First range day with the SW460

I finally got out to the range for a couple hours to shoot my SW460. Didn't take too many rounds and I got it shooting pretty good for first real session. The picture posted were the last six shots from 55 yards. I cant wait to get it out to 100yds and up.

That being said I did have an issue with scope slipping. I noticed the scope very slowly sliding back. I torqued down the rings but don't want to over torque them. I guess I am going to have to buy a torque wrench or maybe I am using the wrong rings. I mounted weaver solid steel rings. They are beefy and have a lot of surface area making contact with the scope. Any ideas on the scope slip.

Even with the slip I was still happy with the grouping. Shows a lot of potential.

I fixed my scope slip issue by putting 800 grit sandpaper between the ring and scope. Cut a piece that was twice as long and doubled it over on itself and glued the backs together. Probably not the "gunsmith approved" method of doing it, but it worked. I zeroed it, and it hasn't moved since.

GG,

Consider using 3 rings and/or Raptor's suggestion. Burris used to provide sticky backed paper inserts to be placed between the rings and the scope body (tube). I have used those in the past with good results. They function like Raptor's inserts.

Doc

One thing I have found that works well is the double sided tape that comes in those 3M window insulator kits with the plasic sheeting. It only takes a small piece on the bottom ring halves. Some rings can do with a bit of lapping as well, but a piece of tape can help compensate.

I had similar problems and someone recommended that I used a piece of electrical tape and a couple drops of nail polish - worked like a charm.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think I am gonna try using some fine grit sandpaper on the upper part of the rings. Hopefully it wont change my zero too much.

What's is the thought on torque. On all my rifle and handguns I have simply tightened the bases and rings to the point where I felt it was safe. I have never had problems and even shoot my precision rifles out past 700yds. The 460 however is the largest revolver I have played with and don't know if I may need to get a little more precise on my torqueing on the rings.

I torque my rings down to 30-35 "lbs

I've never had a proper torque wrench, nor have had a scope slip due to lack of tension. I "torque" them til they feel right ;-)

Neither have I, and my scope never slipped when I had it on my 460. I was using Warne rings, though.

I took Raptor's advise and put it together this afternoon. I only used a small strip on the top ring but it looks pretty good. If it still slips I will prob get a set of three rings.
Thanks all for the responses.

So, only bc my range time in the FL Keys can be limited, I also just ordered four Nikon A series rings. If I still have issues with the scope I can change them out at the range. They are not steel but I figured four of them should hold up well to the 460.

I didn't order the Warne rings bc They are a little wider and I didn't know if 3 or 4 of the rings would fit on the mount. I also didn't care to buy $65 in spare rings.

Anybody use the Nikon aluminum A series rings. I was looking on the bragging board and saw many use four rings on the heavy mags. I couldn't tell which rings they were but they looked similar to the Nikon rings. Most were single bolt A frame style rings.

I know I am making a big deal about this topic but all my revolvers have been 44mag and under. I have never had to contend with scope slip on any firearm I have ever owned.

I've used Leupold Rifleman aluminum rings, either vertical or standard, for years on many big boomers and they hold very well. I believe the more forgiving aluminum actually grips better than unforgiving steel. Had only 2 on my 45/70 barrel without any tape and that scope stayed put. At only 12 bucks a set you can afford to put as many on there as you deem necessary.

I use weigand mag rings. They are aluminum and I've never had a scope slip.

GG, I just got an Encore 460 S&W. I wanted to try one of my red dot scopes. I put it on and after 6 rounds the scope slid all the way back against the center part of the scope. Tightened the rings again and after 5 rounds it was loose again. It is a Bushnell Red Dot and can't find more rings that height. I found two packages of 30mm Scope rings so I'm going to change out all rings to the same height and try them. I really like this barrel. I started with the XTP's in 250 grn but have found the Barnes 200grn copper hollow points shoot great. Less recoil also.
What scope are you using? I just picked up a Bushnell Elite with Rainguard for this barrel. Should have in next week.
Do you have any photos of your gun?
Mike

I have a bushnell on it. I just received two sets of Nikon rings and two sets of Leupold rings. Going to see which ones look better. Have not yet installed them. Ill update on my progress. Let me know how you do.

I just put my scope where it butts up agains the rings and cant slide. Problem solved

Does any one have any thoughts on the best scope and mounts for use on the 460XVR? I've used it with just the factory sights but
as I grow older so are my eyes. Smith said STEEL MOUNTS AND RINGS
and I've been told that the 2-7x Burris is good too. Any and all advice is appreciated.

I used a Warne base and rings on mine.

SSK Industries makes the T'SOB bases and rings. They drill/tap the barrel for a six screw base and supply four rings to attach the scope. I've had mine for 23 years on my 45-70 TC Contender 14" with no problems. Look at the website and read up on some of the monsters JD Jones builds. Makes the 460 and 45-70 look like pop-guns!

I have a Bushnell scope on it. I will download a picture of the gun with the new rings soon. I am hopefully going to get to the range on Tuesday and try it with the new hardware.

Thanks TN Lone Wolf and JDMANN, I do appreciate the comments on my questions. What scope are you using? I kind of prefer the lower magnification such as 2 or 4 pwr.

I used two Nikon Force XRs, the first a fixed 2x power, then the 2.5-8x variable. The only reason I replaced the 2x scope was that I discovered I'm personally not a fan of fixed 2x magnification scopes. Both of them stayed in place and retained their zero despite the near-max loads I put through the gun. I only ever used two scope rings, but you might consider using three or four just to be safe.

Happy New Year Everyone,
I'm thinking of the FXII 4X Leupold and the Leupold dove tail mounts for on my S&W 460. Any thoughts on this combo? Is the 4X the way to go or maybe the 2X. The field of view is 9' at 100 on the 4X and the 2X is 21' at 100.

I always prefer more power than 2x. In a fixed power I start at 4
X .A variable is even better as you can go up or down as needed.
I keep it on 3x ,most shots are taken at around 6x or higher.

Thanks junebug,

I'm hoping to avoid shots over 100yds, but you can never be too sure of that. Variable scopes have more to go loose from recoil I've been told. I spoke to Leupold and they said both scopes were good to go. It simply comes down to a matter of choice. Thanks for your reply, I do appreciate it.

I shoot a lot like most here. For every shot I take at a game animal I will shoot several hundred at targets of one kind or another. I have a couple of 2x scopes left and cuss them every time I use them. They just don't allow me to see the target well enough. I have never felt handicaped at 4x at close range. I keep the variable set low and turn them up as needed. I like to see the hair or burr spot I am trying to hit ,not necessarily the whole animal. My longest shot to date on deer is 160 yds Weaver 2.5x8 set on 6.5[this year from wifes stand,curtins, carpet, and sandbags in the windows] most are 40 and in. I have steel set to 400 yds. Good luck with whatever you choose.

Again thanks junebug,
I'm going to Grice gun shop tomorrow. Seems like I'll be coming home with a scope, mounts and more likely carbide dies ,some bullets and well Merry Christmas. HA HA. Thanks again and I hope the best to you and your family this up and coming new year.

Anyone using a Primos mono trigger stick for handgun hunting?

I have tried to use one but have not done much with it yet.

Thanks REDHAWK1954
I also looked at the Primos bi-pod trigger stick but it appears to be a bit larger to carry and use. I think maybe a little more weight as well.

I have the original trigger stick and I didn't use it much as it is too heavy for woodswalking and that is how I do most of my hunting. I eventually added a tripod stand from an old drum throne to the base of it and now it is reserved for those times I will be stationary. I have used a monopod for some time and like the weight but not the steadiest thing in the world so I picked up the bipod version this fall. It is nearly as light as the mono but offers a lot more stability. Except for those times when size and weight are most critical, it will now be my go to stick.

Thanks for the feed back s4s4u I appreciate it.

Got out again yesterday with the 460 after ordering new rings and mounting them. The scope seems to be holding tight. Finally got it out to 100, after a box of ammo, and I am pretty exited to train more on it.

The two lower shots were before adjusting it from the 50yd range.

I guess the picture is a little blurry but you get the idea.

using the 240 XTP bullets from Hornady, about how much rolled crimp is needed? I've loaded rifle but never the 460 so I'm not sure about bullet creep under recoil.

Make sure the case mouth is quite firmly and visibly squeezed into the cannelure.

My Encore likes a medium crimp I would call it at the cannalure closest to the tip. When I crimped in the second groove the brass would come out with smoke/powder residue on the end of the case. It doesn't do that with the bullet seated deeper.
I finally got some Barnes, 200grn XPB copper bullets for mine and more H110 powder. It shot the 240grn XTP's okay but it really shoots good with the 200 grn. I just loaded 50 of them and will go back to the range this week for some tweaking. Also, had problem with my Red Dot moving. Ordered two sets of 30mm low rings and finally with some work got three of them on the Red Dot. This should hold it.
Here is my 200grn compared to a 44 mag, 240grn XTP.

Hey thanks everyone I do appreciate the input. Geezzz Hawkeye that bullet looks like the business end of a 105. Are you using these to hunt with? They look long. Are they longer than the 200 gr. FTX? How much H110 and do you use a mag primer?

BTW; nice groups!

AND the blurry target picture; that looks normal to me nowdays:)