460 S&W... safe in Encore 45 Colt / 410 barrel ???

[magnumwheelman]

so... 1st off, I already know, to never attempt this in a Contender, ( which is the flavor I collect ) ... however, I have a buddy that started on the Encores... & he has an Encore 45 Colt / .410 barrel... his brother is buying a 460 S&W, & my buddy asked me, if he could shoot that cartridge in his Encore???

I've never tried to stick a 460 case in my 45 Colt / 410 barrel, but assume it would go in The Encore does have 460 barrels available, so the action can handle it... only thoughts would be any issues with the barrel containing the pressure... but it's bigger at the chamber end, than my Contender barrel...

or perhaps the chamber would be too loose, & the case would rupture...

any thoughts???

[AxeHandle]

Good questions. Makes me think about my 45/410 BFR. It IS NOT marked 454/45/410. That 460 is a high pressure beast. I hear that the 460 revolvers will fire 45/454/460 so if the 460 chambers I'd expect the Encore to stand up to firing. Accuracy may be an issue. Wear gloves and shooting glasses!

[magnumwheelman]

it was suggested I contact S&W & I of course got their standard reply...

my question...

"he is wondering if it would be safe to fire “some” 460 S&W ammo in the Encore 45 Colt / .410 barrel…"

"Dear Customer,
We recommend you shoot what is stamped on the barrel.
If further assistance is required please reply accordingly.
Sincerely,"

[seancass]

My main concern woukd be that not all barrels are created equal. They may source higher quality steel for an extreme round like 460( and 454!) But with thick walls, you can make a 45/410 barrel out of absolute pot metal and it'll still hold together. This has been proven be so many cheap derringers.

My first, off my head response is to yell and scream that this is stupid and dangerous, but I think you fellas can figure it out for yourself!