Author Topic: .460 Rowland (Read 2123 times)

backwoodshunter · « **on:** July 29, 2012, 08:01:18 AM »

Just wondering how many on this board shoot the .460 Rowland. I'm thinking of buying a conversion kit and would really appreciate some input from other owners.

SharonAnne · « **Reply #1 on:** August 13, 2012, 10:36:41 AM »

Hi Backwoodshunter. Sorry, I have no experience shooting the 460 Rowland. I have shot a Ruger Redhawk .44mag with a 5.5" barrel packing 240gr bullets at 1400fps. As a died-in-the-wool 1911 shooter I did not find the Redhawk overwhelming or even unpleasant. Given the better ergonomics of the 1911 ( lower barrel to grip, nice contoured grip safety, better shaped grip) I think the 460 Rowland in a 1911 would be quite manageable.

Should I ever travel where the game can eat me, my choice will be a Para 14-45 with a six inch barrel and slide conversion with a comp of my own design. Having 16 rounds of 44mag power rounds (admittedly lower end 44mag power) I will feel more comfortable than having only 6 rds of 44 in a BRT.

There are those who say if you cannot handle it with 6 rounds it must be poor marksmanship. I think a large Ursus Arctos Horribilis may put the lie to such a statement. In any case, should such a beasty intend to chow down on tender young ME, I want all the fire power I can get. I will however be carrying something robust, such as a .375 H&H as my primary protection. But it is difficult to keep such a large smokepole handy when um, uh, nature calls shall we say.

I think anyone who is familiar with the 1911 and shooting 230 gr hardball will be able to handle the same frame shooting 460 Rowlands. It WILL be a much larger punch but not beyond what a seasoned 45acp shooter can handle.

darkgael · « **Reply #2 on:** August 13, 2012, 03:18:05 PM »

While I do not own (yet) a 1911 conversion for the .460 Rowland, I have a friend who does and I have been able to shoot his. The recoil is somewhat more brisk than .45 ACP hardball, certainly not unmanageable. The kit comes with an integral compensator which does a good job of damping the gun down.
It is an interesting package, to say the least.
Pete

backwoodshunter · « **Reply #3 on:** August 19, 2012, 12:10:41 PM »

Thanks for the replies. I have taken two adult does (the biggest dressed at 130 lbs. and was taken at 30 yds) with my Springfield long slide 1911 using Remington Golden Sabers. Both were lung shots hitting only ribs. Neither bullet passed through the deer, they were both found next to the hide on the far side. Both deer ran less than 40 yds before dying, but I don't know how well this bullet would perform if I accidently hit the shoulder. This is just one reason I am very interested in the .460 Rowland conversion. I think this would be my best bet for good penetration without having to resort to using a solid bullet.

Okie2 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 28, 2012, 09:40:09 AM »

I converted a Kimber Classic Custom Target using the Clark kit. I think the comp. actually reduces the felt recoil over the 45 acp...at least it seems that way (which is actually more important). I was having some problems using custom cast bullets on feeding issues but, the factory copper jacketed bullets didn't give me any problems....Shooting 230 grain hp's around 1300-1350 fps... No issues with accuracy. I was planning on using it for deer season last year & ended up getting a Ruger/Lipseys ss blackhawk in 45 colt that I couldn't resist taking out. The Kimber goes this year... upgrade the factory target sights to a kensight adj rear with night sights & front went to a Novak night sight (the tallest one they make .20?). All in all...I love being able to hunt with my 1911!!! Fun to shoot.

McDerry · « **Reply #5 on:** September 03, 2012, 04:58:57 PM »

Big Power, Big Boom, Little Package, Little Recoil.
I converted a Series 70 Colt to 460 Rowland a couple years back. Awesome caliber very vey manageable. The recoil is straight back, with little to no muzzle rise. The size is remarkable aswell. Length your the same a 4 3/4 barreled 1873 and width is far less. 7+ rounds on tap is a bonus awell. I push 230 gr cast at 1250 and they are spot on out to 50 so yards.

SharonAnne · « **Reply #6 on:** September 17, 2012, 07:46:03 AM »

230gr @1250= 798fp of muzzle energy. Yep, a nice step up from the .45 ACP.

OOPS! I just saw (Dec. 30,2012 05:57) that you had 1300-1350fps, not 1250.

1300fps X 230gr gets you 863 lb. ft. of energy.

1350fps X 230gr gets you 931 lb. ft. of energy.

A nice step up from .45acp INDEED!

SharonAnne · « **Reply #7 on:** December 01, 2012, 01:48:40 AM »

However, my 460 will be a 14-15 shooter being built on a Para wide body. Actually an Essential Arms copy of the Para. I obtained it in a trade along with an entire top end for USPSA Open division. Supposedly it was made by Matt McLearn. It is a 5" chambered in 9x23 Winchester with a 4 chamber comp and 4 open top ports. It appears to be very well built. So, I will have a multi-use pistol. USPSA Open with the 9x23 top end, USPSA Limited with the .45 top end (either) and Limited 10 with a couple of 10 rd mags or just short loading the regular capacity mags. Then of course the mighty .460 Rowland for critters that may want to munch on tender young ME.

BTW, I have stopped using the term "HIGH CAPACITY". They are NOT. They are "STANDARD CAPACITY". Just because the ANTIs use that term we should not. Whatever the firearm or magazine is DESIGNED for is its STANDARD CAPACITY. Anything less is REDUCED CAPACITY BY LAW. We need to stop playing the Anti game by using THEIR terms. Their terms are WRONG! (stepping down off soap box)

AND it is 06:02 now. The time stamp is WRONG also

Dixie Dude · « **Reply #8 on:** December 01, 2012, 04:13:10 AM »

I have read of problems with some of these conversion kits, especially with Springfield xd's. Has anyone heard of problems with the 1911 framed ones? I read on other forums that the spent casings get dinged and sometimes have jambs. Also, are the Clark models better than the Rowland models? I figure if there were no problems, everyone would be making their 1911's or other guns for these from the factories. Don't want to buy into a problem. I would only use it for either hunting, or out west in bear country. Otherwise the 45acp is just fine as is.

jhm · « **Reply #9 on:** December 01, 2012, 05:42:22 AM »

SharonAnn: I completely agree with you on the term Standard capicity language, I am going to work on my opertunity to work it into my discussions also. Jim

FPH · « **Reply #10 on:** December 01, 2012, 05:44:18 AM »

Any recommendations on a conversion kit for a Gov. Model 80?

Dixie Dude · « **Reply #11 on:** December 01, 2012, 05:51:08 AM »

I have a 1991A1 Colt. Which would be better for this one?

SharonAnne · « **Reply #12 on:** December 01, 2012, 02:29:34 PM »

FPH and DD I cannot recommend Clark over Rowland. I only recently learned that Rowland was doing XD and Glock. Personally I think they are a tad light for so much power.

I am not surprised that no factory is chambering for .460 Rowland. They are selling every .45ACP they can make and demand outstrips production. When you cannot produce enough to satisfy market demand why add a specialty chambering that you could not make anyway. 'Sure we will make a run of Rowlands just as soon as we catch up on the orders for .45s', but they never do catch up on .45 orders.

As far as reports of dinged brass and jams I would ask for first hand reports. If someone says 'My rowland jams' I would ask the particulars. Who loaded the ammo? New or well used brass? Is the pistol anvil reliable with .45acp ammo? Many reports of problems are gossip or bitching by someone who's 1911 is so jacked up that it cannot reliably shoot 230gr factory FMJ. Remember, most 1911 malfunctions are related to the magazine and not the pistol.

JHM, thank you. We as firearm owners need to take the terminology away from the antis. When we educate the public about REALITY things will slowly improve. As far as accidental deaths, guns are safer than bicycles, skateboards and showers.

Mikey · « **Reply #13 on:** December 02, 2012, 12:03:02 PM »

SharonAnne: Your watch is 3 minutes fast and while bicycles may be dangerous for some, showers are a lot more fun.....

SharonAnne · « **Reply #14 on:** December 02, 2012, 04:54:45 PM »

is that an offer?!?

p moore · « **Reply #15 on:** January 11, 2013, 07:03:57 AM »

I just ran across this thread. I have a Mech Tech 16" upper for my 1911 in 460R. I love this thing. Looks simple in design, and construction. But man, this thing rocks. I figure I am sending 230 gr of lead out at 1550fps. It will still handle 45's as well. To look as the results side by side are amazing.

I am looking at converting the pistol as well.

Paul

SharonAnne · « **Reply #16 on:** January 13, 2013, 07:34:27 AM »

Wow. over 1200 ft-lbs! excellent!

Mikey · « **Reply #17 on:** January 13, 2013, 08:24:40 AM »

SharonAnne: did you say 'is that an offer?!?

'

LOL. I luv ya baby. Phoenix??

SharonAnne · « **Reply #18 on:** January 13, 2013, 09:29:14 AM »

Mikey, that I did. Yes, Phoenix. And we do shower in Phoenix.

Mikey · « **Reply #19 on:** January 14, 2013, 11:36:17 AM »

SharonAnne: just knowing that makes me a happy man..........

SharonAnne · « **Reply #20 on:** January 15, 2013, 02:41:11 AM »

what? that we are clean?!?

Mikey · « **Reply #21 on:** January 16, 2013, 11:14:02 AM »

No, because it sounds exciting, ya know.....

SharonAnne · « **Reply #22 on:** January 16, 2013, 04:02:50 PM »

williamlayton · « **Reply #23 on:** January 17, 2013, 11:46:51 AM »

Online dateing has reached two that are (seems to me) destined.
If you come thru Houston---let's have coffee Mikey.
Blessings to both of you. I HOPE!

SharonAnne · « **Reply #24 on:** January 17, 2013, 04:48:52 PM »

oh William, I love you too

Mikey · « **Reply #25 on:** January 18, 2013, 01:08:22 AM »

Uh Willie:: Is she two timin' one or both of us???

drdougrx · « **Reply #26 on:** January 18, 2013, 06:22:31 AM »

I think she'd snap you both like a twig!

Mikey · « **Reply #27 on:** January 18, 2013, 02:06:20 PM »

Doug: dang man, throw us right under the bus, and at the same time too. Nice goin' buddy.......geez.....

SharonAnne · « **Reply #28 on:** January 18, 2013, 05:19:48 PM »

Mikey, is love restricted to only one. Do you have children? Do love none of them because you love your wife? I love many people in my life. I am quite sure you do also.

williamlayton · « **Reply #29 on:** January 18, 2013, 11:48:40 PM »

Don't you hate it when wimmen are Coy.
Make no mistake about it Mikey---your the one. Snap me like a twig---You got that right,
Now I like a pepper when it is fresh and hot.
Blessings