.460 S&W Mag Ammo
Professionally Reviewed by:
Nathaniel Boos
Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.
Credentials:
- • 2x Team Safari Competitor
- • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
- • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
- • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified
.460 S&W Mag: At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Revolver |
| Primer Type | Large Rifle |
| Used For | Hunting, Self-Defense, Target Shooting |
| Case Design | Rimmed, Straight |
| Year Introduced | 2005 |
.460 S&W Mag: At a Glance: Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Extremely powerful for a handgun cartridge
- ✔ Versatile, can fire .454 Casull and .45 Colt
- ✔ Excellent for hunting large game
- ✔ Long effective range for a handgun
- ✔ Flat trajectory for easier long-range shooting
Cons
- ✘ Severe recoil, challenging for many shooters
- ✘ Expensive ammunition
- ✘ Limited firearm options
- ✘ Heavy firearms required to manage recoil
- ✘ Overpenetration risk in self-defense situations
.460 S&W Magnum: The Powerful Handgun Cartridge
The .460 S&W Magnum is one of the most powerful commercial handgun cartridges in the world. Developed by Smith & Wesson and Hornady in 2005, it was designed to be a versatile hunting round capable of taking large and dangerous game. This cartridge offers tremendous power and long-range capabilities, making it suitable for hunting everything from deer to elephants.
Development and Characteristics
The .460 S&W Magnum was introduced in 2005 as a joint venture between Smith & Wesson and Hornady. It was designed to be the most powerful production revolver cartridge, surpassing the .500 S&W Magnum in terms of velocity. The cartridge is based on a lengthened .454 Casull case, which itself is an elongated .45 Long Colt case.
With a case length of 1.8 inches and an overall length of 2.30 inches, the .460 S&W Magnum can propel a 200-grain bullet at velocities exceeding 2,300 feet per second. This results in muzzle energies of over 2,300 ft-lbs, placing it among the most powerful handgun cartridges available.
One of the key features of the .460 S&W Magnum is its versatility. Revolvers chambered for this cartridge can also fire .454 Casull and .45 Long Colt ammunition, providing shooters with a wide range of power options and reducing practice costs.
Applications and Performance
The .460 S&W Magnum is primarily used for hunting large and dangerous game. Its high velocity and energy make it effective against animals such as bear, moose, and even African big game. The cartridge's flat trajectory also makes it suitable for long-range handgun hunting, with effective ranges extending beyond 200 yards.
Despite its power, the .460 S&W Magnum produces less felt recoil than the larger .500 S&W Magnum, making it more manageable for experienced shooters. However, it still generates significant recoil and is not recommended for novice shooters or for extended practice sessions.
The cartridge's performance has made it popular among handgun hunters and firearm enthusiasts who appreciate its power and versatility. While not commonly used for self-defense due to its size and power, some individuals in areas with large predators may choose it for protection against dangerous wildlife.
Timeline of .460 S&W Magnum Development:
.460 S&W Magnum Performance
The .460 S&W Magnum offers exceptional performance characteristics that have made it a popular choice for handgun hunting and long-range target shooting. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Velocity | 2,300 fps (200-grain bullets)
2,060 fps (300-grain bullets) Measured from an 8.38-inch barrel |
| Energy | 2,350 ft-lbs (200-grain bullets)
2,826 ft-lbs (300-grain bullets) Muzzle energy |
| Effective Range | 200+ yards Suitable for long-range handgun hunting |
| Recoil | Significant, but less than .500 S&W Magnum Manageable for experienced shooters |
| Accuracy | Sub-MOA potential at 100 yards With proper loads and in skilled hands |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .460 S&W Magnum loads.
.460 S&W Mag: Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for .460 S&W Mag ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hunting (Large Game) | 0-200 | Powerful enough for large game at close to medium ranges |
| Target Shooting | 0-100 | Accurate for target shooting, but recoil can be challenging |
| Self-Defense | 0-50 | Extremely powerful for self-defense, but overpenetration is a significant concern |
| Handgun Hunting | 0-150 | Excellent for handgun hunting of large game |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .460 S&W Mag is known for its extreme power and versatility. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for .460 S&W Mag
The .460 S&W Mag's powerful performance profile makes it suitable for specific applications:
Caliber Comparisons
To understand the .460 S&W Mag's place in the handgun world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .460 S&W Mag with other powerful handgun cartridges. (Based on a 4 lb handgun)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .460 S&W Mag with other powerful handgun cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .460 S&W Mag with other powerful handgun cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .460 S&W Mag with other powerful handgun cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density Comparison for .460 S&W Mag
The .460 S&W Magnum is a powerful handgun cartridge known for its high velocity and energy. This table compares the sectional density of various bullet weights for the .460 S&W Mag.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| .460 S&W Mag | 200 | 0.172 |
| .460 S&W Mag | 250 | 0.215 |
| .460 S&W Mag | 300 | 0.258 |
| .460 S&W Mag | 395 | 0.340 |
| .460 S&W Mag | 454 | 0.391 |
Note: The .460 S&W Mag has a bullet diameter of 0.452 inches. Sectional density is calculated as (bullet weight in pounds) / (bullet diameter in inches)². The .460 S&W Mag offers a wide range of bullet weights, allowing for versatility in hunting and target shooting applications.