Understanding the 460 Rowland: The Foundation of Reloading
The 460 Rowland is a cartridge that has carved a niche for itself in the world of handgunning. It’s a potent round, a significantly upgraded .45 ACP that delivers more power and flatter trajectories. This increased performance makes it suitable for a variety of applications, from hunting medium-sized game to providing a formidable self-defense option. When compared to the standard .45 ACP, the 460 Rowland boasts superior velocity and energy, placing it in a performance class that rivals some 10mm Auto loads, and even exceeding some.
The inherent power of the 460 Rowland necessitates a careful approach to reloading, and perhaps the most critical element in maximizing its potential and ensuring safety is the selection of the right powder. Using an inappropriate powder can lead to several undesirable consequences, ranging from poor accuracy and inconsistent performance to dangerous overpressure situations that could damage your firearm and potentially injure the shooter. This article serves as a guide to choosing the **best powder for 460 Rowland**, focusing on powders that yield optimal performance, consistency, and safety.
Before diving into the specifics of powder selection, it’s essential to grasp the core characteristics of the 460 Rowland cartridge. This starts with the basics of the round itself. The 460 Rowland is essentially a .45 ACP cartridge that has been modified for a substantially higher pressure rating. Typically loaded with bullets of the same .451-inch diameter as .45 ACP, the 460 Rowland can handle heavier bullets and generate considerably higher velocities. This increased power necessitates a properly built firearm, usually a modified 1911 pistol or a dedicated 460 Rowland conversion.
The standard .460 Rowland cartridge commonly uses bullet weights ranging from grains to, though heavier bullets may be used in some applications. The goal of reloading is to achieve velocities that make the most of the 460 Rowland’s potential. The higher velocities translate into more kinetic energy, a flatter trajectory, and increased effectiveness on target, whether for hunting or self-defense.
Proper reloading techniques are paramount to safety and performance with the 460 Rowland. This involves the use of specialized reloading equipment such as a bullet puller, a case trimmer, a scale for measuring powder, and the correct dies for the 460 Rowland. Accurate measurements and careful adherence to published load data are essential to ensure that each round performs as expected and avoids dangerous overpressure situations. It is essential to emphasize that the reloading process demands meticulous attention to detail. Failure to follow these guidelines can lead to malfunction, injury, or worse.
Powder Selection: The Key to Performance and Safety
Choosing the correct powder is perhaps the most critical aspect of reloading the 460 Rowland. Several factors must be considered when evaluating powders, including the burn rate, consistency, velocity potential, accuracy, and overall safety. Understanding these factors is crucial to achieve optimal results with this potent cartridge.
The burn rate refers to how quickly a powder burns and the rate at which it generates pressure. For the 460 Rowland, the burn rate needs to be carefully considered. Using a powder that is too fast-burning can lead to a rapid pressure spike, potentially causing the gun to malfunction, or the barrel to fail. Conversely, a powder that burns too slowly may result in incomplete combustion, inconsistent velocities, and potentially poor accuracy. Finding the right burn rate is crucial for unlocking the full potential of your cartridge.
Consistency in powder charges is another factor that greatly affects performance. Consistent powder charges lead to uniform velocities and, as a result, improved accuracy. Powder shape and density, along with the cleanliness of your reloading process, all play a role in achieving consistency. When you measure the exact same amount of powder for each load, the more consistent your ammunition will perform down range.
The 460 Rowland is all about velocity and energy. When selecting a powder, it’s essential to consider its potential to generate the desired velocities. The goal is to choose a powder that allows you to push a given bullet weight to its maximum velocity while staying within safe pressure limits. Again, reference published load data and stay within those established parameters.
Powder selection has a direct impact on accuracy. A powder that burns consistently and provides a stable pressure curve can lead to tighter shot groups. While other factors like bullet quality and the quality of your firearm are also important, powder selection plays a critical role in overall accuracy. Reloaders are often searching for the right powder to hit those bullseyes.
Safety should be your utmost concern when reloading any cartridge, and it is especially critical with the 460 Rowland. This round operates at higher pressures, and any deviations from recommended load data can be extremely dangerous. Always follow published load data from reputable sources such as powder manufacturers’ websites or reputable reloading manuals. Never exceed maximum powder charges, and always start with a lower charge and gradually increase it while monitoring for signs of excessive pressure.
Top Powder Recommendations for the 460 Rowland
For the 460 Rowland, a few powders consistently demonstrate outstanding performance. Keep in mind that load data can vary, and it’s important to consult current data from powder manufacturers.
Hodgdon Longshot
This is a popular choice among **460 Rowland** reloaders. Longshot is a spherical powder with a moderate burn rate that is well-suited to deliver high velocities with various bullet weights. It offers a good balance of velocity and pressure, making it a safe choice when following recommended load data.
To use Longshot with your 460 Rowland, you will need to consult a reliable reloading manual. Load data for 200-grain and 230-grain bullets, for instance, can be found in several reloading manuals. The powder typically delivers excellent velocities with both bullet weights. For instance, the 200-grain bullets can be expected to exceed feet per second.
The pros of using Longshot include its ability to achieve high velocities, consistent performance, and relatively clean burning characteristics. Its ability to meter well makes it a good powder to reload with. The cons might include a bit of a flash or recoil from some, but most reloaders find that the benefits outweigh any downsides. Be sure to always follow published load data.
Accurate #7
Accurate #7 is another excellent choice for the 460 Rowland, especially for those seeking maximum performance. This powder offers a slightly slower burn rate than Longshot, making it ideal for pushing heavier bullets to their maximum velocities. It provides a flat trajectory and outstanding accuracy.
Similar to Longshot, you’ll find specific load data, including bullet weights, online and in manuals. Using Accurate #7 can generate impressive velocities, often exceeding what is achievable with faster-burning powders, particularly with heavier bullet weights.
The pros are the high velocities it can produce, good accuracy, and versatility with various bullet weights. Some cons include it being a bit more temperature-sensitive than some other powders.
Alliant Power Pistol
Power Pistol is a trusted favorite for many handgun calibers, and for good reason. It is a fast-burning powder that generally offers a slightly more abrupt pressure curve but is still within safe limits in the 460 Rowland. It offers a balance of performance and affordability.
Refer to reputable reloading sources when using Power Pistol in your 460 Rowland loads. It can provide excellent performance with a wide variety of bullet weights.
The pros include good velocity and excellent accuracy. Cons may include slightly more recoil.
(Remember to check loading data from reputable sources.)
Other Powders to Consider
Beyond the three powders reviewed above, some other options are suitable for the **460 Rowland** with proper attention and care.
These include options such as VihtaVuori powders and powders offered by Hodgdon. Many reloaders have found success with various powders within the recommended burn rate ranges. Always research and consult established reloading manuals or powder manufacturers’ websites before using any powder for the first time. Start low and work your way up to the recommended loads.
Important Safety Considerations: A Non-Negotiable Checklist
Safety is non-negotiable. Before embarking on the journey of reloading for the 460 Rowland, you must adhere to the following safety guidelines:
- Never exceed the maximum powder charges outlined in published load data.
- Always inspect your reloads. Look for any visual defects.
- Use only quality reloading equipment, and maintain it in good working order.
- Always wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection and hearing protection.
- Store your powder and ammunition properly, away from sources of heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
- Double-check your measurements to make sure that you are loading the correct amount of powder, and always be safe.
Conclusion: Empowering Your Reloading Journey
Choosing the **best powder for the 460 Rowland** is a crucial step in maximizing the performance and safety of this powerful cartridge. Carefully considering factors like burn rate, consistency, and following established load data will help you to unleash the full potential of the **460 Rowland**. By choosing the right powder and following these critical guidelines, you can create ammunition that is accurate, reliable, and provides a formidable level of stopping power.
Remember to always prioritize safety and consult the most up-to-date load data from trusted resources. Happy reloading and enjoy the power of the 460 Rowland!
Resources
- Powder manufacturers’ websites (e.g., Hodgdon, Accurate, Alliant)
- Reputable reloading manuals (e.g., Hornady, Speer, Lyman)
- Online reloading forums and communities.
