Lindcott Armory Compare / .45 Colt vs .460 S&W Magnum
Cartridge comparison
.45 Colt vs .460 S&W Magnum
.460 S&W Magnum is faster (2,300 vs 1,200 fps); .460 S&W Magnum carries more energy (2,500 vs 650 ft·lb); .45 Colt recoils less.
.45 Colt →Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.460 S&W Magnum →Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–500 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
| .45 Colt | .460 S&W Magnum | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Revolver | Revolver |
| Introduced | 1872 | 2003 |
| Bullet ⌀ | 0.452″ | 0.452″ |
| Case length | 1.285″ | 1.8″ |
| Velocity | 750–1,200 fps | 1,500–2,300 fps |
| Energy | 250–650 ft·lb | 1,200–2,500 ft·lb |
| Max pressure | 14,000 psi | 65,000 psi |
| Recoil | 10–25 ft·lb | 55–75 ft·lb |
| Eff. range | 100 yd | 200 yd |
FAQs
- Is .45 Colt faster than .460 S&W Magnum?
- .460 S&W Magnum is faster — up to 2,300 fps versus 1,200 fps.
- Does .45 Colt hit harder than .460 S&W Magnum?
- .460 S&W Magnum carries more muzzle energy (2,500 vs 650 ft·lb).