460 VXR or a 500?

07 May 2009, 05:12

Whitworth

quote:
Originally posted by Redhawk1:
quote:
Originally posted by shorthair:
If I can't do it with my Ruger Bisley in .45 lc then I want a rifle with a real stock that I can depend on out past 400 yds, not some oversized "pistol" that is to heavy to hang on my belt.

Then why in the heck did you open this thread. If it does not interest you?

He didn't start this thread, but I am more than a little confused that we are talking about ranges past 400 yards all of a sudden.......

07 May 2009, 07:49

george roof

LOL Whitworth, I saw Bob Munden shooting eggs at 100 yards, but you're right. The guy definitely has the wrong thread talking about distances like that.

07 May 2009, 07:56

Redhawk1

quote:
Originally posted by Whitworth:
quote:
Originally posted by Redhawk1:
quote:
Originally posted by shorthair:
If I can't do it with my Ruger Bisley in .45 lc then I want a rifle with a real stock that I can depend on out past 400 yds, not some oversized "pistol" that is to heavy to hang on my belt.

Then why in the heck did you open this thread. If it does not interest you?

He didn't start this thread, but I am more than a little confused that we are talking about ranges past 400 yards all of a sudden.......

I know he did not start the thread, but he seen the topic 460 XVR or a 500. But still chose to open the thread and make a unrelated comment. If he had no interest in the 460 or 500 Mag why open it. Myself, I pass on topic's I don't have any interest in.

07 May 2009, 07:58

Redhawk1

quote:
Originally posted by george roof:
LMOA Redhawk. My .500 has an Ultra Dot NOW. Don't you remember our wheeling and dealing and how you hosed me before I got smart enough to buy the right scope???

Here you go again, 95% of the time I take the ass woopen on our gun dealings. You just like to bitch.

07 May 2009, 16:06

Whitworth

quote:
Originally posted by Redhawk1:
quote:
Originally posted by Whitworth:
quote:
Originally posted by Redhawk1:
quote:
Originally posted by shorthair:
If I can't do it with my Ruger Bisley in .45 lc then I want a rifle with a real stock that I can depend on out past 400 yds, not some oversized "pistol" that is to heavy to hang on my belt.

Then why in the heck did you open this thread. If it does not interest you?

He didn't start this thread, but I am more than a little confused that we are talking about ranges past 400 yards all of a sudden.......

I know he did not start the thread, but he seen the topic 460 XVR or a 500. But still chose to open the thread and make a unrelated comment. If he had no interest in the 460 or 500 Mag why open it. Myself, I pass on topic's I don't have any interest in.

Maybe he's trying to increase his post count!

19 May 2009, 01:11

DuggaBoye

quote:
Originally posted by 375John:
Wow… This is fun. I never expected such advice. Let me help with some of your questions and concerns.
I have shot a 500, I currently own and have shot 44 mag’s, 30-30 TC, 308 XP 100 in silhouette competitions. I competed for two years in IPSC and I do reload. I’m 6’1” and weight 230.
Owning and hunting with a large bore pistol sounds like fun! How about scopes?
Thanks,
John

I like the low power variables, Burris 1-4 Posi-Lok , a 2-7 at the most ,and as pointed out by others the Ultra Dot.

21 May 2009, 05:18

a.tinkerer

I chose the 500
The choice was easy, and I've had a great time hunting with it. Mine is one of the PC Hunter long-barreled models.
I don't think of it as a .44 and so I don't compare packing it in the belt holster (from the SW custom shop) on on a sling. Both ways it's never been a problem for me through weeks of 20+ mile days on foot through heavy steep rocky timber here in the northern end of our state.

I have a low-power variable Leupold in steel Leupold rings, set as low as it can go on the rail.

Have fun with whatever you get.

Cheers
Tinker

31 March 2015, 23:16

Bill G. in Oregon

quote:
Originally posted by Redhawk1:
Have owned and hunted with both, the 500 Mag is a better choice. Bigger holes.

I never bought into the 45 Colt and 454 Casull in the 460 Mag, even though you can shoot them, why buy a 460 Mag and shoot 454 Casull's and 45 Colts.

-------------

because I can

If you get the 460 Mag, forget them POS Hornady 200 gr. bullets, load up some 300 or 370 gr. hard cast bullets and have a blast.

But once again, the 500 Mag makes bigger holes.

As far as cheaper to feed the 460 over the 500 Mag, not when you reload, the cost is about the same.

31 March 2015, 23:19

Bill G. in Oregon

I never bought into the 45 Colt and 454 Casull in the 460 Mag, even though you can shoot them, why buy a 460 Mag and shoot 454 Casull's and 45 Colts.

-------------

Because, as a non reloader, I can fit the power to the animal and practice with cheaper ammo. Why buy any large bore, then download?

01 April 2015, 20:28

Lawdog

I use a 500 on deer and hogs. With light loads (light for a 500). 350 gr at 1100-1200 FPS is a pussy cat in the big XFrame. Big boy loads for big game. It's listed now in the classified section here in AR.

01 April 2015, 22:46

rnovi

I love 6 year old Necro-threads.

01 April 2015, 23:30

Lawdog

Hah. I didn't need the date.

15 April 2015, 02:58

tradmark

I have both and the 460 is what id fo
For. 500 makes a bigger hole till ya use some
Barnes or aframes. Then that point is moot. Ive not been to impressed with the expandables outta the 500 except for the barnes. The 460 is easy to grow into and therefore my choice. Infact, its what ive started most of
My kids with bc its so easy to shoot

15 April 2015, 05:36

WV Hitman

Taurus Raging Bull .500 S&W. 129 yards, 375 gr. X. Dropped. I've taken deer with this bullet out to 175 yards. Bushnell 2-6X Elite. Has never faltered on this gun.

15 April 2015, 06:04

Whitworth

quote:
Originally posted by WV Hitman:

Taurus Raging Bull .500 S&W. 129 yards, 375 gr. X. Dropped. I've taken deer with this bullet out to 175 yards. Bushnell 2-6X Elite. Has never faltered on this gun.

Love that photo, Doc!!

21 June 2015, 07:07

tradmark

That is a great photo. Thats next on the list.

21 June 2015, 08:18

Lawdog

Thanks.

22 June 2015, 00:12

kaytod

375John
Sounds like you have a good measure of contact with the handgun scene already and are experienced with handloading.

Your post lends replies to be centered around the double action revolver.

Are you looking for something that would be carried, or in a holster?
Would you consider a single action revolver as well?

I tend to think of a hunting revolver to be something that is carried in a holster, either on the hip or comfortably in a chest type rig. So I thought I'd more details regarding you initial question.

Some other options could be the following.

The BFR comes in 475 Linebaugh which is factory loaded, and the package lends itself to be carried more readily in a holster. The overall weight and size of the gun may also be a bit more portable that some of the variations of the big Smith, but it is in the power capacity to handle all you have mentioned and more. With your handloading experience, the 500 JRH could be had in the same platform as well. Both guns would lend themselves to a more portable package if you desired.
Freedom Arms also offers the 475, the 500 Wyoming Express, and some folks have even had the 500 JRH chambered, but at this quick writing, don't remember if FA does the JRH or if it is done by Jack Huntington himself. That would be one for those who have firsthand knowledge of that option.

Just thought I'd check.

As for me, between the 460 and the 500, I would prefer the 500. In what experience I have with the two cartridges, I like the 500 better. It can be loaded to very manageable levels that are still more than enough for the animals listed.

22 June 2015, 17:25

Grumulkin

quote:
Originally posted by 375John:
My buddy and I are looking into hunting with hand guns… We are currently looking at the 460 XVR and the 500. Dose anyone have any experience hunting with either of these guns or possibly other options? The primary game that we will be hunting is deer, pigs, elk and the small antelopes in Africa (up to a kudu). Any recommendation for a scope will also help in making our decision complete.
Thanks, John

Before I address several items, I'll say I have shot the 460 S&W Magnum revolver quite a bit and have also shot the 500 S&W Magnum revolver but my hunting experience with those cartridges is mainly with a Thompson/Center Encore in 460 S&W Magnum.

In regards to the bullet diameter of the 500 being significantly bigger than the 460 I agree IF you think 0.048 inches (that's 48 hundreths of an inch) is significantly bigger. I don't think so.

I've never scoped any revolver as I think it's kind of like pulling a trailer with a Corvette but I certainly don't care if you do. The 460 S&W Magnum is HARD on scopes; I've broken several with it so my advice is to get a good one. I had a "Recoil Proof" Bushnell scope that broke and Bushnell would not honor the warranty saying it had been "abused." I've broken a couple of Leupold scopes both of which were repaired promptly without any whining. The 460 S&W Magnum by Smith & Wesson has a gain twist barrel starting out at 1:100 and ending at the muzzle at 1:20. The reason was that without the gain twist the torque was too hard on scopes.

Two Cape Grysbok shot with a 460 S&W Magnum. The muzzle velocity with that load runs about 2,350 fps. As you can see, there IS something left of the animals.

A Klipspringer taken at about 180 yards with my Encore. Once again there IS something left of the animal. There was plenty left the the Duiker and Steenbok I shot with it as well. My Encore can do less than 2 inches at 200 yards but I doubt you'll get a revolver to do that even with a scope. As far as 400 yards goes, maybe my Encore could do it if I got some practice at that range but the trajectory of the bullet would make such a shot very difficult.

You will, by the way, have a better chance of making a long range shot with a 460 than with a 500.

22 June 2015, 20:37

blaser93

I am looking at the 460 for my 3 rd Time to Africa

23 June 2015, 05:51

Biebs

Grummy, you meant 48/1000ths of an inch. 48/100 is almost a 1/2"....big difference :-)

23 June 2015, 10:35

Idaho Sharpshooter

neat side by side article in the new Rifleman comparing the two.

23 June 2015, 14:37

Grumulkin

quote:
Originally posted by Biebs:
Grummy, you meant 48/1000ths of an inch. 48/100 is almost a 1/2"....big difference :-)

You're right! What was I thinking!

22 September 2015, 00:59

srshooter

I like the .500. I believe it is the better choice at the reasonable revolver ranges that most should adhere to (that certainly includes myself). I'd use a good low power fixed (I prefer the 2x or 4x Leupolds) or variable scope and strong rings like Warne makes or maybe the TSOB. With a full charge under a 325 or 375 gr Barnes TSX you'll flatten your trajectory and flatten your game. For really big stuff you've got the Hornady 500 grainer, various good cast bullets, CEB's and many others to try. It's a fun caliber!

That said, unless you are completely committed to the S&W x-frame I'd suggest buying a Magnum Research BFR. It is stronger, lighter, handles the longest bullets/loads you can make, extremely accurate and durable and is even less expensive! I've had a couple of x-frames and a BFR .500 S&W. I sold the Smiths but the BFR remains and I don't see myself selling it. Also, consider a BFR in .45-70. While I've never owned one, I've shot one and was impressed. The .458 caliber has a ton of REAL bullets to play with! For plains game a stout load using a Barnes 300 or 350 gr TSX would be just the ticket! The trajectory might surprise you too! I've got nothing against the x-frame or the .460 S&W cartridge. A lot of people like them but I think the BFR is a better machine. Just my $.02 and I'm sure you'll have fun with either.