Has anyone here ever done did some really fine accuracy testing with the 460 (either TC or S&W) and compare accuracy with the different loads of 454 and 45 Colt from the same gun or barrel?
I'm looking for 50, 100 and 150 yard groupings from the bench to remove all variables. If no one has I will because I just picked up a 15" Encore barrel in 460....HA!!

Surely someone has done this...Gary?
and don't call me Shirley!

In my experience, accuracy with 45 Colts and 454 Casulls out of my Model 460 is poor at 50 or even 25 yards. I don't have any exact numbers to quote, but even if I did, I wouldn't call it "fine" testing. More like, throw a few loads in and see what happens.

I would think that with the different case lengths, chamber fouling would be an issue when switching between calibers; as well as "freebore," ie. the bullet jump before it engages the rifling. Thorough cleaning between calibers would be necessary for the test results to be meaningful, of course. And as for that freebore...and what it does for that "fine accuracy testing," would be interesting to find out.

I did an evaluation of a .460 XVR for a couple of publications years ago. Accuracy was very good with the various factory .460 loads I tested, but .454 and .45 Colt accuracy wasn't good enough to print. The best option, for light loads in the .460 is by simply loading it down. JMHO.

I have a 14" barrel on my TC made by MGM. It is not acceptable at 50 yards at all when using 45 Colt. I have a scope on mine, and wondered how well the 45 Colt would shoot at 100 yards. I worked on the 460 load first, and found the load I wanted. Best group was .532" with 3 shots at 100 yards. After I was satisfied with it, I didn't want to touch the scope, but wanted to see how the 45 Colt would shoot out of the same barrel. It was HORRIBLE, even at 50 yards. I didn't even try it at 100 because it was so bad at 50.

I don't have a 454, or 454 brass, so cant speak for it shooting out of the 460, but I know the 45 Colt was a mess. And like Gregg said, the chamber was filthy. Won't ever do that again.

I decided on doing what Whitworth just stated above-- just load a light 460 and it will do just fine! Since then, I've stayed with mostly hot loads though, as those tend to be more accurate with H110. I am working on some light loads with the 45 Colt and the 500 JRH using Titegroup. But both of those guns are currently with Jack Huntington, so load development has stopped for the time being.

Okay then. Thanks for the replies and reaffirming what I thought and learned long ago. For some odd reason, I was hoping differently, especially how its (460) being marketed. Just going 'bang' safely doesn't mean anything if it doesn't group well. I do not keep inaccurate rifles or handguns, but I will use this for 460 for sure. I guess I better keep my .45 Colt barrel!

Hard to beat a 45 Colt for super light loads, all the way up to super heavy loads! I'd keep it for sure! Granted, I haven't taken much big game with a handgun of ANY caliber, but for the most versatility, I think its very hard to beat a 45 Colt. I can load it light enough for my wife, who has bad wrists, to shoot it one handed. And I can load it heavy enough that I better be using both hands and paying attention.

I'll always have a 45 Colt in my house.

Well, except for when its at Jack's....

I did some testing comparing 460 loads with. 260 gr bullet and factory 454 winchester loads in 454. The 460 loads were under an inch at 50 yards and the 454 loads were just over 1 1/2". Using a scope and a rest.