Hand Cannon Showdown!....500 vs .460 MAGNUM!

Published on December 4, 2022
Duration: 10:46

This expert-level review from Tools & Targets pits the .500 S&W Magnum against the .460 S&W Magnum in a ballistic gel and chronograph showdown. The analysis, conducted by an experienced instructor, provides detailed performance metrics for both powerhouse calibers, highlighting their energy output, penetration, and projectile expansion.

Quick Summary

In a ballistic gel test, the .500 S&W Magnum (350gr XTP) averaged 1608 fps and 2009 ft-lb of energy, expanding to 0.759 inches and penetrating 23.5 inches. The .460 S&W Magnum (300gr XTP) averaged 1472 fps and 1443 ft-lb of energy, expanding to 0.605 inches and penetrating 29 inches.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Range Setup
  2. 00:14Ballistic Gel Preparation
  3. 00:45Ammunition Specification
  4. 01:30Firearms Specification
  5. 01:42Preparing for Chronograph Test
  6. 01:49.460 S&W Magnum Chronograph Results
  7. 02:45.500 S&W Magnum Chronograph Results
  8. 03:54.460 S&W Magnum Gel Test
  9. 04:34.500 S&W Magnum Gel Test
  10. 05:18Penetration and Damage Analysis
  11. 06:54Overhead Gel View
  12. 07:14Projectile Examination
  13. 07:49Projectile Weight and Expansion
  14. 08:21Projectile Expansion Measurements
  15. 08:41Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in performance between the .500 S&W Magnum and .460 S&W Magnum based on the Tools & Targets test?

The .500 S&W Magnum, with a 350gr XTP, averaged 1608 fps and 2009 ft-lb of energy, expanding to 0.759 inches and penetrating 23.5 inches. The .460 S&W Magnum, with a 300gr XTP, averaged 1472 fps and 1443 ft-lb of energy, expanding to 0.605 inches and penetrating 29 inches.

How did the actual velocities of the .500 and .460 S&W Magnum rounds compare to their advertised claims?

The .500 S&W Magnum's actual average velocity of 1608 fps was lower than its advertised 1725 fps. The .460 S&W Magnum's actual average velocity of 1472 fps was significantly lower than its advertised 1750 fps.

Which caliber, .500 S&W Magnum or .460 S&W Magnum, showed more projectile expansion in the ballistic gel test?

The .500 S&W Magnum exhibited greater projectile expansion, with its recovered projectile measuring an average of 0.759 inches in diameter, compared to the .460 S&W Magnum's recovered projectile which expanded to an average of 0.605 inches.

What were the recovered weights and penetration depths for the .500 and .460 S&W Magnum projectiles in the ballistic gel test?

The .500 S&W Magnum projectile weighed 311.8 gr recovered and penetrated 23.5 inches. The .460 S&W Magnum projectile weighed 275.6 gr recovered and penetrated 29 inches.

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