So I have several questions that came up in my mind last night as I lamented the degeneration and inevitable thread lock that occurred.
First, I have several times heard the assertion that the best combination for stopping large and dangerous game is a heavy bullet moving at moderate velocity. As we have discussed here and in other threads, this is due to the need for mass to carry the bullet through the target, and also moderate velocity is needed to avoid deformation and deflection of that heavy lead bullet. Several years ago I remember a discussion I had with CraigC, and he asserted that the 460 S&W magnum could be problematic for this reason. High velocity which the 460 mag has in spades could work against the cartridge. High speed light rounds shoot like a laser, but can come apart on impact. In fact I remember seeing a picture from CraigC of an entry wound with an XTP bullet that looked like a crater. It was far from ideal. Corbon made monometal bullets for the 460 magnum from early on, but they were designed to expand. I have no doubt they are effective on large antlered game, but I wonder how well they anchor a critter.
1) So my question is in the eyes of big game hunters/dangerous game hunters, does an offering like this, or the bullet at least, increase the utility of a inherently high speed cartridge like 460 S&W magnum? To me it seems a great combo for that cartridge as it will greatly increase the down range effectiveness of the cartridge, and to me that's the real benefit, as the range of that cartridge is where it shines. I'm still a little hesitant on the way they have it projected past the case mouth, and they do make a statement about bullet creep. However my 460 mag dies at home could remedy that situation for myself, and I don't necessarily see the need any longer to send a 300 grain bullet through the air at 1900 fps. I suspect for my purposes, 1600 fps would do just fine. I know, I know. Why'd I buy a 460 magnum then? Because I was young and it was cool.
2) Along with that comes my next thought. There are dozens of threads and conversations about the cavitation caused by rifle and pistol bullets. I feel it's fairly well established from real world tests that cavitation with handguns can't really be relied upon to significantly increase wounding and thus a stop on any living critter. Perhaps temporarily, but permanent wounds are what matter to me if we are talking about dangerous animals. So with a high speed 460 mag, with a monolithic that doesn't deform, and will blow right through a dangerous animal, does anyone think, or better yet have evidence that cavitation becomes permanent? Will any of you bovine bashers be trying that cartridge out in this offering? I realize it is purely academic as a larger diameter and heavier bullet will do the job, but I'm just interested.
3) Will anyone be trying out the screwdriver type Lehigh bullets on large, but less dangerous game? They are designed to generate cavitation type wounds, but I am not a believer, and gel tests are not the same as a heavy bodied animal, despite the fact that they are designed to simulate human tissue. I more or less believe they are a gimmick and I would not want the flutes on the bullet nose slowing the bullet down. I'd want it sailing right through an animal. Though perhaps given the weight, and tendency not to deform, perhaps the Lehigh screwdrivers would still pass right through.
4) And finally, I know that the Ruger Redhawk and super Redhawk are generally considered to be more robust and resistant to wear and tear than a S&W 29/629.
@CraigC , I have heard this assertion from you a few times. In fact I've heard that a S&W 44 mag N frame will shoot loose with heavy loads fairly quickly. I am not disputing that at all because I have no dog in that fight. But, do you think that the lighter bullet weights in monolithics, combined with reasonable velocity would allow for less abuse of a 29/629 in these offerings, or in handloads? Or do you feel the desire for velocity would still beat the guns up at the same rate. The question may be moot as these particular loads are still quite warm. Just curious what you think.