I have loaded 12 bullets in the .460 Weatherby Magnum ranging from the 300gn Hornady HP ( in 2 design versions as they changed the ogive in the early 90's) up to the 600gn Barnes .049" Jacket Original round Nose design and used 19 powders.
Many bullets routinely shot perfect half inch triangle groups with the Barnes 400gn X being the most reliable in generating 5 shot groups under .75 MOA. Just about any powder used in the .30/06 is ideal for the .460 case.
Top velocities for the various bullet weights were the following;
300gn = 2900fps (not max)
325gn = 2860fps (not max)
400gn = 2900fps
450gn = 2630fps (TSX compressed load reduced powder capacity)
500gn = 2678fps (Swift A-Frame)
550gn = 2509fps (Woodleigh Weldcore)
600gn = 2460fps (Barnes Original)
I learned the following;
1. The original factory energy level of 8000FPE is attainable.
2. Most reloading articles use reduced loads based on the contributors ability and not the cartridge capability.
3. Suggestion of bullet blow up are not based on experience.
4. Penetration is based on bullet design, construction integrity, velocity of that penetration and whether or how much bone is hit and how squarely it is hit.
5. By adding the factory optional 3 round magazine that is standard on the Dangerous Game rifle, plus 1 gives you well past 32,000FPE in your hands.
6. Guesses and opinions make interesting reading but are not necessarily informative.
John
