Two Of The Most Insane Lever Actions Ever Created

Published on November 7, 2025
Duration: 12:57

This video compares the penetration capabilities of .460 S&W Magnum and .500 S&W Magnum hard cast loads fired from Big Horn Armory lever-action rifles. While both calibers demonstrated immense power through lumber and concrete, the .460 S&W Magnum ultimately proved superior in penetrating mild steel and ballistic gel with an aluminum plate. The .460's higher velocity and the rifle's versatility contributed to its win.

Quick Summary

The .460 S&W Magnum won the comparison against the .500 S&W Magnum due to its higher velocity and superior penetration capabilities in mild steel and ballistic gel tests. The Big Horn Armory rifle chambered in .460 S&W also offers versatility by firing .45 Colt and .454 Casull.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: .460 vs .500 S&W Magnum Lever Actions
  2. 00:40Round 1: Lumber Penetration Test
  3. 03:17Round 2: Concrete Block Test
  4. 06:00Round 3: Mild Steel Penetration
  5. 07:35Round 4: Sand Box Test
  6. 09:12Round 5: Ballistic Gel & Aluminum Test
  7. 11:35Final Conclusion: .460 S&W Magnum Wins

Frequently Asked Questions

Which lever action rifle caliber is more powerful, .460 S&W Magnum or .500 S&W Magnum?

In this specific test comparing Steinel Ammunition hard cast loads from Big Horn Armory rifles, the .460 S&W Magnum demonstrated superior penetration through mild steel and ballistic gel, despite the .500 S&W Magnum having comparable energy figures. The .460's higher velocity was a key factor.

What materials were used to test the penetration of .460 and .500 S&W Magnum rounds?

The test included 6x6 pressure-treated lumber, a 1.57-inch concrete block, 1/4 inch mild steel, 6 inches of sand, and a combination of 16 inches of ballistic gel followed by an 1/8 inch aluminum plate.

Which Big Horn Armory rifles were featured in the comparison?

The video featured two high-end lever-action rifles from Big Horn Armory: the Model 89 Black Thunder Tactical and the Model 90 Custom, both chambered in powerful magnum calibers.

What made the .460 S&W Magnum the winner in this comparison?

The .460 S&W Magnum won due to its higher velocity, demonstrated better penetration in mild steel and ballistic gel tests, and the inherent versatility of the rifle platform which can also fire .45 Colt and .454 Casull rounds.

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