Redhawk 45Colt vs Taurus 460 45Colt?

[hans g./UpS]

I'm considering getting a 4" or 5.5" double action in 45Colt. I've narrowed the search to a Redhawk 5.5" or a Taurus 460 4".I already have a Redhawk 5.5" 44Mag,so I'm familiar with that action.
Are there any practical differences between the 2 revolvers for use within 50 yards with or without handloads?
Thanks.

[HoCoMDHunter]

Although I don't own those exact guns, I own several Taurus and Ruger pistols.  Although ol' GB might disagree, :wink:  there is no doubt in my mind that Ruger's are better built.  But don't take my word for it.  Check out Hodgden's load data for the 45 Colt.  If the Taurus was as sturdy as the Ruger it would be included in the list of pistols that can handy the 45 heavy Colt loads http://www.hodgdon.com/data/pistol/45coltlil.php .  Mr Linebaugh only uses the Ruger 45 Colt frame for his 475 and 500 Linebaugh conversions.   Taurus makes a fine gun for the beginner and offers an excellent value for the dollar, but Rugers are superior and not always more expensive.

[ScottB]

I don't think it will shoot the 460 Rowland. Are you thinking about the DW460? The Taurus M460 is 45 colt, as far as I know.

[Dragoon]

I think a few of your responses thought that you were asking about a .460 Rowland rather than the Model 460 Taurus which is a Tracker chambered in .45 Long Colt.

I picked up my M460 Tracker today. I'll let you know how it shoots after I get it to the range but for now I can tell you that I own several Taurus revolvers and they are all quality firearms. They also provide you with a lifetime warranty.

As far as shooting heavy loads goes, I don't see any reason why the M460 Tracker would have any problem with them. This very same model is also chambered in the .357 magnum and .41 magnum. If you are loading your .45 Long Colts to pressures greater than these then I would suggest getting a .454 Casull.

As far as the Hogden manual I wouldn't consider the firearms mentioned to be the only ones capable of handling those loads. People have been hotloading .45 colts for ages. It is also worth mentioning that this is a fairly new revolver so I doubt Hogden even tested one before printing their manual. But most importantly I can tell you that Taurus had produced a Raging Bull model in .45 Long Colt which Hogden didn't mention in their manual either, it would be rediculous to assume that since it is not mentioned in the Hogden manual that it therefore cannot handle these loads.

Anyway you had not mentioned reloading or shooting any heavy loads in your original post so if you just wanted an opinion then I personally prefer the Taurus. They have excellent quality and I personally feel that they look nicer but that is just my opinion  :grin:

And if you are going to reload then just remember when working any loads up to start  with a safe load and build your way up slowly from there. I don't see any reason why this gun wouldn't handle the loads mentioned but I could always be corrected  

[JohnK]

As far as shooting heavy loads goes, I don't see any reason why the M460 Tracker would have any problem with them. This very same model is also chambered in the .357 magnum and .41 magnum.

With all due respect I disagree. The Taurus 460 is basically a K frame size gun, and in 45 Colt will have maybe 1/2 the chamber wall thickness of the same gun in 357 Magnum, even the 41 will have substantially thicker chamber walls. Yes the bolt stop notch is between the chambers which will help, but there still isn't going to be much steel there. You wouldn't have to load it to near 357 Magnum pressures to run into problems.

The 460 Taurus can likely handle loads warmer than the standard pressure 45 Colt, but I wouldn't push it with heavy handloads. Maybe once you pick up your Tracker you can measure the chamber thickness and post what it is here. I'd really like to know exactly how thin those walls are.

I'm also ready to stand corrected on this issue.  :-)