I’m Hunting Bigfoot with this….

Published on March 13, 2025
Duration: 9:18

This video compares the .308 Winchester and the .460 Smith & Wesson cartridges, focusing on their hunting applications and recoil characteristics. The .460 S&W is presented as a powerful, close-range round suitable for large game or defensive scenarios, demonstrated through ballistic gelatin and concrete block tests. The .308 is highlighted as a versatile mid-range cartridge for North American game.

Quick Summary

The .308 Winchester is a versatile mid-range cartridge effective for most North American game up to 300 yards. In contrast, the .460 Smith & Wesson is a high-power, close-quarter round for engagements under 100 yards, delivering extreme energy transfer for large game or defense, though it produces significantly more recoil.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: .308 Winchester vs .460 S&W
  2. 00:18.308 Winchester Cartridge Overview
  3. 00:35.308 Velocity and Range
  4. 01:07.460 Smith & Wesson Cartridge History
  5. 01:22.460 S&W on X-Frame and Encore
  6. 01:35.460 S&W Close Quarter Focus
  7. 01:58Recoil Comparison: .308 vs .460 S&W
  8. 02:16.308 Recoil with 178gr ELX
  9. 03:01Mounting Optics for .460 S&W
  10. 03:37.460 S&W Recoil Demonstration
  11. 04:01.460 S&W for Backup and Hog Hunting
  12. 04:22.460 S&W Performance: Ballistic Gelatin
  13. 05:06Gelatin Test Results
  14. 05:39Bullet Performance Analysis
  15. 06:43.460 S&W Water Test
  16. 07:18Water Test Devastation
  17. 07:47.460 S&W Concrete Block Test
  18. 08:06Concrete Block Test Results
  19. 09:02Conclusion: .460 S&W Power

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference between the .308 Winchester and the .460 Smith & Wesson for hunting?

The .308 Winchester is a versatile mid-range cartridge effective for most North American game, suitable for distances up to 300 yards. The .460 Smith & Wesson is a high-power, close-quarter cartridge designed for engagements under 100 yards, ideal for very large game or defensive scenarios where extreme energy transfer is needed.

How does the recoil of the .460 Smith & Wesson compare to the .308 Winchester?

The .460 Smith & Wesson produces significantly more recoil than the .308 Winchester. While the .308's recoil is manageable, allowing shooters to stay on target, the .460 is described as a 'handful' with a violent reaction, requiring robust firearm components and shooter preparation to handle effectively.

What are the ballistic performance characteristics of the .460 Smith & Wesson?

The .460 Smith & Wesson, particularly with a 200-grain Monoflex bullet, demonstrates extreme terminal performance. Tests show it causes complete devastation in ballistic gelatin, penetrates deeply, and can obliterate concrete blocks, indicating massive energy transfer suitable for stopping large, dangerous game.

What is the ideal engagement range for the .460 Smith & Wesson?

The .460 Smith & Wesson is not designed for long-range performance. Its optimal effectiveness is in close-quarter engagements, ideally between 40 to 60 yards, and certainly under 100 yards, where its immense power can be fully utilized.

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