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Lindcott Armory

Cartridge comparison

.450 Nitro Express vs .458 Winchester Magnum

.450 Nitro Express and .458 Winchester Magnum are both in the reference; see the full spec comparison below.

Representative trajectories · velocity only, no drag model · 100 yd zero0–500 yd
-80" -60" -40" -20" 0" Line of sight 0 yd 50 yd 100 yd 150 yd 200 yd 250 yd 300 yd 350 yd 400 yd 450 yd 500 yd 100 yd zero 80″ drop @ 500 yd
.458 Winchester Magnum2,090 fps Zero

Velocity only, no drag model: this is the shape gravity alone gives the advertised velocity. Drag would steepen it. The tool below solves real loads through their published G1 or G7 model.

Open in Ballistic Compare

Side by side

.450 Nitro Express.458 Winchester Magnum
TypeRifleRifle
Introduced18981956
Bullet diameter0.458″0.4579″
Case length3.25″2.5″
Velocity1,950–2,090 fps
Energy4,221–4,849 ft·lb
Max pressure44,237 psi60,000 psi
Recoil70–95 ft·lb60–80 ft·lb
Effective range100 yd150 yd

Highlighted cells hold the clear edge where both sides have a number. Every figure is a range maximum from the reference; typical loads run lower.

Case profiles, to scale

Drawn to the same scale, so the proportions are true. Physical size varies with your screen.

ToolOverlay .450 Nitro Express and .458 Winchester Magnum trajectories with real loads in Ballistic Compare