.460 Weatherby barrel length

[Buster95]

A Weatherby MKV with a 24" barrel (26" but with a 2" brake) is long enough for the big 460?

 

[rookhawk]

I think we'd need the full load recipe to calculate burn rate and find out if the length would neuter the load or if the powder is all burned.

I'd imagine 24" is long enough but the above info would confirm with accuracy.

 

[CTDolan]

A barrel of 24" will definitely do (much better than 26"). You may not achieve the factory-quoted velocity, but the need doesn't exist (never has).

 

[Buster95]

The barrel is 24", the last two inch of the barrel is muzzle brake which doesn't have rifling, so with muzzle brake included the barrel would measure 26", the velocity loss with a factory-ported (integral, not threaded brake) barrel is the same as with threaded brake?

 

[CTDolan]

The factory barrel is 26", I believe, plus the brake (I once had a 460 Weatherby and this is what I seem to recall).

 

[larry4831]

It would make a good stopping rifle-cut the barrel to 22 inches and load 600 grain bullets

 

[Bonefish2150]

Absolutely correct. You have educated yourself. What a stopping rifle that would be.

 

[Bonefish2150]

Or even a custom 700 grain bullet. Velocity down sectional density up. It would shoot clear through an elephant lengthwise. A guy with African experience claimed that 600 and 700 grain bullets would put the 458 Magnums in a new dimension.

 

[calling4life]

It would be interesting to see what kind of velocity a 20" barrel 460 could get, if it still hung out in that 2300 area with a 500, 2200 with a 550.

Wouldn't understand going heavier in .458, the 500 is already toting a .341 sectional density, which is elephant level, the 550 has a .375 sectional density, which is about tops as any production bullet/load for any Africa caliber.

The 500 Nitros/Jeff runs a 570 that's .313
505 Gibbs with a 600gr is about .336
410gr 416 is about .338
470NE with a 500gr at .318
577 NE with the 750 is .313

It seems the .458 line is already running very high sectional density, even with the normal 500s

 

[Bonefish2150]

It would make a good stopping rifle-cut the barrel to 22 inches and load 600 grain bullets

Exactly what I do. I have seen them as short as 21 in. The muzzle flash is shocking and glorious!

 

[Forrest Halley]

A Weatherby MKV with a 24" barrel (26" but with a 2" brake) is long enough for the big 460?

Yes, I believe so.

The barrel is 24", the last two inch of the barrel is muzzle brake which doesn't have rifling, so with muzzle brake included the barrel would measure 26", the velocity loss with a factory-ported (integral, not threaded brake) barrel is the same as with threaded brake?

For velocity purposes your idea is correct. The only difference between the integral brake and the screw on is that it does change the barrel length as defined by law if it's integral although it gives you no ballistic benefit.

Or even a custom 700 grain bullet. Velocity down sectional density up. It would shoot clear through an elephant lengthwise. A guy with African experience claimed that 600 and 700 grain bullets would put the 458 Magnums in a new dimension.

A whole new dimension of recoil and stock destruction. Please cite your source on this. If the cartridge you are attempting to load these heavy for caliber cannot take the increased pressure and the loaded velocity has to drop too much, you're not gaining anything and you've now got a boat anchor with a rainbow trajectory. Makes you wonder why the bigger companies aren't loading them. Makes me wonder why the boutique companies aren't loading them.

 

[BeeMaa]

Cut the barrel to 23.5" and be done with the brake altogether. Then there will be no question as to the barrel length. Members of your hunting party will thank you.

 

[colorado]

It would make a good stopping rifle-cut the barrel to 22 inches and load 600 grain bullets

You should just buy a 458 Lott if you're gonna go to 22" unless you want to burn the poor animal to death with the flame coming out of your barrel.

 

[Bonefish2150]

It would make a good stopping rifle-cut the barrel to 22 inches and load 600 grain bullets

I've seen them cut to 21 inches.

 

[grand veneur]

The normal barrel length for the caliber is 26", with or without muzzle brake on the classic rifles from Weatherby, I don't know.

I own a older rifle caliber 460 Weatherby Magnum built with a Brevex Magnum system that has a barrel of 26" length but no muzzle brake. The weapon are therefore relatively long and not always easy to handle. As I get older, I have problems with the longer and heavier rifle for getting it quickly to the shoulder.

 

[Bonefish2150]

A barrel of 24" will definitely do (much better than 26"). You may not achieve the factory-quoted velocity, but the need doesn't exist (never has).

21"not over 22". Jungle carbine. Going in the Alaska bush after a wounded Brown Bear, you need something short to get into action fast at point blank range. Same with following a wounded Cape Buffalo in heavy bush. Seen a 460 with 20" barrel. It barked, bellowed and roared. The muzzle blast was so horrendous you could light a cigar 33 feet from the muzzle. Just my kind of thing!

 

[grand veneur]

A 22" barrel or even shorter makes no sense for a rifle caliber 460 Weatherby Magnum. Anyone who wants and/or needs a rifle with a very short barrel for going after a wounded dangerous game and/or for backup when guiding a client, is better served with a rifle caliber 458 Winchester Magnum for example. The cartridge 460 Weatherby Magnum show its ballistic advantages with a 26-inch barrel. The twist rate is debatable. With a very short barrel, this cartridge only reveals all its disadvantages, which have partly contributed to its poor reputation.

 

[analog_peninsula]

For DG hunting, Mike LaGrange asserted that velocity wasn’t terribly useful or usable after 2400 fps. I’d go with a barrel length that was handy but didn’t generate undue muzzle blast.

 

[Flipper Dude]

From what I’ve read of the cartridge , it seems as if 8-10 ft. would be about right.

 

[TennesseeHunter]

I’m of the opinion a 23” barrel or possibly 22” is ideal for all around use. Not that a 460 weatherby is ever ideal for all around use.

Which I say that but I’ve got a rifle at the smith now having a 460 barrel fit that’ll be right at a casual twenty-nine inches.
After that I have plans on making a short barrel 460. At least able to match 458 win mag with starting loads.
I’m thinking an 18” barrel but if anyone has strong opinions I’m curious