460 SW carbine

J

johnwilliamson062

Moderator
Ohio caught me by surprise passing the new hunting reg. I thought it would be a few years before I needed a carbine in an approved pistol cartridge.

Going with 460 SW for sure.

Lever seems to be out as no manufactured receiver can handle 460 SW.
Not interested in pump even if there are options.
Bolt or break.

Single shot I can just buy an encore barrel and go, but I'm not that interested.

I am pretty sure I want a bolt gun.
460 SW pressure isn't far off from any of the MBR cartridges, so I think I should be pretty safe with any of the WWII guns from Europe.
First choice is an Enfield. I've come across a number of poorly done sporters I can work off of.

The magazine is going to be problematic. I can deal with this being a single shot.
 
carbine

p14 would be ok, i would want to stay away from a SMLE as with the lock up at the back the 303B cases have a short life due to bolt flex.
Cases usually separate 1/4 up from the rim after too few reloads.

I would lean to a FR8 spanish mauser if i could make it work, havent looked at the logistics.
 
While no lever gun can handle a .460 you can get them in .454 Casul. With a hot 454 load you have a very effective deer round out to about 200 yds.
 
Talk to Mike Scherz in Pocatello, Idaho, if you would seriously be interested in a .460 S&W levergun. He has built at least one on a Marlin 336 action*, before (9+1 capacity, with an 18" barrel); and, just today, said he would like to do more.

PM me if you want his phone number.



*(The 336 action is the basis for the 444, which is the basis for the 1895. There's no difference, other than having more machining done for the larger cartridges. So, any 336, 444, 450, or (modern) 1895 can be used for the job.)


Edited to remove a few statements that were incoherent and somewhat pointless.
 
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I am under the impression 460 SW runs at considerably higher pressure than 444 marlin or even modern 45/70. Like 15% higher. As I understand it that is Big Horn Armory does not convert from an available product and neither does any other large outfit. I'm not saying it won't work, only that I'd rather buy the tenth or hundredth than the second.

I have seen Big Horns website before and I believe even exchanged some e-mails. I kind of got the idea they couldn't keep up with 500SW orders and weren't all that interested in expanding their product line. They have had that response up on their FAQ for some time. It took 5 years for them to develop the 500 and that was all they had on their plate. I would love to be wrong though. Even then their guns are $2500 to $3000 dollars. I may own a gun in that price range in the future, but I won't be busting through brush with it.

I considered 454. It is unlikely I will even shoot loads above 454 performance much, but much isn't ever.

I was actually looking at 1917s. I didn't realize they aren't "true Enfields." I admit part of my draw to that action is that I am not all that familiar with the rifle.
 
Of course in a very dark corner of my brain I keep hearing a faint voice whisper a nasty thought.

For $200 I can SBR my Encore frame...

The cheapest of all the options by 50%, more utility in the long run, AND it would be cool.
 
I am under the impression 460 SW runs at considerably higher pressure than 444 marlin or even modern 45/70. Like 15% higher. As I understand it that is Big Horn Armory does not convert from an available product and neither does any other large outfit. I'm not saying it won't work, only that I'd rather buy the tenth or hundredth than the second.
Click to expand...
SAAMI MAP for .460 S&W is 65k psi. So, yea... it's up there.


It is probably beyond what any manufacturer would ever want to commercially produce. But... that doesn't mean the receivers can't handle higher pressure than .444 Marlin (which is, officially, higher than .45-70). Marlin, for example, has told researchers in the past that the only reason the 444 and 1895 actions can't handle higher pressures, is because of the heat treating. If they were heat-treated the same as, or 'better than', the .450 Marlin actions, they could handle notably more pressure.
 
Talk to Mike Scherz in Pocatello, Idaho, if you would seriously be interested in a .460 S&W levergun. He has built at least one on a Marlin 336 action*, before (9+1 capacity, with an 18" barrel); and, just today, said he would like to do more.

PM me if you want his phone number.



*(The 336 action is the basis for the 444, which is the basis for the 1895. There's no difference, other than having more machining done for the larger cartridges. So, any 336, 444, 450, or (modern) 1895 can be used for the job.)


Edited to remove a few statements that were incoherent and somewhat pointless.
Click to expand...

I agree! he is the guy that threaded my 45-70 Marlin for a suppressor. He is indeed a fine gun smith. If you ever get the chance ask him about the 550 magnum.
 
On my phone now. I will get a pm for his info. I have a few questions and if he gives the right answers I may consider it. SBR the Encore for this year and look at that for next. A 460 lever gun would be the best option.
 
Well, isn't that a 60K psi cartridge (more than most rifle rounds)? Not sure I'd want to use a mil-surp.

And why not something with a bit more range, like .357 maximum or .375 winchester?
 
B/c the 460 has plenty of range and I already shoot the caliber.
Even with 454 power loads the gun should be capable of 200 yard kills. I probably won't take a shot over 100. Hopefully not over 50.
I could probably get by with a commanche 45 LC, but that would be super boring.

I'm also trying to head towards reltively low velocity 45 cal rounds for casting. 45 ACP carry, 45 LC/454/460 hunting, 45 muzzleloader, 45 air gun. It seems to me like I can get all my high volume centerfires to 45 cal pretty easily. I know the bullets won't all overlap, but there will be some.
As long as I don't have to dig the bullet out and give it a soapy warm water at that the end of each season I will be happy. Being able to just pop the cartridge out of the gun is going to be so nice.
 
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