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Compare / .450 Nitro Express vs .458 Winchester Magnum

Cartridge comparison

.450 Nitro Express vs .458 Winchester Magnum

.458 Winchester Magnum is faster (2,240 vs 2,175 fps); .458 Winchester Magnum carries more energy (5,570 vs 5,038 ft·lb); .458 Winchester Magnum recoils less.

.450 Nitro Express →
Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–500 yd
100 yd · zero0″−73″73″ drop @ 500 yd0250500Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.458 Winchester Magnum →
Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–500 yd
100 yd · zero0″−69″69″ drop @ 500 yd0250500Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.450 Nitro Express.458 Winchester Magnum
TypeRifleRifle
Introduced18981956
Bullet ⌀0.458″0.458″
Case length3.25″2.5″
Velocity2,150–2,175 fps2,050–2,240 fps
Energy4,926–5,038 ft·lb5,336–5,570 ft·lb
Max pressure44,237 psi60,000 psi
Recoil70–95 ft·lb60–80 ft·lb
Eff. range100 yd150 yd
ToolOverlay .450 Nitro Express and .458 Winchester Magnum trajectories in Ballistic Compare↗

FAQs

Is .450 Nitro Express faster than .458 Winchester Magnum?
.458 Winchester Magnum is faster — up to 2,240 fps versus 2,175 fps.
Does .450 Nitro Express hit harder than .458 Winchester Magnum?
.458 Winchester Magnum carries more muzzle energy (5,570 vs 5,038 ft·lb).