The .454 Casull and .460 S&W Magnum are two of the most powerful handgun cartridges in the world, both capable of bringing down large game like elk, moose, and even bears.
However, there are some key differences between the two cartridges that make them better suited for different applications.
In this article, we will compare the two cartridges in terms of their ballistics, recoil, and overall suitability for different shooting activities.
Overview
About .454 Casull Ammo
.454 Casull Ammo is a powerful handgun cartridge developed in the 1950s and is known for its significant muzzle energy and potential for stopping power. The cartridge is primarily intended for hunting medium to large game, metallic silhouette shooting, and bear protection.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Cartridge | .454 Casull |
| Bullet diameter | 0.454 inches (11.5 mm) |
| Case length | 1.4 inches (36 mm) |
| Overall length | 1.77 inches (45 mm) |
| Case capacity | 45.5 gr H2O (2.95 cm³) |
| Primer type | Boxer Small rifle |
| Maximum pressure (SAAMI) | 65,000 psi (450 MPa) |
| Muzzle velocity | 1,900 ft/s (580 m/s) (250 grain bullet) |
| Muzzle energy | 2,000 ft-lb (2.7 kJ) (250 grain bullet) |
About .460 S&W Magnum Ammo
The .460 S&W Magnum is a powerful revolver cartridge that was developed by Hornady and Smith & Wesson in 2005. It is based on the .454 Casull but is lengthened by 10 mm (0.39 in) to accommodate a larger bullet and propellant charge.
The .460 S&W Magnum is the most powerful revolver cartridge in the world, with a maximum chamber pressure of 65,000 psi (450 MPa). It can fire bullets at velocities of up to 2,409 feet per second (734 m/s) and generate muzzle energies of up to 2,860 foot-pounds (3,880 J).
The .460 S&W Magnum is typically used for hunting large game, such as elk and bear. It can also be used for long-range target shooting.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .452 in (11.5 mm) |
| Case length | 1.80 in (46 mm) |
| Overall length | 2.300 in (58.4 mm) |
| Bullet weight | 200 to 400 grains (13 to 26 g) |
| Muzzle velocity | 1,800 to 2,409 feet per second (549 to 734 m/s) |
| Muzzle energy | 2,200 to 2,860 foot-pounds (3,000 to 3,880 J) |
| Maximum chamber pressure | 65,000 psi (450 MPa) |
Pros & Cons
| PROS | CONS | |
| .454 Casull |
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| .460 S&W Magnum |
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Head-To-Head Comparison
1. Recoil
Both the .454 Casull and the .460 S&W Magnum are very powerful handgun cartridges that produce a lot of recoil. The .460 S&W Magnum is generally considered to have more recoil than the .454 Casull, but this can vary depending on the specific firearm being used and the shooter’s experience.
The .454 Casull is a powerful cartridge that is capable of generating over 2,000 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. This makes it an excellent choice for hunting large game, such as elk and bear. However, the .454 Casull also has a lot of recoil, which can make it difficult to control. This can lead to flinching and poor accuracy.
The .460 S&W Magnum is even more powerful than the .454 Casull. It is capable of generating over 3,000 foot-pounds of muzzle energy, making it the most powerful handgun cartridge in the world. This makes it an excellent choice for hunting very large game, such as African elephants and cape buffalo. However, the .460 S&W Magnum also has even heavier recoil than the .454 Casull. This can make it very difficult to control, and it can even cause injury to the shooter.
| Cartridge | Recoil |
|---|---|
| .454 Casull | Heavy |
| .460 S&W Magnum | Extremely heavy |
2. Bullet Weights
| Caliber | Bullet Weights (Grains) |
|---|---|
| .454 Casull | 200-400 |
| .460 S&W Magnum | 200, 230, 250, 260, 290, 300, 350, 400 |
3. Loading Type
| .454 Casull | .460 S&W Magnum |
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4. Trajectory
The .460 S&W Magnum has a flatter trajectory than the .454 Casull. This means that the bullet will travel farther before it begins to drop. This is because the .460 S&W Magnum has a higher muzzle velocity than the .454 Casull.
Here is a table comparing the trajectories of the two cartridges:
| Range | .454 Casull | .460 S&W Magnum |
|---|---|---|
| 100 yards | -4.8 inches | -2.4 inches |
| 200 yards | -19.2 inches | -9.6 inches |
| 300 yards | -43.2 inches | -26.4 inches |
5. Pricing
The average cost of .454 Casull ammunition ranges from $2.00 to $3.00 per round. The average cost of .460 S&W Magnum ammunition ranges from $4.00 to $5.00 per round.
Here is a table comparing the pricing of .454 Casull and .460 S&W Magnum ammunition:
| Caliber | Average Price per Round |
|---|---|
| .454 Casull | $2.00 – $3.00 |
| .460 S&W Magnum | $4.00 – $5.00 |
FAQs
Q: What is the .454 Casull cartridge?
The .454 Casull is a high-pressure, large bore handgun cartridge designed for hunting large game. It was developed in 1957 by Dick Casull and Jack Fullmer. It is capable of firing a 300 grain bullet at over 1,900 feet per second.
Q: What is the .460 S&W Magnum cartridge?
The .460 S&W Magnum was introduced by Smith & Wesson in 2005. It was designed to match or exceed the performance of the .454 Casull. It can fire a 200-300 grain bullet at over 2,300 feet per second making it one of the most powerful handgun cartridges.
Q: How do the ballistics compare?
The .460 S&W Magnum generates about 20-25% more muzzle energy than the .454 Casull. However, the .454 can be loaded to nearly match the .460 in power if using specially designed Ruger Only loads. Overall, the .460 S&W is capable of higher velocities and energy levels.
Q: Which recoils more, the .454 or .460?
Due to the higher pressures and velocities, the .460 S&W Magnum tends to have more felt recoil than the .454 Casull in typical loads. However, when loaded to maximum power levels, the recoil can be substantial in either cartridge.
Q: What types of handguns are available in these calibers?
The .454 Casull is available in single action and double action revolvers from manufacturers like Freedom Arms, Sturm Ruger, and Taurus. The .460 S&W Magnum is currently only produced by Smith & Wesson in their X-Frame revolvers.
Q: Can you shoot .45 Colt in a .454 or .460?
Yes, both the .454 Casull and .460 S&W Magnum chambers are designed to also fire the less powerful .45 Colt cartridge. This allows shooters greater flexibility with ammunition selection.
Conclusion
The .454 Casull and .460 S&W Magnum are both powerful handgun cartridges that are known for their ability to take down large game.
However, the .460 S&W Magnum is the more powerful of the two cartridges, and it is also more versatile. It can be used to shoot a wider variety of ammunition, including .454 Casull cartridges.
Last Updated on December 10, 2023 by
