.454 Casull vs .460 S&W Magnum
Typical factory loads side by side: speed, energy, BC, twist, range and what each one is built for.
The short answer
With typical loads, the .460 S&W Magnum is about 350 ft/s faster at the muzzle (1,650 vs 2,000 ft/s).
The .460 S&W Magnum carries about 47% more energy at the muzzle (2,664 vs 1,813 ft-lbs), which usually also means more recoil.
On the same size target, the .460 S&W Magnum has the longer point-blank range (174 yd), so you can hold dead-on a bit farther without adjusting.
Side by side
| .454 Casull | .460 S&W Magnum | |
|---|---|---|
| Made for | Long, high-pressure .45 Colt for big-game handgun hunting and bear defense. Heavy recoil. | The fastest production revolver round. Built for long-range handgun hunting of elk, moose and big bears. |
| Typical load | 300 grhard cast · 7.5" barrel | 300 grFTX · 8.375" barrel |
| Muzzle speed | 1,650 ft/s | 2,000 ft/s |
| Muzzle energy | 1,813 ft-lbs | 2,664 ft-lbs |
| Typical BC (G1) | ≈ 0.18typical, varies by brand | ≈ 0.20typical, varies by brand |
| Twist rate | 1:24 | 1:18.75 |
| Practical range | 100 yd | 100–150 yd |
| Point-blank range | 146 yd6" vital zone | 174 yd6" vital zone |
| Recommended platform | Heavy large-frame revolverVery heavy recoil | Heavy X-frame revolver with brakeVery heavy recoil |
Which one fits you?
.454 Casull: Long, high-pressure .45 Colt for big-game handgun hunting and bear defense. Heavy recoil.
.460 S&W Magnum: The fastest production revolver round. Built for long-range handgun hunting of elk, moose and big bears.
For most hunters, the right pick is the one you can shoot accurately and comfortably, in a rifle that fits how you hunt. Good shot placement and a bullet built for your game matter more than small differences on paper.
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Speed, energy and BC are typical figures for the listed load; real numbers vary by brand, lot and barrel length. Always check the ammo maker's data for your exact load.