Author Topic: Encore or S&W 460 (Read 2124 times)

chris s · « **on:** June 11, 2005, 05:28:30 AM »

I want to buy a 460. I would want the Smith to have an intergal scope mount (like the PC guns). I had a 629 with the Warne mount. Its a great mount I just didn't like the way it changed the balance of the gun. I have an Encore so I would just have to buy the barrel which would be 10 inches w/a brake.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 11, 2005, 09:50:10 AM »

I contemplated getting the 460 myself. But opted for another 500 MAG instead. But if I had to have a 460, it would be a Smith.

ca dunn · « **Reply #2 on:** June 12, 2005, 01:43:20 PM »

I already have a 460 in the encore. I love it! It has been a lot of fun. I tested some 45colt loads thismorning. My first 4 shots at 50yrds made 1 ragged hole. This was off the bench. This was my first load with the 45lc (27grn h110 240xtp mag) I didnt shoot any 460 rounds today it started raining soon after I started. 45lc rounds are pretty mild out of the encore.
My next 460 load to test will be the 300grn xtp over 41 & 42 grns h110.

chris

475/480 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 12, 2005, 01:48:23 PM »

One thing to remember the SW 460 is rated at 72 K,but the Encore is rated at only 60 K so I suggest you be careful because you can stretch (or worse) the encore frame.

Sean

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 13, 2005, 12:16:42 AM »

Quote from: 475/480

One thing to remember the SW 460 is rated at 72 K,but the Encore is rated at only 60 K so I suggest you be careful because you can stretch (or worse) the encore frame.

Sean

Very good point.

chris s · « **Reply #5 on:** June 13, 2005, 12:20:19 AM »

What are the pressures on factory loads ?

MePlat · « **Reply #6 on:** June 13, 2005, 01:43:29 AM »

No, the real thing to remember is that the Encore is rated for the Belted Magnums which go up to 64,000 psi with a case head of .513". The 460 S & W has a case head of .477" The last info I saw was that the 460 was rated at 65,000 psi by SAAMI.
If SSK will chamber for the 460 than the gun must be able to stand it. I am sure JD Jones has done his homework. Now is there a possibility that he may be wrong? Yes, just like anyone is not perfect , but I tend to trust him myself.

ca dunn · « **Reply #7 on:** June 13, 2005, 02:44:36 PM »

I really appreciate your input. This load is acually similar to some load info that JD Jones sent to me with the same bullet. Maybe I should back off of my load development until tested data becomes available.? I do trust the people at SSK, but you are correct,something could always go wrong. If anyone has any load ideas or imput (min-max, powders etc) I will sure be open to any ideas or criticism. I know I dont need any accidents and am for sure not an expert reloader.

Thanks guys
chris

MePlat · « **Reply #8 on:** June 14, 2005, 02:58:32 AM »

This is just me but if JD Jones says it is ok than it should be ok. There is a possibility that something from Hodgdons could be wrong too or maybe Hornady. If you are waiting for data that can't be wrong I'd say you will not live long enough to get it.
Go ahead and use the data from SSK and quit worrying. Just use your head and standard loading practices, that you should know if you are reloading, and have fun.

ca dunn · « **Reply #9 on:** June 14, 2005, 05:42:37 PM »

thanks,.. I recieved an e-mail back today from JD Jones. He say there has never been a specific pressure limit placed on the encore by TC or any other reliable source. He says there are many items taken into consideration, case capacity, head diameter, etc. and he feels the 460 is fine. Says he has shot his 460 many times and is having no problems. The big item is staying away from stupid loads. This eases my mind somewhat, but I will still start low and be very careful.

Thanks
chris

jro45 · « **Reply #10 on:** June 15, 2005, 04:58:08 AM »

I've got the S&W 500. The 500 does what I want to do with it. The 460 sounds nice, but not for me.

chris s · « **Reply #11 on:** June 20, 2005, 06:03:00 AM »

Thanks for responging to the poll. I going to see if I can shoot a VXR before I make up my mind. Getting the Encore barrel would cost half of a new S&W!!!

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #12 on:** June 20, 2005, 06:37:00 AM »

Quote from: chris s

Thanks for responging to the poll. I going to see if I can shoot a VXR before I make up my mind. Getting the Encore barrel would cost half of a new S&W!!!

One thing to consider, if you are in dangerous game area, the S&W offers 5 shots compared to the T/C's one shot. Now I like shooting my Encores and Contenders, but nothing like a quick follow up shot without taking your eye off the game. Just something to consider.

mbartel · « **Reply #13 on:** June 26, 2005, 04:46:33 AM »

the whole concept of the .460 cartridge was for max velocity....so the encore barrel will extract that from the round....and you can still shoot the cassul and the colt and the schofield round if you want to. And the big plus is long range accuracy. the Encore will out shoot any revolver at long range. Put a bipod on it and you really do have a 250 yard handgun. And the money you will save over the revolver...will buy the dies, bullets, brass, primers, manuals, and have plenty left over to go hunting......did I mention I favor the Encore barrel ?

mr.frosty · « **Reply #14 on:** June 26, 2005, 07:12:13 AM »

Simple math to me; S&W has 5 shots, The Encore has one shot,
Now you have an angry itchy,bitey,scratchy critter in excess of
a ton bent on eating or stomping you in the ground.
you have one shot and I have 5..... hmmmm.

poncaguy · « **Reply #15 on:** June 26, 2005, 08:49:02 AM »

with a 460 Encore, I'll only need one shot, and with the range of the cartridge, the critter would be far enough away to reload the Encore, which can be done pretty fast!

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #16 on:** June 26, 2005, 09:45:47 AM »

Quote from: poncaguy

with a 460 Encore, I'll only need one shot, and with the range of the cartridge, the critter would be far enough away to reload the Encore, which can be done pretty fast!

Yea right. It is obvious you do not hunt dangerous game. But if that's what make you happy then go for it.

poncaguy · « **Reply #17 on:** June 26, 2005, 10:00:25 AM »

Well, that was if we were using pistols........I would use a rifle for dangerous game.......

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #18 on:** June 26, 2005, 01:17:40 PM »

Quote from: poncaguy

Well, that was if we were using pistols........I would use a rifle for dangerous game.......

Where is you sense of adventure.

I am going black bear hunting with my pistol. Other's have taken Grizzles and even a few have used handguns in Africa.

mr.frosty · « **Reply #19 on:** June 26, 2005, 03:58:31 PM »

look at the cape buffs that have been taken with a 454 and so forth

tecrsq · « **Reply #20 on:** June 26, 2005, 04:32:05 PM »

Were I to have the funds I would have to go with the Encore.

I already have the Freedom Arms in 454 the 460 in the Encore would just be icing on the cake!

ca dunn · « **Reply #21 on:** June 27, 2005, 03:04:06 PM »

If I remember correctly having my 454 encore barrel re-chambered to 460 at SSK was right around $100. I had some other things done, so I dont remember exact breakdown. Was fairly inexpensive if you already have a barrel.

chris

chris

Selmer · « **Reply #22 on:** June 28, 2005, 05:03:51 AM »

I've cast my vote for the Encore, but my question is, how much velocity gain is there in a 460 S&W over a .454 Casull in the Encore? I've got a 355 gr. cast load pushing out at over 1500 fps, a 320 cast at just under 1700, and a 300 gr. XTP load at over 1800 fps, so if I put these 200 gr. bullets in, wouldn't I be right there with the .454 Casull? And just food for thought, those 200 gr. bullets made to withstand those velocities are going to be expensive, right? So where's the advantage over a serious bullet (300+grs.) that is much, much less expensive? Not questioning the need for a .460, there doesn't have to be a need, just a market. Just curious about how much more power it really is over a .454 Casull in an Encore.
Selmer

Lawful Larry · « **Reply #23 on:** June 29, 2005, 05:17:04 AM »

Quote from: Selmer

I've cast my vote for the Encore, but my question is, how much velocity gain is there in a 460 S&W over a .454 Casull in the Encore? I've got a 355 gr. cast load pushing out at over 1500 fps, a 320 cast at just under 1700, and a 300 gr. XTP load at over 1800 fps, so if I put these 200 gr. bullets in, wouldn't I be right there with the .454 Casull? And just food for thought, those 200 gr. bullets made to withstand those velocities are going to be expensive, right? So where's the advantage over a serious bullet (300+grs.) that is much, much less expensive? Not questioning the need for a .460, there doesn't have to be a need, just a market. Just curious about how much more power it really is over a .454 Casull in an Encore.
Selmer

If you were thinking as one who didn't have a .454, then the .460 does look attractive.

As to the velocities, what I remember reading, don't quote me, is that the S&W .460 was clocked at around 2400 fps with a 400 gr bullet. Out of an Encore it would be moving a little more then a little faster I think. :-)

Personally I would be interested in teh Encore .460 setup. Does anyone know what SSK is asking for the barrel?

P.S: Wasn't the .454 developed with the idea of pushing 300 gr+ bullets as an improvement to the .45 Colt. And also I think the .460 was developed with the thought of pushing a 400 gr+ bullet??? Please correct me if I am wrong. :grin:

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #24 on:** June 29, 2005, 11:12:08 AM »

The 460 was developed to shoot a 200 gr. bullet to 200 yards. It's claim to fame is a fast, flat 200 yards handgun.

oso45-70 · « **Reply #25 on:** June 29, 2005, 12:25:19 PM »

I would have to say the 460 S&W would be my choice, The extra rounds might come in handy if you needed an extra shot for some reason.........Joe..........

chris s · « **Reply #26 on:** June 30, 2005, 06:39:29 AM »

I worked up numbers on the SSK web site the barrel with a brake and mount was about $600

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #27 on:** June 30, 2005, 10:16:28 AM »

Quote from: chris s

I worked up numbers on the SSK web site the barrel with a brake and mount was about $600

To much for a barrel and break and mount in my opinion. I would rather spend the extra and have a complete gun, but thats just me.

MePlat · « **Reply #28 on:** June 30, 2005, 10:56:03 AM »

CHRIS S: Go ahead and get the SSK barrel you won't be sorry. Six Hundred dollars is alot but you will be happy with it. That is all that matters.
A bushnell Elite 3200 scope and you would be set to hunt anything that you wanted too.
I'm sure JD Jones has a few load suggestions he would send with the barrel too.

teamnelson · « **Reply #29 on:** July 01, 2005, 04:36:24 PM »

Quote from: mr.frosty

look at the cape buffs that have been taken with a 454 and so forth

I wouldn't hunt a Cape Buff with a 454 ... big block on a 2 ton pickup. Used to live in Africa, and knew about an African who had a head on, front quarter shot on a charging buff - first round out of a double rifle (Freakenloudenboomer). Buff didn't realize that its heart and lungs were now externally situated, ran the guy down (who bravely fired his second shot into the skull), and stomped him flat. He pondered the gooey stuff between his hooves for a bit, then expired.

I guess if he had a 5 shot .454 he could have really pissed the buff off first. Not saying it hasn't been done; but there are more pleasant ways to risk death.

Poll

Buy a S&W XVR X frame Rev or Encore in 460 S&W Mag

Author Topic: Encore or S&W 460 (Read 2124 times)