Pro's Con's 450 Bushmaster AR VS 460 S&W Single Shot

[huntersdog]

I posted this on another forum, not much interest in it, so I was re-posting it over here.

Been kicking around on getting a new caliber for deer hunting. Been wanting to get a 460 S&W MGM 24" barrel for the Encore, and now thinking about the AR .450 Bushmaster. They are both capable of taking deer out to 200 plus yards.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[murf6656]

I'm not a big semi auto shooter, as I don't like having to search for my brass. So I would have to vote for the Encore barrel. I can't see where 460 S&W would have any advantages over something like 45-70 though, in a break open single shot Rifle. Maybe if you all ready have a 460 revolver and don't want to invest in dies and components for another cartridge?

[osteodoc08]

Not sure which will stay, the 450 bushy or 458 Socom. Look at those in the AR platform. I know starline has made brass for the Socom and is expensive. Not sure on the bushy. I wanted a 458 Socom after shooting a friends, but just seemed cost prohibitive.

460 Smith has cheaper components than the other 2. Can also shoot 454/45 in them.

im sure you're aware but the boolits operating diameters are different between the 450/458 and the 460 (.458 vs .452) and if planning to use an existing mold, need to be aware.

if your open to other calibers may I suggest the venerable 45/70. If not, good luck with your choice.

[rockrat]

450/460 same boolit dia, the 458 socom is bigger(45-70 sized boolits). That said, I have both in rifles. The 450/460 have proven to be , accuracy wise, about equal with boolits. 450 a bit better with jacketed, 1" vs 1.5". 460 has more horsepower, as runs at higher pressures than the 450. Really comes down to, do you want a semi or a single shot? Cases for the 460 are probably cheaper or easier to come by and you can vary the load and don't have to worry about functioning the action. Plus, you can load with carbide dies.

[huntersdog]

I'm not a big semi auto shooter, as I don't like having to search for my brass. So I would have to vote for the Encore barrel. I can't see where 460 S&W would have any advantages over something like 45-70 though, in a break open single shot Rifle. Maybe if you all ready have a 460 revolver and don't want to invest in dies and components for another cartridge?

Many states only allow the 460 and not the 45-70, plus the 460 can shoot 454, 45 Colt and can size down .458 bullets to the 460 cartridge as I read. So you can shoot light to heavy hitter bullets.

[huntersdog]

Not sure which will stay, the 450 bushy or 458 Socom. Look at those in the AR platform. I know starline has made brass for the Socom and is expensive. Not sure on the bushy. I wanted a 458 Socom after shooting a friends, but just seemed cost prohibitive.

460 Smith has cheaper components than the other 2. Can also shoot 454/45 in them.

im sure you're aware but the boolits operating diameters are different between the 450/458 and the 460 (.458 vs .452) and if planning to use an existing mold, need to be aware.

if your open to other calibers may I suggest the venerable 45/70. If not, good luck with your choice.
With states opening up straight wall cartridges for hunting the 450 Bushmaster I think is going to grow and continue to grow. Some states don't allow the 4570 to be hunted in certain areas or at all.

[osteodoc08]

My mistake. Rockrat is correct. 450 bushy uses .452" boolits

[dh2]

the .460 S&W if my understanding is correct could use .454 Cassull and 45LC ammo, But I hunt MO a state that does allow unlimited doe kills, I want the second fallow up shot as fast as I can aim and shoot so the .450 Bushmaster would have my vote

[osteodoc08]

Yes, the 460 smith can also fire 454 casull, 45 colt and 45 schofield just as the 357 mag can shoot 38 special. It'll need a good scrubbing to get rid of buildup, but why own a Ferrari and drive it like a Sunday grandma.

[Greg S]

I have a wulf. There is no comparison for plinking to hunting for a follow-up shot. It's a semi auto 45-70. I looked at all three (bushmaster, socom & wulf) during research for making the purchase and was leaning heavily towards the 458 when I stumbled across the wulf at half price. There are alot more bullets available in 452 and 458 than 501. Next mold is going to be an accurate 335G.

It sounds as if you have made your mind up as far as caliber, you just need to make the decision as to single shot or semi. If you already have an ar15 lower, your halfway there as you are with the encore probably. Tough decision.