The 460 S&W Magnum is a centerfire handgun cartridge standardised by SAAMI in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.3. SAAMI sets its maximum average pressure at 65,000 psi. This guide sets out SAAMI’s published reference velocity for each bullet weight, computes the muzzle energy each one carries, and compares the 460 S&W Magnum with the 454 Casull on the same basis.
460 S&W Magnum ballistics chart: SAAMI reference data
SAAMI publishes one nominal mean instrumental velocity for each reference bullet weight, measured at 15 feet from the standard test barrel. It does not publish energy, so the ft-lb column is computed. Where SAAMI lists more than one velocity for a weight, both ends of the span are shown.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Bullet weight | Reference velocity | Computed muzzle energy |
|---|---|---|
| 200 gr | 2,540 fps | 2,865 ft-lb |
| 250 gr | 1,650 fps | 1,511 ft-lb |
| 260 gr | 1,850–2,150 fps | 1,976–2,668 ft-lb |
| 275 gr | 1,950 fps | 2,321 ft-lb |
| 300 gr | 1,950 fps | 2,533 ft-lb |
What the numbers mean for a shot
SAAMI lists 5 reference bullet weights for the 460 S&W Magnum, from 200 to 300 grains. The lightest, 200 grains, is listed at 2,540 fps, which computes to 2,865 ft-lb. The heaviest, 300 grains, is listed at 1,950 fps, which computes to 2,533 ft-lb.
SAAMI lists more than one reference velocity for 260 grains. Its own note says this is because a weight can carry several introductions meeting different market needs, such as reduced-recoil loads, or because propellant and loading advances allowed higher velocities after the original load appeared.
None of this is a downrange figure. SAAMI measures at 15 feet, so retained velocity, energy and drop depend on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient, which SAAMI does not publish. Each product in our 460 S&W Magnum ammo range lists whatever its maker publishes for that item.
Barrel, chamber and pressure
The maximum average pressure is 65,000 psi. Fire 460 S&W Magnum ammunition only in a firearm chambered for it. Several unrelated cartridges share a number, so match the full designation on the box to the marking on your barrel.
460 S&W Magnum vs 454 Casull: the SAAMI comparison
A figure from one maker’s catalogue cannot be laid beside a figure from another’s: each picks its own test barrel, zero and bullet, and many publish no test barrel at all. SAAMI is the shared basis, because it fixes one standard test barrel and one way of measuring velocity for every cartridge it lists.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| SAAMI specification | 460 S&W Magnum | 454 Casull |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum average pressure | 65,000 psi | 65,000 psi |
| Standard test barrel length | Revolver test barrel (see SAAMI drawing) | Revolver test barrel (see SAAMI drawing) |
| Test barrel twist rate | 1 turn in 20.00 in | 1 turn in 24.00 in |
| Test barrel groove diameter | .451 in | .452 in |
| Lightest reference load | 200 gr — 2,540 fps / 2,865 ft-lb | 200 gr — 2,025 fps / 1,821 ft-lb |
| A weight both list | 260 gr — 1,850–2,150 fps / 1,976–2,668 ft-lb | 260 gr — 1,550–2,000 fps / 1,387–2,309 ft-lb |
| Heaviest reference load | 300 gr — 1,950 fps / 2,533 ft-lb | 300 gr — 1,825–1,950 fps / 2,218–2,533 ft-lb |
The 460 S&W Magnum and the 454 Casull share the same maximum average pressure, 65,000 psi. At 260 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 460 S&W Magnum reference velocity is up to 2,150 fps (2,668 ft-lb computed), against up to 2,000 fps (2,309 ft-lb) for the 454 Casull. On that row the 460 S&W Magnum carries the more energy.
What SAAMI cannot settle is anything past the muzzle. It publishes no ballistic coefficients and no downrange data, so it cannot say which cartridge shoots flatter at distance; that depends on the bullet. We stock the other side of this comparison too: 454 Casull ammo.
460 S&W Magnum ballistics questions
What is the maximum pressure of the 460 S&W Magnum?
ANSI/SAAMI Z299.3 sets the maximum average pressure for the 460 S&W Magnum at 65,000 psi.
What bullet weights does SAAMI list for the 460 S&W Magnum?
SAAMI lists 5 reference weights, from 200 to 300 grains: 200, 250, 260, 275 and 300.
Is the 460 S&W Magnum more powerful than the 454 Casull?
Power is not a SAAMI measure, but reference muzzle energy is a fair proxy. At 260 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 460 S&W Magnum reference velocity is up to 2,150 fps (2,668 ft-lb computed), against up to 2,000 fps (2,309 ft-lb) for the 454 Casull.
What is the effective range of the 460 S&W Magnum?
Effective range is not a SAAMI specification and it is not a measured figure. SAAMI measures velocity at 15 feet, so it says nothing about performance at distance; that depends on the bullet and the shooter.
How much does the 460 S&W Magnum drop at 100 yards?
SAAMI publishes muzzle velocity only, so it cannot give a drop figure. Drop depends on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient and on the zero range. A drop figure is unusable without its zero, so use the figure a maker prints for the specific load.
Where to buy these loads
Hilltop Armory carries 460 S&W Magnum ammunition from CorBon, Buffalo Bore and Federal. Browse the full 460 S&W Magnum ammo range.
