.460 weatherby

[Grumulkin]

1. Why do you think the 460 Weatherby is best "when taken down a notch?"

2. Please explain why you shouldn't use a 378 Weatherby loaded to its potential for dangerous game?

3. Why would the 460 Weatherby be "more reliable" loaded down?

4. Explain the critical need of taking off 2 inches off the barrel when "game is up close and personal?" If it's that important why not take more off?

 

[CTDolan]

1. Because it's too much of a good thing (besides being totally unnecessary).

2. Same (and, actually, I wouldn't use a 378 for dangerous game, anyway).

3. Same (too much of a good thing).

4. Yeah, one could go to 23 inches (or even 22), but with a case that large 24 inches seems a good length (sufficient bore volume).

 

[Ryno Botma]

hi , just saw the post on the .378

i load mine with the 340 gr rhino solid shank with somchem S385 114gr and reach 2735 ft/ps
i think that would be more than enoug energy to stop dangerous game any day
i havn't had a chance to use it on a charge but belive it wil do the job

what load do you use on yours

 

[Velo Dog]

Hi Monish,

The Weatherby Mk V's that I have seen in any caliber, .460 or otherwise, are too "Star Trek" looking for my old time tastes (some might say that I have no taste at all).

Chamber pressure in factory loaded ammunition for all Weatherby cartridges, including the .460 seem sort of on the high side when compared to the old tried and true African classics, such as .375 H&H, .416 Rigby, .450 NE and .500 NE.

When I was young, I suffered from "Velocity Madness", like so many beginning hand loaders.

I began to recover from this dreadful condition, when I experienced a stuck case in my .244 Remington, a long walk from the nearest cleaning rod, that I needed to bash it loose with.

One thing I do not need on an expensive safari is to have a fired case stuck in my rifle.

The .458 Lott factory standard ballistics of 500 grain bullet at about 2300 fps is a bit much for me (I load mine down a by about 150 fps, reducing recoil and chamber pressure both slightly).

So, in response to your post on this cartridge and / or rifle Monish, I am not drawn to the .460 Weatherby at all.

On a positive note though, for those of you who can actually fire a .460 Weatherby more than once or twice without developing an accuracy destroying flinch, my hat is off to you big tough characters, as I am admittedly too soft for it.

Cheers,
Velo Dog.

 

[CTDolan]

Velo, if you get a chance to fire a 460 Weatherby, go for it. It's not as bad as one would think.

If you get a chance to fire a 378 Weatherby, though, don't. It's far worse (the rifle is 2 pounds lighter, and comes back wicked quick).

 

[Velo Dog]

Hi again CTDolan,

None of my friends have a .460 with which to offer me a chance of shooting so, my nebulous machismo remains intact for the time being.

The following rant is why I personally have no need for a .460 Wby but, I am impressed with anyone who demonstrates that such a rifle is easy to shoot accurately.

Admittedly, I'm only good for one or two accurate shots from full pressure .458 Lott / 500 grain factory loaded ammunition or equivalent hands loads, before the involuntary tremors as well as my accuracy ruining flinch sets in.

Being a dreaded rifle enthusiast (much to Barry Obama and Hillary Clinton's disgust) I prefer rifles that I can train properly with when preparing for an expensive hunting trip.
In other words I like to fire several hundred rounds per year with whatever rifle and load I have decided to take on said trip.

Some of these not only hard kickers, but in the example of very high pressure Weatherby designs - also fast kickers, are just too much for me to stay on a regular training regiment as described.
I am blessed to live close enough to a proper rifle range that I can just hear it "singing to me" with the faint but beautiful gunfire in the distance, when I am out in my yard.
As a result, I do shoot often and a constant bruise is not conducive to my efforts to stay thoroughly trained up with my rifles.

Again, I do admire those who can shoot ACCURATELY, for a half dozen or more shots, with rifles that kick both hard and fast but alas, I am not one of them.

A 500 grain .458 caliber bullet to 570 grain .510 caliber bullet leaving the muzzle at about 2050 fps to 2150 fps, of an approximately 11 pound rifle seems to be my threshold.
Much beyond the above specifications and I start to get too shaky / flinchy to keep my hits on the mark as desired.
Even these "tame" ballistics begin to take their toll on me after less than 20 shots.
But I have come a long way since my teenage years when I began reloading and thought my .30-06 had a lot of recoil when loaded with bullets in the 180 to 220 grain category.

Stay on that front sight,
Velo Dog.

 

[CTDolan]

One of my 30-06 rifles was a Remington pump. It was nasty on the shoulder. I'd much rather have shot my 458 or 375.

With regard to Weatherby cartridges, I agree in that they are too much of a good thing (which you can see, from my earlier comments on this thread...load the 460 down and take comfort in the fact that you've now a mild-pressure 458 turning out 2,300-2,350 fps). As for recoil, something about the 378 sets it apart from the others. I believe it is a combination of too light of a rifle (8.5 lbs, without scope), and a high recoil velocity (5 or 6 rounds is often enough to create a purple shoulder and a gun headache...never had the same issue with the 460, a rifle which weighs 10.5 lbs, sans scope).

 

[Panielsen]

Gotta keep this thread alive I guess, but I have often wondered why more PH's don't use the .460 Weatherby. Many already sling the big iron, and I have read a lot around the inter web about these wild cats or custom built rifles. I read yesterday about the .550 magnum and the article even has a nice video of that PH sending a big buff to Jesus in short order. I guess I wonder why some guys go through the expense and unknown on some of these monster death dealers when you can just order one from Weatherby and be done with it. Ammo is easier to get, warranty, and most importantly, proven dragon slayer! My nephew, a very large organism, is wanting one of those Weatherby beats, and I am smiling while crying inside as I know I will have to be the first to shoot it. I've created a monster I think and will have to pay my dues when he gets it. Anyway, Just something I have wondered is all. I would have thought it a popular PH rifle for the stopping abilities.

 

[matt85]

I have often wondered why more PH's don't use the .460 Weatherby.

because the 460 WBY is a solution to a problem that never existed. the 458 Lott has all the velocity a .458" 500gr bullet will ever need to kill anything on the planet plus the Lott is much easier to feed. if you want a gun more powerful then the 458 Lott your better off moving to a 50 caliber rifle. the 505 Gibbs and 500 Jeffery will dish out much more damage then the 460 WBY and generate a similar recoil levels.

edit: i would like to add that the 460 WBY does have one advantage in my opinion to the 458 Lott. the larger case capacity allows for more efficient use of heavy mono-metal bullets such as the 500gr Barnes TSX.

-matt

 

[bassasdaindia]

I can honestly say that the 460 WBY is the worst rifle I have ever shot , I hated it .......... thanks but not for me !

 

[KWALATA SAFARIS]

I have used one extensively for the past 6 years as primary back up, I respect and enjoy it to the extent that I pick it up before I take my the 500 NE or my 470.

Performance on Buff, elle, and lion is incredible. All of these stopped on charges more than once or twice.

I load 114grn's of S365 behind a Hornady DGS for cats (which btw gives it 460 reason to lie the f ... Down) at 2450 fps
And 110grns of S365 behind the Barnes at slightly under 2400fps

Our African powders will never give the performance of American versions.

I have acquired some GS custom rounds and will shift to S385 for the 600gr. Soft point (specifically for cats)

On performance very few calibre's will give you 3/4 length to damn close to full length penetration on buff, I have achieved this multile times...

The recoil complaints I simly don't get Monish, wether you shoot a 500 jeffrey, a 470, or any of the buffed up calibre's chucking a 500gr round IMHO the recoil difference is neglible.
Rifle fit on large calibre's is of Cardinal importance...

I have shot 12 gauges that knocked the plaque of my teeth....

I have no recoil reducers or brakes on mine, at a weight of around 10.5 lbs.

It is a true effective stopper in every sense of the word.

With this said it is not a range rifle but let's be honest which true stoppers are.
As for Matts statement I could not agree less with regards to the 500 Jeff or 505, I do know that the 550 out performs it....this I have seen in practice not on math....


My best always

 

[bassasdaindia]

hi Jaco , I am not disputing its performance at all, in fact i would tend to agree with you on the performance BUT ,I swear the rifle loosened fillings in my teeth.

as i said .................... thanks but not for me !

 

[KWALATA SAFARIS]

hi Jaco , I am not disputing its performance at all, in fact i would tend to agree with you on the performance BUT ,I swear the rifle loosened fillings in my teeth.

as i said .................... thanks but not for me !

No arguments there it's not for everyone...
My best always

 

[matt85]

As for Matts statement I could not agree less with regards to the 500 Jeff or 505

why is that?

depending on how the Gibbs is loaded i suppose i could see the 460 WBY beating it out but the standard load for the 500 Jeffery is a brute.

500 Jeffery: 570gr .510" at 2300fps
460 WBY: 500gr .458" at 2500fps

i know in the real world (outside of numbers) all sorts of details come into play such as bullet type and shot placement. but the two big 50s mentioned are going to start bigger and end bigger then a 45 caliber bullet ever could (if the same bullet type is used). i also know from a very reliable source that the Gibbs with a 600gr bullet at 2150fps will penetrate the entire length of a buffalo. now if your a hand loader then the Gibbs is really the king with the ability to push a 600gr .505" bullet at 2500fps (you better really like recoil!).

-matt

 

[bassasdaindia]

apologies for changing the post slightly , please explain your thoughts and the differences between the 505 Gibbs and the 500 Jeff

thanks

 

[KWALATA SAFARIS]

Matt same here as per post "3/4 to damn close to full length"

Compared to what I have experienced on the jeffrey (while it's great) I am yet to witness it out performing the 460 WBY which by far out performs the Lott.

Going by GS custom (which will be tested shortly the 460 with S385 will deliver 2300 - 2700 fps on the 600gr GS solid shank custom round... Sp. Also to be tested.

Stand by for feedback.

My best always

 

[Panielsen]

Matt same here as per post "3/4 to damn close to full length"

Compared to what I have experienced on the jeffrey (while it's great) I am yet to witness it out performing the 460 WBY which by far out performs the Lott.

Going by GS custom (which will be tested shortly the 460 with S385 will deliver 2300 - 2700 fps on the 600gr GS solid shank custom round... Sp. Also to be tested.

Stand by for feedback.

My best always

Thanks for the input Jaco, and please keep me posted on the GS bullets. I just learned of them this past week and am very interested. I find the theory of increased velocity with less pressure VERY exciting. I am curious about reports on game, and fouling though. Mainly the fouling. I have toyed with the trying Barnes in my .458 WM, but worry about compressing the loads when using .500 gr solids. If these GS bullets can get me the 500 gr. with less charge then that would be way cool. Also, back to the .460 Weatherby, let me know if they have a load using American powder as there wasn't one I seen on the website.

 

[hntr58]

I too read the Vais site and though they claim to be quieter than others, they dont claim as was claimed above at some point, that there is NO increase in muzzle blast or noise. Facts are facts. If you redirect the escaping gases in another direction, they will be felt and heard in another direction at least within the limits of a particular system and the Vais may indeed be the best, I dont know.
It also states "most of the noise diverted away from the SHOOTER". That would seem to indicate that those around the shooter will not take advantage of the supposed decrease (over other systems) of increased noise and blast. Also this idea of "porting the noise forward" is silly. The "noise" is the escaping gases, and if you port them forward, what will that do? Increase recoil perhaps? Which would sort of defeat the purpose, no? The Vais system may be the least noisy out there but it will still increase blast and noise for those near the shooter to some degree depending on their proximity. There is no other possible alternative. Even Vais does not claim otherwise.

I’ll sum it up for you…..went to Alaska last summer….guide looked at everyone’s rifle….when he spied a muzzle break he immediately said “you guys are getting charged double for this hunt!!!”

 

[Keloburns]

I do agree Ryan, I have fired may be around 20 odd rounds at the targets, the shoulder does takes the beating, but I believe its a matter of practice, agree with you the .470 has a smoother recoil may be due to the breech loading, but this cannon of a rifle .460 does hits hard both ways and its a beauty in belted magnums.

Would you know of any available 460 ammunition?

 

[Snowball]

I see this thread was brought back from the dead, but since it's here I guess I'll share a couple photos of my .460 Wby. I picked it up "used" last year from a local shop, I put used in quotations because the original owner fired it twice before deciding it wasn't his cup of tea and traded it in along with the two spent cases as proof.