460 XVR Experiences?

I've searched this on here and didn't find much. That or I'm not keying the terms correctly.

Regardless, I'm looking seriously into this pistol and looking for personal experience on here. Anyone care to weigh in on this handgun? I'd most likely go with the older style in 8.3" barrel.

To piggy back on to this...I JUST bought a TC Encore, 15" .308. This is my second Encore - I sold my last one probably 10 years ago and regretted it. So, I bought another a few months ago and have spent a lot of time with it. Killed a turkey with it this past May and to be perfectly honest, as soon as I pulled the trigger I remembered why I sold my first one. I can't put my finger on it exactly, but it just doesn't 'do' it for me. Maybe I'm a revolver guy (freaking love my .44 Raging Bull). Maybe I'm a big bore straight wall guy. I don't know, but it's just uninspiring to me. I'm not going to sell this one as I see a potential need for it in Fall '19, but I honestly don't know if I'll hunt with it this coming season. That probably sounds nuts to everyone on here.

Back to original topic...460 XVR...what say you, my short-barreled brethren?

Randy

I can't help you with the 460, but I understand about the Encore. I hunted with Contenders and bottleneck cartridges successfully for 35 years, but they weren't "doing" it for me anymore. I got back into revolvers recently and the old handgun hunting excitement is back!

Yep.

I'm keeping it because I'm hoping to hunt Antelope, Elk, or Muleys next Fall.

That being said, I'm really not sure what I'd prefer more - Killing an animal at 200+ with an encore or going home empty handed because I couldn't get inside of 100ish with a .44 or .460.

RE THE 460, IF YOU GET A S&W PAY THE FEW XTRA DOLLARS AND GET A PERFORMANCE CENTER GUN, IT WILL BE WELL WORTH IT! ALSO, I WAS REALLY IMPRESSED BY TRADMARK'S BISLEY BFR IN 460 THE OTHER DAY UP AT MY PLACE. THEY ARE BOTH BIG HUNKS OF IRON.

Ah, the Model 460 XVR. That's what I chose for my first hunting handgun, and honestly, I should have chosen something else. I mean, it's a fine handgun in the hands of a competent shooter, as some of the other guys here have proven, but I'm just not a good enough handgun shooter to handle it, even now.

One thing you have to keep in mind, even the 8 3/8" model is seriously heavy and bulky. With a scope, it's about as unwieldy as an Encore, but without the longer range capabilities. Even if you're only using the open sights, it's a huge heavy revolver. And if you're using open sights, unless you're really good with them, I just think you're wasting the potential of the revolver and its cartridge.

Also, don't plan on trying to shoot 45 Colts and 454 Casulls out of it. They won't be accurate with such a long jump their bullets have to make to the forcing cone. Might as well make some reduced loads if you want to do that.

There was one guy who used to come here that wound up taking a deer at something like 136 yards. Although some scoff at Smith & Wesson's 200 yard club promoting the 460, I certainly think it's at least capable of as a 100+ yard big game revolver.

I ended up selling that 8 3/8" XVR when my local store got a 14" Performance Center Model 460. I like it well enough, but I just can't shoot it that well. As big as it is, I might as well be packing an Encore, which would definitely let me reach out and hit far more distant deer.

I don't mean to try to scare you off from it, but you should know what you're getting yourself into when you buy one. If I had one piece of advice to give you, I'd say try to find someone who would let you shoot theirs. Otherwise, I think it comes down to the ranges you intend to shoot. If you plan to keep shots under 100 yards, I just think a smaller revolver would be better for you. But if you want to stretch it out farther than that, are capable of shooting it accurately at long range, and don't mind the weight and bulk, the 460 is definitely your ticket.

Great advice from both of you - thanks!

Randy I used to have an Xframe in the 500 S&W w/ 8 3/8" barrel. SO I can only talk about size and weight. +1 on the suggestion of getting an XFrame from the performance center if you go with a S&W. But the BFR is very accurate, and the weight is comparable. S&W 72oz and the BFR is 74oz
If you like double actions, and the grips, then the Smith is it. But if you want a Single action I would look no further than the BFR.
Remember you can go one of two ways on the grip. The Rubber or the new Bisley version Magnum Research has designed.
Now +1 on Chances post. In order to get the most from the 460 it needs to be run fast. Put a Good Scope on the pistol. I would also suggest using Jacketed bullets. Invest in a good pair of shooting gloves.

Charles
If you want the rubber grip you can find them at reduced prices. Buds gun shop had some in the 900.00 range recently. (If they still have them).

Thank you cherokeetracker. I'll look into the BFR. I've heard nothing but good things about their handguns.

I'm leaning more and more towards getting one. Still undecided of what to do, if anything, with the encore.

The more I read up on this caliber, the more I like it. And with the right load (and tons of practice), it seems it is very capable of reaching 200 yards.

Personally, I like the older style better though in terms of appearance. I also like the extra inch+ of barrel. I also question the $400 upcharge for an integrated scope mount and sling holes.

It's heavy for sure, but that's also a draw for me. And it's still lighter than the encore.

I appreciate everyone's help.

I too owned a S&W .460. It was an awesome handgun. Like the others have stated it is a huge gun. I ended up buying a Super Redhawk 454 and after shooting and owning both sent the 460 down the road.

I have a S&W 460 XVR 8 3/8 model. It?s scoped with a 2x6 Bushnell Elite mounted in a 3 ring Weigan mount. It?s definately big and heavy and the cylinder gap and muzzle blast are intense. I have hunted with it for the past 2 seasons and have bagged a Whitetail and a red sheep with it. The 460 XVR is not an all around carry gun and it?s definately not a beginners gun. For me I like it as a powerful gun that can reach out past 100yards to perhaps 200 better than my other revolvers can or as a powerful hammer for animals bigger than deer. If I am hunting deer and I am keeping my shots under 100 yards I will likely prefer a more traditional sized, 44 Magnum revolver. If I were you I would evaluate your needs and if you can get the job done with a 454 or a 44 mag I would consider one of those first. I know this sounds odd coming from an active 460 user but my point is the 460 is not for everyone.
As reference I have hunted with handguns for almost 40 years and have taken dozens of game animals with Magnum revolvers and Contender single shots. Good luck to you however you choose to go.

Thank you csherrill and billa. I appreciate the insight.

Billa - I've considered the SRH .454 as well and may very well go that route instead. Still not sure.

I'm an experienced handgunner as well and haven't ever been recoil sensitive, so the .460 doesn't really give me any hesitation to speak of. The fact that it's big and heavy are two reasons I'm drawn to it. And as crazy as this sounds, I kind-of dig a handful of recoil.

Randy,

Sounds like you have the right frame of mind for the big handgun. Due to the weight the recoil is not too bad. It obviously goes up with the bullet weight. The sound pressure is intense. It?s by far the loudest gun I own. The cylinder gap will burn and flatten anything in its path. I only use heavy leather or rubber (like a mud flap) when shooting from a rest. It is an awesome gun though. I will be hunting PA deer and bear with it this season. I carry mine on a sling. You can check out some of my other posts.

Billa, just looked through all your photos. Very nice!

Two questions...the camo on the barrel. Is that dipped/cerakoted? And how do you like the swivel/sling system? I've never see that before and it's pretty stinking genius.

The camo is just bow tape. The swivel system works great. I have never seen it before except for I have seen rawhide or 550 cord tied around the scope mount to secure the sling. It keeps the sling clear of the cylinder blast better than barrel mounting does. Thanks fer the complement.

Something to remember Randy...the 460's like long barrels...8 3/8 or longer..shorter barrels only give you ballistics VERY similar to the 454 Casull..all that powder needs a long barrel...obviously that's common sense, but shorter barrels may be handier, but lack what you need to get the 460's true potential

I agree with Franchise that longer barrels are necessary to tap the potential of the 460.

Unless you are completely sold on the XVR, you might consider a .454 Casull barrel for your Encore. Checking velocities with two of my loads recently showed that with my 12" barrel they came in at the low end of 460S&W revolver velocities. These loads used W296 and were below max loads listed in data from the bullet manufacturers.

These loads also used 9-10 grains less W296 than minimum 460S&W loads for the same weight bullets (240gr & 260gr) according to Hodgdon data. 9-10gr of W296 is a lot of powder! Burning less powder per round also means you would get 41-44 more rounds per pound of powder (according to my .454 Casull loads compared to Hodgdon minimum 460S&W loads).

I'm not trying to talk you out of a revolver. I prefer revolvers most of the time. Just something else to consider.

For sure on barrel length. I wouldn't get anything less than the 8" version.

RANDY: THE 8 3/8ths ARE STOCK GUNS, NOT PC GUNS, IF YOU GET ONE GET A PC GUN IN AT LEAST 10 INCH BARREL LENGTH. A NICE PC 14 INCHER IS FOR SALE IN THE "CLASSIFIEDS"

Personally, I like my stock 8 3/8 inch 460XVR better than the PC models. To each his own as I know many do like the larger, heavier PC guns. I also prefer the over cylinder scope mounting vs. the integral on barrel rail. Again, strictly a personal preference.

I have the XVR with the 8 3/8 inch barrel. It wears a 4x Leopold scope. I like mine and shooting 100 yards is no problem. The only downside is the weight. This is a revolver you definitely shoot with some kind of rest.

Randy,l'm with 45MAN on this one... PC guns are the way to go... l have a 10 1/2 PC. lts big, bad, NOISEY... l simply love it..
l got mine used off gunbroken... Saved quite a bit of money that way too.. A couple points to consider.. lts a handloaders gun.. lf you don't reload you will go broke trying to feed the thing... Also, stay away from shorted cases like the 45 Long Colt.. They are nothing but TROUBLE.. Shorter cases leave a carbon ring in the cylinder. Shoot a 460 after a 45 Colt... You will literally have to beat those stuck 460s out... Lots of reduced load data for the 460 out there.. Even the reduced data is pretty strong...l prefer the reduced data in Speer Manuals.
Gun a a lot of fun. lf you plan hunting with it may l suggest a sling.. They work much better than a holster.. Go get one.. Fill a cylinder full of factory Hornady 200gr FTX... Your opinion will forever CHANGE about revolvers..

Mercy. My life is forever changed. I bought one today. The 8 3/8" non PC one. I'm with Billa on preference of the standard model. Picked up a few boxes of the hornady 200 grain ftx to start with and went to the range. Started at the 25, then 50. Then decided what the heck and moved to the 100. No optics.

First and foremost, yes the recoil gets your attention but quite frankly I was expecting it to be a lot worse. My ragin bull .44 with underwood 340 grain hard cast bullets is on the same level of felt recoil. Bottom line...it was a joy to shoot. The smith grip is unbelievably comfortable and through the entire session at the range (2 hours) I never once started to feel fatigued or pain.

Here's where the "mercy" part comes in. I cannot get over how accurate this gun shoots. After a few tweaks to the rear sight at 25 and 50, I put a full cylinder inside a 4" circle at 100. Again with iron sights. The guy next to me was watching through a spotting scope and I've never heard such funny comments. He said there were 3 of the 5 inside 2" and flat out couldn't believe this was coming from an iron sighted 8" barrel. I've been smiling non stop since the first trigger pull.

One thing I hope to improve on it is the SA trigger pull. I measured it at a very crisp 4.5#. Not bad but I'd like to get it down around 3#. If so I believe that 100 yard group will tighten even more.

I truly appreciate everyone's help and comments. All very helpful. If you hear a 45 year old man giggling like a 6th grade girl, it's just me...

That's awesome Randy. I'm glad you enjoy it. I thought about a 460 or 500 for a while, but at the old age of 30, I've come to really appreciate the 44 and 45

Randy,

Congratulations on getting your 460 XVR. They are amazing guns.

Glad to hear you like it. I expect some pictures on here at some point.

Here you go!

Congrats on the new toy and great shooting!

Your going to be happy with the 460, I?ve?e stayed silent on this thread, it?s a great round, the nice thing about it is , you only have to carry one gun, range and power, awesome randy!

Randy,
I kept my XVR in iron sights for about 6 months and it was great fun to shoot it that way. You will really appreciate the accuracy when you get a scope on it. I agree that it does make you giggle once in awhile. Wait until you drop the hammer on your first game animal.

Congrats on the new S&W ... I believe you like it as well as I like my new Model 69!

How about sharing some favorite 460 loads for the revolver? What bullets and powder are you guys using to hunt with???

Congratulations on your 460 Smith and Wesson revolver. I love mine. I purchased a Model V 5-inch barrel with muzzle-brake 460 Smith and Wesson. I shoot mainly 454 Casull as the barrel is shorter than 8 3/8. It weighs 60 ounces and shoots 45 Colt to point of aim. I keep it clean. The platform makes 454 Casull pleasant to shoot. I attached a Bowen lanyard stud with ring to the X-frame Hogue grip and put a Bowen parachute chord lanyard on it.I also sent it in for a Master Revolver Package deal to the S&W Performance Center. The S&W Center also installed a fixed over-travel trigger stop. I replaced the front sight with a florescent green model.The trigger pull is sweet. It is carried in my DiamondDCustom Leather Guide's Choice holster.

Bill, 39 grains of 2400, and 45 grains of H-110, with the 200 grain FTX, the other load I play with is 20 grains of Power Pistol, with the 240 XTP Mag.

Thanks Racksmasher. I have been using 46.0 grains of H-110 with the 240 XTP mag bullet - Fed 210 primers in Starline brass. Chronos at about 1950 FPS. Pretty close to the ballistics of my beloved 358 JDJ Contender.

Has anyone figure out the recipe of the factory Hornady 200 grain ftx?

BE CAREFUL RANDY, THERE WAS A RECENT TOPIC WHERE THE 200 gr HORNADY DID NOT GET GOOD REVIEWS AS A GAME BULLET.

I GOT ALL EXCITED WITH THIS XVR TALK SO I TOOK MY 10 1/2 INCH PC GUN OUT TO THE RANGE YESTERDAY TO SIGHT IT IN WITH WINCHESTER 460 260 gr PARTITION GOLD AMMO. GRANTED IT WAS A LITTLE HOT (UPPER 80's) BUT THE AMMO WAS TOO HOT MAKING EXTRACTION DIFFICULT. I DIALED THE SCOPE BACK TO ITS SETTINGS FOR THE COR-BON 200 gr BARNES BULLET, MORE OR LESS. WILL LOOK FOR OTHER FACTORY AMMO IN THE 250 - 260 gr RANGE.

Not quite, but I have exceeded it. From one of my previous range reports:

4-17-16:
-460 S&W, 200 gr. FTX, H110, Winchester WLR, Starline brass
51.0 gr. Ave vel: 2642, s.d.: 36
51.5 gr. Ave vel: 2656, s.d.: 27
52.0 gr. Ave vel: 2599, s.d.: 51
52.5 gr. Ave vel: 2598, s.d.: 44

The max load listed by Hornady is 52.7 grains, but oddly enough I stopped gaining velocity at 51.5 grains. The Hornady factory ammo averaged 2500 exactly. This was all with my 14" barreled model.

Thanks for the heads up Rey. I'll look for it. To be honest I have high hopes for that bullet after my first range session with it. Up to and including Elk some day.

I am a little late to the conversation but I have been using the 460 8 3/8 for two seasons. I do love the gun and don't find it too difficult to carry around, but I am not hiking too far into the bush when I get to my stands.

At the range 100 yards isn't even fun anymore and hitting steel plate at 200 yards is not very challenging with standard Hornady 200 grn loads. The gun is definitely a tack driver.


I have never been shy of recoil and this gun does have it but for me the more unsettling part is the muzzle blast. Not knowing your level of sensitivity to recoil I would say get good gloves and ears and you'll be fine.


Even though it's a relatively heavy round, going really fast for a revolver, I did have an issue with wounding an animal this past season that I am still upset about. I now think that the Hornady loads were designed for speed and accuracy but don't really hold up well. I am experimenting with different bullets for this season. I am trying to keep the speed and have a slightly heavier bullet. I don't reload so have just been trying different companies loads to find one I like best.

Bullet selection and cost, if your not a reloader, may become bothersome like it has for me.


With the exception of the issue with that Hornady ammo I really like this gun!

I advise anyone who likes the ballistics of the 200 grain FTX to try out the 200 grain Barnes XPB. It's just as accurate, and I'd trust it to perform better on game than the FTX.

Only downside is they're expensive.

I meant to post these earlier, but what the heck. . .

In case you ever wonder just how intense the 460's muzzle flash is:

I HAVE USED THE BARNES 200gr BULLET EXTENSIVELY ON DEER (OF ALL KINDS), HOGS, SHEEP AND AOUDAD IN MY 10 1/2 INCH PC GUN (COR-BON AMMO) AND IT IS AN EXCELLENT GAME BULLET, NO "KNOCK DOWN" POWER BUT THE ANIMALS USUALLY GO LESS THAN 50 YARDS. THE COR-BON AMMO CHRONO'ed FASTER THAN THE HORNADY AMMO.

Good info on the Barnes bullet. I'm going to hunt this season with the Hornady factory load, save my brass, and possibly work up a load with the xpb next spring.

Has anyone tried the Lehigh bullets? My 460 is in a 15 inch Encore barrel.

I've tried the Extreme Penetrator Bullet from Lehigh in my 500 S&W Okie Hunter..very similar performance to other monolithic solids

Franchise, thanks for the info. I'm thinking of trying the 250 grain Extreme Penetrator in my 15 inch 460 and 12 inch 454 for deer and hogs. Has anyone tried these?