What's the Best Bullet for .460 S&W for Hunting?

Seeking Recommendations for the Best Bullet Type

I’m getting ready for the upcoming hunting season and want to ensure I’m using the best setup for my .460 S&W Magnum. I’ve heard a lot of varying opinions on what bullet types and loads work best, especially when it comes to hunting larger game like bears and deer.

Questions on Bullet Types

  • What bullet weight do you find most effective for taking down big game?
  • Are there certain bullet brands that have performed well for you in the field?
  • How does the bullet type affect accuracy and stopping power?

Personal Experiences

I know a lot of folks have preferences based on personal experiences, so I’d appreciate it if you could share your thoughts on the following:

  • Have you had success with hardcast bullets? What about SP (Soft Point) or HP (Hollow Point)?
  • How about using lighter versus heavier bullets? I imagine there’s a balance between recoil and effectiveness.

Additional Tips

If you have any other tips regarding loads, reloading, or preferred practices for hunting with a .460 S&W, I’d love to hear those as well! Let’s help each other get the most out of our gear this hunting season.

Looking forward to your insights!

I’m interested in the .460 S&W for hunting, but I’m not sure what bullet type to go with. Any advice?

You can’t go wrong with jacketed hollow points for hunting. They expand well and transfer energy effectively, making them ideal for larger game!

True, but full metal jackets can also be a great option for practice and cost-effective shooting.

I agree with both! It really depends on your intended game. For smaller animals, lead cast bullets might suffice, especially in terms of cost and availability.

For hunting, I’d stick with bullets designed for expansion, like hollow points. You want that stopping power when it counts!

Absolutely! Hollow points are known for their terminal performance. It’s what makes them the go-to for larger game.

7 Likes

Don’t sleep on the full metal jackets for practice, though. It helps you save some bucks while you get used to the .460 S&W!

Good point! Plus, they can be used effectively for hunting lighter game if you place your shots right.

Do lead cast bullets perform as well in the field compared to jacketed bullets? Just trying to gauge their effectiveness.

3 Likes

They definitely have a place, especially for smaller game or in areas where pricing is a concern. Just make sure they’re sized properly!

2 Likes

I’ve heard some debate about jacketed vs. cast. Some say the expansion isn’t as reliable with lead, especially on bigger animals. Is that true?

2 Likes

That can be the case. It really boils down to shot placement and the type of game you’re after.

Has anyone had success with lead cast in hunting situations? I’m curious about real-world experiences.

I’ve used them for hogs with decent results. Just make sure your load is hot enough to get a good impact.

Ultimately, picking the right bullet type is about knowing your hunting conditions and preferences. Just remember to practice often!

I’m a big fan of the 300 grain hard cast bullets for .460 S&W. They offer excellent penetration and are fantastic for hunting larger game. I’ve found they maintain accuracy even at longer ranges.

I agree! I’ve had good success with 240 grain bullets too. They provide a bit less recoil which is nice for target shooting, especially for beginners.

While 300 grains are great, I’ve heard the 400 grain bullets give a significant advantage in knockdown power. Has anyone tried those for bear hunting?

3 Likes

I took a bear with a 400 grain bullet last fall. The recoil was a bit intense, but the shot was deadly accurate!