460 S&W vs. 44 Mag: Which Is the Better Heavy Hitting Handgun Cartridge?

The 460 Smith & Wesson Magnum and 44 Remington Magnum are both powerful handgun cartridges – but which is better for target shooting, self-defense, and hunting?

In this 460 S&W vs. 44 Mag comparison, let’s pit these two magnum handgun cartridges against one another in real-world situations, such as the amount of recoil, stopping power, and overall cost, to help you determine which is better for your situation.

Differences Between 460 S&W & 44 Mag

Though they’re both magnum cartridges often chambered in revolvers, it doesn’t mean they are identical. In fact, we’ll soon see the drastic differences in cartridge specifications and how those differences determine how each performs in various shooting scenarios.

Cartridge Specs

The legendary Elmer Keith created the 44 Magnum many decades ago based on the 44 S&W Special; it features a 0.429” diameter bullet, 0.457” case neck and base diameter, and 1.285” long case with 37.9 grains H₂O capacity.

The 460 S&W was created just a couple of decades ago based on the 454 Casull; it features a 0.452” diameter bullet, 0.478” case neck and base diameter, and 1.8” long case (the 460 S&W’s case alone is 0.19” longer than the entire 44 Mag cartridge, the latter of which has an overall length of 1.61”). The 460 S&W’s overall length is 2.3”. Its case capacity is 60 grains H₂O.

The disparity between the two rounds’ maximum chamber pressures is immense. The 44 Mag is no pantywaist at 36,000 psi – but at 65,000 psi, the 44 S&W is 1986 Mike Tyson.

Now, let’s see how these differences affect real-world performance, beginning with recoil.

Recoil: 460 Smith & Wesson Magnum vs. 44 Remington Magnum

When comparing two cartridges, it’s prudent to begin with their recoil. The round that kicks harder will cause sharper muzzle flip, which can lead to less accurate follow-up shots as a result. Strong kick can also worsen accuracy by causing the shooter to flinch (i.e., reflexively jerk their firearm off target in anticipation of recoil).

Neither of these rounds is known for its lack of recoil. Dirty Harry wouldn’t still be considered the pinnacle of cool if his preferred revolver were weak, and the 460 S&W is way more powerful than the 44 Mag. But how do these rounds’ recoil compare, objectively?

We won’t consider how much recoil shooters typically feel while firing these rounds. Such experiences are subjective: just as immeasurable as they are incomparable. Rather than felt recoil, let us focus on “free recoil.” It is the product of exactly four variables: projectile weight, propellant weight, muzzle velocity, and firearm weight.

When a 260 grain 460 S&W bullet achieves 1,590 fps muzzle velocity from a 4.5-pound firearm, free recoil equals 20 ft-lbs of energy. However, when firing a 250 grain bullet at 1,400 fps from the same firearm, recoil energy drops to 12.8 ft-lbs.

When a 240 grain 44 Mag bullet achieves 1,200 fps muzzle velocity from a 3.5-pound revolver, recoil equals 18.5 ft-lbs. Recoil varies a great deal depending on the aforementioned factors. Bearing that in mind, the 460 S&W typically generates more recoil than the 44 Mag, even when fired from a heavier firearm.

The 44 Mag, therefore, wins this section.

Trajectory

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A bullet’s trajectory quantifies its flight path as it travels downrange. It is often measured in inches of bullet drop. When it traces the path from the muzzle to a close-range target, a trajectory resembles a flat line. At long range, a trajectory resembles an arch, as the bullet must rise and fall as it accommodates the unrelenting effect of gravity.

The flatter a cartridge’s trajectory, the easier long-range shooting becomes. A flatter trajectory requires the shooter to make fewer adjustments to their aim – primarily by making less compensation for bullet drop.

Different cartridges have different trajectories. While there are exceptions to the rule, the 460 S&W typically produces the flatter trajectory. If sighted in at 25 yards, a 360 grain 460 S&W bullet with 1,600 fps muzzle velocity will drop only -3.66” at 100 yards. Under the same circumstances, a 180 grain 44 Mag bullet with 1,500 fps muzzle velocity will drop -5.3”.

Neither cartridge is intended for long-range shooting. Even so, we can’t deny the 460 S&W’s victory in this section.

Accuracy: 44 Mag vs. 460 S&W

Several factors affect a cartridge’s accuracy, including the firearm, the person operating said firearm, and the atmospheric conditions said person operating said firearm within. All of this is to say that it would be frivolous to declare one cartridge “more accurate” than any other.

However, we can assume that recoil-sensitive shooters will be more accurate with the 44 Mag out to 125 yards. The 460 S&W will be more accurate in shooters' hands, looking to push magnum effective range (within 200 yards).

This section is a tie, as it will depend on your shooting ability.

Stopping Power

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“Stopping power” means different things to different shooters. We could argue about the exact definition, but for the sake of time, let’s agree that penetration depth, wound column diameter, and kinetic energy transfer are the primary determinants of stopping power. We’ll also acknowledge the importance of shot placement: a well-placed shot from a weak cartridge will prove more effective than a poorly placed shot from a powerful one.

Keeping all that in mind, the 460 S&W has a clear energy advantage over the 44 Mag because it fires larger projectiles that conserve higher momentum downrange and strike considerably harder as a result. The 360 S&W’s wider bullet is also inclined to inflict the same kind of wound channel (namely, a wider one).

At 50 yards, a 360 grain LFN 460 S&W bullet achieving 1,600 fps out of the muzzle maintains 1,714 ft-lbs of energy. At that same distance, a 340 grain LFN 44 Mag bullet achieving 1,400 fps out of the muzzle maintains 1,294 ft-lbs of energy.

The 460 S&W wins this section. Once again, the 44 Mag is no slouch. Many consider it too powerful for personal protection against conventional human threats. But the 460 S&W is just on another level – so much so that 460 ammo for defense against humans is virtually nonexistent.

Hunting: 460 S&W Mag vs. 44 Rem Mag

The 460 S&W and 44 Mag may not compete with the hand cannon 500 S&W Magnum regarding dangerous game hunting, although they’re still solid options. These big-bore cartridges outshine the 357 Magnum and 45 ACP for carbine and handgun hunting.

The 460 Smith and Wesson Magnum’s greater stopping power makes it the better option for harvesting big game animals like bear, elk, and moose. The 44 Mag is a better option for whitetail deer and medium game because it’s less powerful and won’t damage meat as severely.

This section is a tie. Both cartridges excel at harvesting the game they were designed for.

Defense

Both of these rounds are great for bear defense, but I would not recommend either for concealed carry or home defense.

For starters, both require large and unwieldy revolvers. The 357 Mag, 45 Automatic Colt Pistol, 9mm, and even the 38 Special are all better options for concealed carry because they won’t force you to lug around a hand cannon like the Smith & Wesson X-Frame 460 XVR or Magnum Research Desert Eagle.

Not only do they require magnum revolvers and carbines, but these massive rounds are also much more likely to penetrate the threat and multiple walls behind them, thus potentially endangering innocent bystanders. Maybe it’s because I’m not the world’s greatest shot, but I want more than five or six rounds in my home defense firearm. I’d also rather not have to overcome strong recoil while I’m trying to pour lead into a threat, and the thought of listening to either round’s report indoors and without hearing protection doesn’t thrill me.

If forced to choose, I’d prefer the 460 S&W for bear defense and the 44 Mag for home defense. I’ll still call this section a tie, as neither round is a great pick for conventional defensive scenarios.

Cost & Availability: 44 Magnum vs. 460 Smith & Wesson

The 44 Magnum takes the cake regarding overall cost and availability, but it’s by no means inexpensive. Neither cartridge is great for a day of inexpensive plinking at the range.

At the time of writing, 44 Mag firearms range in price from $600 to $2,000. Most cost around $1,000, such as the Ruger Super Blackhawk, Super Redhawk, and S&W Model 69. The Marlin Model 1894 lever-action rifle costs $1,200.

As of this writing, most 460 S&W Mag revolvers range in price from $1,000 to $2,000. For example, the Magnum Research BFR costs around $1,400; the Smith & Wesson Model 460XVR, around $1,700.

Factory ammo is much the same; 44 Mag factory loads cost about $1.45/round for the cheap stuff (hard cast bullets) and $3.50 per round.

460 S&W ammo costs about $2.30/round for Hornady Custom FTX handgun loads and $4.50/round for Buffalo BORE Personal Defense. In addition to requiring more materials to manufacture, the 460 S&W's higher price tag is due to its relative unpopularity—fewer companies produce it!

The 44 Magnum’s lower cost per round and wider selection of firearms win this section.

Reloadability

Reloading spent casings is an excellent way to save money on factory ammo. You can optimize your firearm’s performance by carefully crafting the ideal handloads for it, too. The significant upfront cost of tools and equipment dissuades many from picking up handloading as a hobby, but no high-volume shooter should go without it.

Both cartridges are reloadable, with plenty of load data and supplies available. This section is a tie.

Ballistics

All the numbers nerds will love this section, where we dive into the ballistic performance of each cartridge. The tables below will help you quickly compare either round’s muzzle velocity, muzzle energy, and trajectory.

460 S&W Ballistics

Note: This information comes from the manufacturer. The actual ballistics obtained with your firearm can vary considerably from advertised ballistics. Ballistics can also vary from lot to lot within the same brand and load type.

44 Mag Ballistics

Take a deep dive into our 44 Magnum ballistics tables for factory ammo.

460 S&W Brief History

Hornady and Smith & Wesson teamed up to develop the 460 Smith & Wesson Magnum. It was released in 2005. Since it was designed using the 454 Casull, firearms chambered in 460 S&W can often safely fire 454 Casull, 45 Colt, and 45 Schofield ammo (but not vice versa).

Smith & Wesson has boasted that the 460 S&W is the highest-velocity revolver cartridge in the world, but the more recently introduced 500 Bushwhacker makes that claim easily debatable.

While the 460 S&W has not been a raging commercial success, it has proven itself a viable option for handgun hunting over the past couple of decades. A few long guns are also chambered in 460 S&W, including the Big Horn Armory Model 90 lever-action rifle, Ruger No.1 single-shot rifle, and Thompson Center Encore Pro Hunter single-shot rifle.

44 Mag Brief History

Elmer Keith developed the .44 Magnum cartridge for handgun hunting. He made high-pressure loads that pushed a heavy bullet faster than ammunition of this bullet size. He worked with Smith & Wesson and Remington to bring the Model 29 and its ammo to market.

Since its commercial production began in 1956, the 44 Mag has proven itself a viable handgun hunting round and remains the go-to choice for many hunters entering bear country. I enjoy sending a few 44 Mag bullets downrange using my Desert Eagle, so I see why it’s remained so popular for so many decades and believe it will continue to be a top choice.

Parting Shots

Now that you’ve finished reading this 460 S&W vs. 44 Mag comparison, you know that the 460 S&W won two sections (trajectory and stopping power). Four sections were tied (accuracy, defense, hunting, and reloadability). The 44 Magnum won two sections (recoil and overall cost).

Both cartridges excel in specific situations. The 460 S&W should be the top choice for long-range handgun hunters. In contrast, close-range hunters will find the 44 Mag more than sufficient.

Remember: You can fulfill all your ammo needs at Ammo.com, regardless of which cartridge you choose!

Wes Littlefield

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