I just got an Encore in 22-250. I want to get a barrel for deer this fall in Ohio . What does anyone think about using the 460 S&W.
Ohio law says " handgun with 5-inch minimum length barrel, using straight-walled cartridges .357 caliber or larger". I've harvested a buck with a .44 mag. but was thinking about the 460. What's anyone think? To much gun for a whitetail? Thanks.

No such thing as "too much gun."

if i hunted ohio, i'd use a 357 maximum out to a couple hundred. preferably with a 14" contender, but you could do a custom encore 15"er too.

Never thought of the maximum . Thanks.

The .460 would be good for deer, after all its a "magnum" ized .454 Casull,like Greg said, theres no such thing as too much gun!

I am too old to be getting beat up by my handgun so I use enough gun, but no more than necessary. Why get beat up by a 460 when a 45LC will get the job done. I had dreamed of a 475 Linebaugh, but a .480 is enough and a dream to shoot. I'm comfortable with my GP100 out to 50 and a little. My point is, if you can't enjoy your shooting or your gun becomes uncomfortable to shoot, your shooting will suffer. The 357 Max is a sweet shooter to 150 and a little, mine is a 10" Contender. The 445 SMAG would be another fine option if you load. I think the 454 is enough for most game, and gunners.

Thanks for all the input. I have some options i didn't think about.


"All is connected...... no one thing can change by itself".

Sray,I'm headed to ohio this year for the first week of gun season, I ordered 2 barrels from MGM for my encore.Both barrels are 1" full bull 15",one in 357 max, the other in 460 s&w. Brass for the 460 is very hard to find at this time.

Well said s4s4u ! How about the 375 win. or has it gotten too hard to find ammo for? I know where a 480 super redhawk is, and I would love to have it but I have 3 .45 colts now.I want but dont need and would carry it very little.An encore or xp in 6.5x55 would be more than I could resist though.

Some states require actual handgun rounds. The 375 Win is a rifle round… although the 375 Max could be a possible substitute.
Racksmasher, I am very interested in your 15in 357 Max! Would you be so kind as to indulge my interest and keep us updated on that one!!!

should be a lot of internet info on the 357 maximum....with just a quick look....enough to start....

http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell357Max.htm

http://357maximum.com/

http://www.bellmtcs.com/store/index.php?cid=121

The 375 winchester is a legal cartridge to use in ohio,straight walled cartridges only. TCMAN, when I get it put together I"ll post pic's,I'm hoping the end of this month.

I've not seen that one.(375 winchester) Best of luck racksmasher this year here in Ohio. I have not hunted at all for about 5 years.
The last year I hunted i got a button buck with a .44 mag. ruger redhawk. No problem with the kill but i was only about 4o yrds. away. I don't have the Ruger. Looking forward to seeing your pic's.

If you google up legal handgun hunting rounds for deer hunting in ohio, there is a link that tells you what can be used, the 375 win got my attn. but I opted for the max barrel and the 460.Everything is here but the barrels and the forend,the brass has me a little concerned, good luck with your decision ,the folks here have a wealth of knowledge and will help you big time.

A 444 marlin may be a good sub for the 460sw. Just a thought; I think if I was going hunting in Ohio, that's what I would get.

My friend's wife, in Ohio, bagged a "big'un" this year with the 375 Win in a FA single shot. It is a good round if you don't push it over 200 yds.
I also have a friend here (Texas Panhandle) that hunts everything with his TC 375 Win (including taking it to Africa).