/26/09
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I agree with s4s4u. I develop one load for each gun. I shoot only that load so I know where it hits. I also tend to prefer "heavier" bullets in revolvers. Thus, choose one that is adequate for the larger animals (elk) and shoot it at various distances. You will learn the "max" effective range for you with that combo. Then restrict yourself to shots within that range. That is a big part of the appeal of handgun hunting for me.

Good luck.

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#64877 - 02/19/10 07:40 PM

Re: Question on 460 S&W Ammo [Re: s4s4u]

Whitworth
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Registered: 01/15/09
Posts: 3816
Loc: Virginia

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Originally Posted By: s4s4u

I completely agree with this. One load that will handle anything and everything encountered and then get really proficient with that load.

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Semper Fidelis

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#64906 - 02/19/10 11:22 PM

Re: Question on 460 S&W Ammo [Re: Whitworth]

IDhandgunner
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Does something in the 250 - 300 grain range for elk seem reasonable???

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#64907 - 02/19/10 11:33 PM

Re: Question on 460 S&W Ammo [Re: IDhandgunner]

rlb
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Registered: 02/22/09
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Loc: Challis,Idaho

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Out of a 460 the 300 would do great if you stay within your ability.

Do you reload at all?

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#64924 - 02/20/10 09:10 AM

Re: Question on 460 S&W Ammo [Re: rlb]

Franchise
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Registered: 12/21/08
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For elk the 300 gr. or 325 gr. swift bullet that cor-bon loads should be great.

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#64931 - 02/20/10 11:29 AM

Re: Question on 460 S&W Ammo [Re: Franchise]

Whitworth
Shooting Master

Registered: 01/15/09
Posts: 3816
Loc: Virginia

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I have used 395 grain CorBon loads, but am not convinced that you "need" anything heavier than a 360 -- particularly in .45 caliber. I would use something in the 300 grain range for virtually everything.

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#64958 - 02/20/10 04:00 PM

Re: Question on 460 S&W Ammo [Re: Whitworth]

jamesfromjersey
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Registered: 01/18/04
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Loc: New Jersey

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For antalope either of the 200gr loads by Hornady or Cor-Bon should be perfect.For anything bigger a 300gr or larger bullet should be fine. Good luck and good huntin, James

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