460 S&W, reduced loads

[grodon of the north]

Hey guys,
Got a 20" katahdin Pro Hunter bbl on the way :grin:  and need to learn about loading for it. Hodgdons has alot of good full power loads listed but I'd like to shoot some milder stuff.
Am wondering if I could use reduced loads (45LC bullets and data) in the 460 brass and keep the bullets fairly close to the rifling or if I can get good accuracy out of the 45 Colt casing with another half inch of free-bore?
I had a 45/410 bbl. that I was doing good to keep 5 on a paper plate at 25 yd.
Also, am I going to be able to get satisfactory results on the 460 case w/ my Lee 45LC carbide dies? (Starline, on their website, recommends 454/45LC dies by Redding or Lee for use w/ their brass.)
any help greatly appreciated, Thanks, Grodon

[Redhawk1]

DO NOT use 45 L/C data in the 460 Mag. To much pressure could occur or other problems could occur. If you want light loads shoot 454 Casull or 45 L/C's in you 460 Mag.

I have shot 454 Casull and 45 L/C's in my Encore 460 Mag Pistol, with great results. As for the Dies, I just bought a set of 460 Mag dies from Hornady. It is a 4 die set and works very good. I don't know if the  Lee 45LC carbide dies would work, the best bet is to call Lee up. The Hornady data is the best data available in my opinion. I also have 3 S&W 460 Mags and have found great accurate loads. Good luck and keep us informed of your results.  

[RWD]

Redhawk,
I'm wondering with that big case for the 460......perhaps to slow it down some, trying a powder along the lines of a Re7 or H4227.

Your thoughts on this please.

[Redhawk1]

I don't like giving advice on reloading with powders I am not familiar with or have not used. I always stick to published load data. Sorry but I really can't help you there.

[grodon of the north]

Thanks for the replies.
I guess I'd bettered just start shooting loads from published data and not create problems before they exist :?
RWD,
Hodgdons does list H4227 in loads for every bullet in their data. They started listing loads for H4198 for bullets 360gn and heavier.

Redhawk,
What kind of brass are you using? Here's the quote from Starlinebrass.com

"460 S&W Primer pocket is made for large rifle primers. Hodgdon recommends Winchester large magnum rifle.  454 Casull/45 Colt dies work best with our case. Die sets can be purchased from Lee or Redding. Note: Hornady 460 dies will not size our case properly to achieve adequate bullet tension."

Not disputing anything, just trying to learn  as much as I can. I've already ordered Starline brass. It's the only brand of 460 listed in the catalogs I've got.
Thanks again, Grodon

[Redhawk1]

Thanks for the replies.
I guess I'd bettered just start shooting loads from published data and not create problems before they exist :?
RWD,
Hodgdons does list H4227 in loads for every bullet in their data. They started listing loads for H4198 for bullets 360gn and heavier.

Redhawk,
What kind of brass are you using? Here's the quote from Starlinebrass.com

"460 S&W Primer pocket is made for large rifle primers. Hodgdon recommends Winchester large magnum rifle.  454 Casull/45 Colt dies work best with our case. Die sets can be purchased from Lee or Redding. Note: Hornady 460 dies will not size our case properly to achieve adequate bullet tension."

Not disputing anything, just trying to learn  as much as I can. I've already ordered Starline brass. It's the only brand of 460 listed in the catalogs I've got.
Thanks again, Grodon

I am using Hornady brass, I bought a lot of Hornady loaded ammo and shot it. I don't have any problems with bullet tension with my Hornady dies. I do still have a set of Lee 454 Casull dies also but have not tried to size any 460 Mag cases with them. Also I am using Winchester standard rifle primers without any problems either.  Good luck and let me know how you make out.