One of the most powerful commercial rifle cartridges ever standardized by SAAMI. Drives a 500-grain bullet to 2,600 fps, generating over 7,500 ft-lbs of muzzle energy — suitable for any dangerous game on earth.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 1958, United States
Parent case: .378 Weatherby Magnum
Standardization: SAAMI
Bullet diameter: 0.458" (11.63 mm)
Case length: 2.913" (74 mm)
Overall length: 3.75" (95.25 mm)
Max pressure: 53,500 PSI
Rim type: Belted
Primer: Large Rifle Magnum
Typical twist rate: 1:14
Muzzle velocity: 2600–2700 fps
Muzzle energy: 6760–8100 ft-lbs
Effective range: 300 yd
Common bullet weights: 450, 500 gr
Primary use: Hunting
Production status: Active
Also known as: .460 Wby Mag
History: Introduced by Roy Weatherby in 1958 as the ultimate dangerous-game cartridge. Built on an expanded .378 Weatherby case, it was the most powerful commercially available cartridge for decades. The Weatherby Mark V is the standard platform; the cartridge demands a full-length Magnum action. Recoil is severe — approaching 100 ft-lbs in light rifles.
Notable firearms: Weatherby Mark V
Similar cartridges: .458 Winchester Magnum, .458 Lott, .378 Weatherby Magnum