Lindcott Armory Compare / .480 Ruger vs .500 S&W Magnum
Cartridge comparison
.480 Ruger vs .500 S&W Magnum
.500 S&W Magnum is faster (1,900 vs 1,500 fps); .500 S&W Magnum carries more energy (2,900 vs 1,998 ft·lb); .480 Ruger recoils less.
.480 Ruger →Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–500 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.500 S&W Magnum →Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–500 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
| .480 Ruger | .500 S&W Magnum | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Revolver | Revolver |
| Introduced | 2003 | 2003 |
| Bullet ⌀ | 0.475″ | 0.5″ |
| Case length | 1.285″ | 1.625″ |
| Velocity | 1,300–1,500 fps | 1,200–1,900 fps |
| Energy | 1,220–1,998 ft·lb | 1,500–2,900 ft·lb |
| Max pressure | 48,000 psi | 60,000 psi |
| Recoil | 25–38 ft·lb | 65–90 ft·lb |
| Eff. range | 100 yd | 200 yd |
FAQs
- Is .480 Ruger faster than .500 S&W Magnum?
- .500 S&W Magnum is faster — up to 1,900 fps versus 1,500 fps.
- Does .480 Ruger hit harder than .500 S&W Magnum?
- .500 S&W Magnum carries more muzzle energy (2,900 vs 1,998 ft·lb).