Barnes Bullets

Handgun Hot Rod

Handgun Hot Rod:
.460 S&W Magnum
Written by J.D. Jones

This article appeared in the July/August 2005 American Handgunner, and is reprinted here with the author’s permission.

The introduction of the X-frame revolver housing the .500 S&W Magnum cartridge made a major increase in the lethality of reasonably-priced, ultra powerful revolvers, for big game hunting and provides a new experience in mastering recoil for a generation of revolver shooters. Frankly, the 275-grain CorBon loads are pussycats in the X-frame revolver and provide plenty of power for just about any deer hunting in the U.S. that’s within revolver ranges. Mark Hampton took two Elephants and two Cape Buffalo with the 440-grain CorBon load, so there is power-a-plenty on tap with that cartridge. However, not everyone wants a .50, but they might want a mild-recoiling long range deer gun on the same frame.

FAST,

FASTER,

FASTEST

Enter the world of the high velocity revolver. The X-frame revolver and Barnes “X” bullet makes this possible. Think 2,300 fps and some change from a 200-grain Barnes “X” bullet. Think pussycat recoil. Think a half-inch longer .454 Casull case loaded to maximum pressure levels. Think the longest-ranged deer-antelope revolver on the planet. Think a bullet made in the typical Barnes “X” bullet pattern of a hollow point with a large solid base assuring deep penetration and bone crushing power. Think .454 Casull reloading dies will work. Think the flattest trajectory of any revolver cartridge. Think of the ability to shoot .45 Colt and .454 Casull ammo from the same chamber if it should become necessary.

There isn’t any magic in ballistics, and there will be obvious downsides for some people. Frankly, I don’t think a lot of existing .451″-.452″ diameter bullets will be capable of handling velocities attainable with this cartridge. The .454 Casull has problems with “soft” .45 bullets and soft .45 bullets are sure to give problems in the .460. This certainly isn’t a new problem nor limited to revolvers.

Using a bullet designed for a 30-30 in a .300 Magnum is a reasonable comparison - results will be terrible. Use the correct bullet and eliminate all the problems. S&W’s gain-twist rifling should help conventionally constructed bullets, and reduce throat wear. Some people will gripe about anything though, and the necessity of buying an X-frame revolver will upset some. It looks as if the long cylinder BFR will handle the cartridge, as it handles the .500 S&W.