I've been thinking about getting another handgun hunting revolver for about a year or so now. So, I decided to get deadly serious about taking a Whitetail deer this year with a handgun....

Here's my new handgun hunting rig, a S&W 460 XVR revolver !


I was considering a Taurus Raging Bull in .454 Casull; however, after reading an article on the S&W 460 XVR, I decided to pay the extra money and go with the S&W XVR. I came across a good deal on 200 pieces of .460 S&W Magnum brass so I just need to get dies and bullets. I have a large supply of 454 Casull brass, as well as a large stash of 45 Long Colt brass.

I'm trying to decide between a scope or a red dot at this time. Suggestions ?

I was wondering if anyone else here is shooting the 460 XVR for Whitetail deer ? If so, any load data and bullet combinations would be greatly appreciated. Any other helpful information regarding the XVR is also appreciated....

I hope I'll like this S&W XVR revolver.

I used to have that exact same model, but my local store had a used Performance Center version this spring, so I traded.


I think you'll definitely want to scope it, preferably with a Nikon or Leupold 2.5-8x power.

One thing you should probably avoid doing is firing 454 Casull and 45 Colt out of it. Yes, you can chamber those rounds, but because of how much of a jump the bullets have to make before they hit the throat, they're not all that accurate. Additionally, firing the shorter rounds leaves a lot of residue torward the front portion of the cylinder that you have to clean before you can fire a 460 round. If you do shoot a 460 round in a fouled cylinder, it'll be pretty thoroughly stuck.

My load for the past few years is a 240 grain XTP-Mag and 47.5 grains of H110, which gives me a velocity of 1960 fps out of the 8 3/8" model and 2374 fps out of my Performance Center model. Regardless of your load, make sure you apply a heavy crimp to keep the bullets in the remaining cartridges in place even under the 460's recoil.

I too have never met a .460 Smith that shot .454 or .45 Colt ammo well. You can always download the .460 if you need "less."

good for you.... takes a little getting use to but wear hearin protection afield when hunting. I let off 5 rounds and know I screwed up the hearing in my right ear....

Well you certainly don't have to worry about having "enough" gun, Fred. Looks like a nice peice. I will third the sentiments about shooting the shorter cases in the 460 chambers, better to not. I wish you luck with it this season.

And unless it is big and has already chewed your leg off to the knee, do not shoot it without plugs or muffs!!!! It is a fine revolver enjoy it.

Nice Gun!

What he said...possibly plugs and muffs

The cylinder blast is something to behold as well. Keep all bags and fleshy parts away.

All those warnings having been said, mine brings a smile to my face whenever I take her to the range.



Congratulations on your new pistola!

Easy choice: expected shots 75 yd. or less-red dots; greater than 100 yds. to get the full potential of the gun-2-6 Bushnell Elite or 2-8X Leupold.

I spent a few years shooting other very nice guns but eventually gave in and got the SW 460. I know people shoot other guns well but that round gave me the confidence to shoot past 120yards routinely. Like they said above. Never leave camp without your muffs.
When your at a public range full of people shooting anything and they stop shooting to see what your shooting...You know you have a loud gun

As far as ammo. I keep it simple and shoot box ammo. Shoots well enough for me. Not cheap, but its not exactly a plinking gun anyway.

Hornady 200 gr is a bad boy out of that .460. I topped mine with an Aimpoint 9000. With that setup I took a 307 lb. whitetail at 175 yards. You have yourself a monster--CONGRATS!

I have the same pistol. I topped mine with a Leupold 2.5 x 8 it is an excellent scope. My father-in-law has a 44mag with a red dot which is fine but I prefer a scope. After a lot of research I've decided to reload with Hornady 240gr xtp mag. It's a great handgun, you'll love it.

For the longest time, I only ever used just earmuffs when shooting the 460. After trying out both earplugs and earmuffs, I found using them in conjunction to be easier on my ears.