Taurus Raging Hunter .460 S&W Review

A five-shot hunting revolver built around the largest of the commonly sold big-bore cartridge families, with a cylinder that opens the door to two milder ones.

The family in the cylinder

Big-bore revolvers in this class are really a nested set of cartridges. The .45 Colt is the oldest, the .454 Casull is a high-pressure descendant that uses a longer case, and the .460 S&W Magnum is longer again. A chamber cut for the longest of the family can accept the shorter ones, which is why a .460 gun can double as a .454 Casull and a .45 Colt revolver. A .454 gun, though, cannot fire .460.

The Taurus Raging Hunter .460 S&W is a five-shot, double/single-action revolver in that long chambering. Retail listings show a 5.12-inch barrel on the model we link. A companion version, the Raging Hunter .454 Casull with a 6.75-inch barrel, uses a shorter chamber and a longer barrel.

What you get

For weight, sights and grip details, check Taurus' specification sheet. The Raging Hunter line is described by the maker as having a ported barrel and a rail for optics; confirm both details on the exact variant you want, because configurations differ.

Why five shots

Cylinder walls in a high-pressure revolver need to be thick. In practical terms, five chambers instead of six give the cylinder more steel between them, which is part of how a revolver handles these pressures. For a hunting revolver where you typically need one well-placed shot, capacity is rarely the deciding factor. If you value more rounds in a big bore, our seven- and eight-shot article shows how makers fit more chambers into large cylinders, but those guns are in milder calibers.

Porting: what it does and what it costs

Ported barrels have slots or holes near the muzzle that direct a portion of the gas upward. The idea is to push the muzzle down and cut felt recoil and muzzle rise. It can help on heavy loads, and Taurus uses it as a feature on the Raging Hunter line.

The trade-offs are real:

• More blast and noise reach the shooter and anyone beside them.
• Debris and gas are redirected, which makes eye protection even more important.
• Fouling can collect around the ports.
• Close quarters are unpleasant, especially in a blind or on a firing line.

Our range hearing protection article explains why wheelguns deserve serious ear protection, and ported big-bore revolvers deserve the best you can wear, double-up if appropriate.

Optics and the rail

A rail makes mounting a red dot or a low-power scope possible without drilling. For a hunting handgun, that can improve aiming, especially for shooters whose eyes struggle with iron sights. Mounting details matter: the optic needs to be rated for the recoil of the cartridge, and the mount needs to be secure. Our optics-ready revolvers article covers the broader trend, and the network's hunting scope setup piece looks at scope choices. Check the specific Raging Hunter version to confirm how the rail is built before planning an optic.

A practice ladder

The cartridge flexibility is the real selling point of the .460 version:

1. Start with .45 Colt. It is the mildest option and a good way to learn the trigger and the grip.
2. Move to .454 Casull in modest amounts. Notice what the gun does and whether you can still shoot accurately.
3. Treat .460 S&W as the full-power option. Use it deliberately, for a purpose, after you are comfortable.
4. Keep each cartridge's ammunition separate and labeled.

You can read about the physics of recoil in a big bore in our recoil management guide, and the heavy bullet article explains why crimp and bullet weight matter in these guns.

Hunting considerations

Handgun hunting is regulated, and the rules differ by state, species and season. Some places set minimum cartridge or energy requirements; others restrict handguns altogether. We cannot summarize that for you, and a firearm article should not try. Check your state wildlife agency's current regulations, practice with the exact load you plan to use and know the limits of the gun and of your own shooting. Our big-bore hunting revolver guide discusses the broader considerations.

Who should buy it

Pick the .460 Raging Hunter if:

• You want a hunting and range revolver with a gentler practice path in .45 Colt and .454 Casull.
• You value the option of a rail for optics.
• You accept a ported, loud gun in exchange for managed recoil.

Pick the .454 Casull version if:

• You do not need .460 S&W and prefer the longer barrel.
• You want a big bore with a slightly simpler cartridge choice.

Look elsewhere if:

• You want a revolver for concealed carry. This is a large, heavy hunting gun.
• You dislike porting or loud muzzle blast.
• You want the largest accessory ecosystem. Ruger and S&W big-bore revolvers have broader holster and grip support.

Cleaning a ported revolver

Ported barrels collect fouling around the vents, and a big-bore revolver generates plenty of it. After a session, clean the bore and the cylinder chambers carefully, and take extra time with the muzzle area. A good bore brush and solvent will do most of the work, and a small nylon brush can help in the ports. Check the cylinder face and the area around the forcing cone, where residue builds up with heavy loads.

Because .45 Colt, .454 Casull and .460 S&W cases are different lengths, shooting the shorter cartridges in the longer chamber can leave a ring of fouling at the front of the chamber over time. That ring can make longer cartridges harder to chamber or extract if it is not cleaned out. If you shoot the milder cartridges frequently, clean the chambers thoroughly before loading a longer round.

Finally, check the scope or red-dot mount, if you use one. Heavy recoil can loosen screws, and an optic that moves during a session ruins the day. Use the mount manufacturer's torque specification and thread locker as directed.

Verdict

The Raging Hunter is a straightforward proposition: a big-bore revolver with a rail, a ported barrel and the flexibility to shoot three related cartridges. It is not subtle and it is not meant to be. If the .460 chambering appeals to you mostly for the ability to shoot milder rounds, you are in a good position to enjoy it. If you want the full-power experience, plan carefully, respect the recoil and give your ears and hands the protection they need.

Editorial note: This is an independent editorial overview built from manufacturer specifications and publicly available information. We have not performed hands-on testing of the products discussed, and nothing here is a performance guarantee. Verify specifications, compatibility and legality for your own situation.

Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links to Ammunition Depot. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Our editorial choices are not influenced by commissions. Check current price, stock and specifications directly with the retailer.