Affiliate Disclosure: AmmoCave.com sometimes gets paid for listings, through sponsors or affiliate programs like Lucky Gunner, Optics Planet, Brownells, Cabelas, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Rainier Arms, Palmetto State Armory, Sportsman’s Guide, Ammo.com, Ammo Man, Primary Arms, MidWayUsa, Amazon, eBay, etс. Clicking a link helps keep AmmoCave.com free, at no extra cost to you!

Authors: Each article is verified by AmmoCave's expert team. Professional hunters, firearm trainers, gunsmiths, and gun experts write the articles. AmmoCave Team independently researches, tests, reviews, and uses recommendations from our community of gun owners. We may earn commissions from shopping links.

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any agency's official policy or position. The articles are for informational purposes only, share your opinions about Best 460 S&W Ammo in the comments and join the discussions. Let's share 💬 our ammo & gun experiences together!

Best 460 S&W Ammo

What is 460 S&W Ammo? 💡

It is a powerful and versatile round, capable of filling multiple roles. Originally created by Smith & Wesson in 2005, 460 S&W Ammo is designed to be used in one of the company’s revolvers.

Please watch this video to learn more information 📺

Features ⚡

🔥 It offers tremendous stopping power and has been proven to penetrate thick flesh and bone with ease.

🔥It features a unique X-frame design which allows for greater accuracy over longer distances.

🔥 Its long and slender shape also helps reduce felt recoil for more pleasant shooting experiences.

🔥 In terms of ballistics, the 460 S&W boasts impressive velocity with relatively low recoil compared to some other rounds.

🔥 Its maximum effective range is around 200 yards though most hunters tend to use the round closer than that due to its punishing recoil at longer distances.

🔥 The round’s excellent penetration capabilities make it especially suitable for hunting heavy games such as elk or bear.

Our Top Pick
460 S&W – 260 Grain Bonded Dual Jacket – Winchester
The Winchester 460 S&W handgun cartridge is the ultimate tool for big game hunting. With an exceptional muzzle velocity and energy delivery, this ammunition delivers performance that you can count on when it comes to taking down deer at long range--making it one of the best choices available today.
Buy Now On OpticsPlanet
If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Types 🎯

Full metal jacket (FMJ) ammunition.

  • 🧷 It consists of a lead bullet encased in a copper jacket which prevents deformation during firing, allowing for greater accuracy and terminal performance against soft targets such as game animals or assailants.
  • 🧷 FMJ rounds typically have higher velocity than other types and are cost-effective, making them great for practice or target shooting.

Hollow point (HP) rounds.

  • 🧷 It features a cavity at the tip of the bullet that causes it to expand upon impact with soft targets, resulting in greater tissue damage than other types of ammunition.
  • 🧷 Hollow point rounds also tend to be more accurate than FMJs due to their heavier weight, making them ideal for self-defense use or precision shooting applications.

Watch this video to find more information💻

Our Selection 8 Best  🚀 460 S&W Ammo – Editor’s Choice

1# 460 S&W Mag – 275 Grain Barnes Expander SCHP – Federal Vital-Shok

460 S&W Mag - 275 Grain Barnes Expander SCHP - Federal Vital-Shok 

20 Rounds

Looking for a high-powered round that is sure to take down even the biggest game? Look no further than the Federal Vital-Shok 460 S&W Mag – 275 Grain Barnes Expander. This round is perfect for hunting large game such as deer and wild boar, as it packs a powerful punch with a muzzle velocity of 1670 fps and muzzle energy of 1703 ft-lbs. The solid copper hollow point bullet is designed to expand upon impact, ensuring maximum damage is inflicted on your target. So if you’re looking for a high-powered round that is sure to get the job done, pick up a box of Federal Vital-Shok 460 S&W Mag – 275 Grain Barnes Expander today!

Pros:
  • High-powered round
  • To take down even the biggest game
  • The solid copper hollow point bullet
  • Maximum damage is inflicted on your target
Cons:
  • Not for hunting on varmints
  • Not waterproof

 

2# 460 S&W Mag – 200 gr FTX LeverEvolution- Hornady

460 S&W Mag - 200 gr FTX LeverEvolution- Hornady

20 Rounds

The 460 S&W Mag – 200 Gr FTX LeverEvolution from Hornady is perfect for safari hunting. This box of rounds features 200-grain Flex Tip Technology (FTX) bullets and boxer-primed brass casings. The muzzle velocity is 2200 fps and the muzzle energy is 2149 ft-lbs. These rounds are new and attract no magnet. Order your box of 460 S&W Mag – 200 Gr FTX LeverEvolution today!

Pros:
  • Muzzle velocity of 2200 fps
  • Boxer-primed brass
  • Attract no magnet
  • Perfect for safari hunting
Cons:
  • It may be too powerful for some applications
  • Could cause injury if not handled correctly

 

3# 460 S&W – 200 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding – Hornady

460 S&W - 200 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding - Hornady

20 Rounds

The Hornady Custom Handgun .460 S&W 200 grain FTX Centerfire Pistol Ammunition is the best choice for those who need reliable and accurate handgun ammo for hunting. With Hornady’s Flex Tip bullet technology, this ammunition provides deep penetration and enhanced accuracy. Each primer is matched to individual loads to ensure the most reliable ignition possible. Get this Hornady Custom 460 S&W Magnum 200gr FTX Centerfire Pistol Ammunition for your hunting needs today.

Video review

Pros:
  • Deep penetration
  • Enhanced accuracy
  • Matching primers to individual loads for reliability
  • Reliable
Cons:
  • It may not be available in all areas
  • Not for beginners

 

4# 460 S&W – 260 Grain Bonded Dual Jacket – Winchester

460 S&W - 260 Grain Bonded Dual Jacket - Winchester

20 Rounds

The 460 S&W from Winchester is a top-of-the-line handgun cartridge designed for big game hunting. The muzzle velocity and energy provide impressive downrange performance, making this an ideal choice for deer hunting. The brass cartridge case ensures reliable feeding and function, and the included standard accessories make this an excellent all-around choice for the serious hunter.

Pros:
  • Stopping performance at a variety of ranges
  • Heavy outer jacket
  • 12-segment design
  • Proprietary bonding process
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • Only included standard accessories

 

5# 460 S&W – 250 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point – Winchester

460 S&W - 250 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point - Winchester

20 Rounds

The Winchester 460 S&W is a reliable and powerful handgun cartridge. The jacketed hollow point bullet is designed for maximum expansion and energy transfer, making it a great choice for taking down deer and other large animals. The brass cartridge case ensures reliable feeding and function in your firearm, and the centerfire primer provides consistent ignition.

Pros:
  • Proven knock-down power and lethality
  • Massive energy deposit
  • Proven accuracy
  • In multiple types of firearms
Cons:
  • Requires a powerful firearm
  • It may corrosion over time

 

6# 460 S&W – 260 Grain Fusion Soft Point – Federal Premium

460 S&W - 260 Grain Fusion Soft Point - Federal Premium

20 Rounds

Looking for top-of-the-line hunting ammunition? Check out Federal Fusion’s newest centerfire handgun ammunition. The bullets are made with the same tough construction as centerfire rifle ammunition, meaning they can withstand velocities and recoil in the field. This also results in more accurate shooting and fewer missed trophies. Don’t settle for second best – get your hands on Federal Fusion centerfire handgun ammunition today.

Video review

Pros:
  • The jacket is electro-chemically applied to the core
  • Perfectly uniform jacket
  • Skived, pre-programmed nose provides consistent expansion
  • Deep penetration
Cons:
  • Higher price tag than some other brands
  • It may not be as tough as other brands

 

7# 460 S&W – 275 Grain Barnes Expander – Federal Premium

460 S&W - 275 Grain Barnes Expander - Federal Premium

20 Rounds

The all-copper bullet design ensures 100 percent weight retention, while the accurate and reliable expansion makes it a great choice for hunters who demand the best performance from their ammunition. With a muzzle velocity of 1670 ft/s and muzzle energy of 1703 ft-lbs., this powerful round is sure to get the job done. So don’t settle for less – trust Federal Premium for your next hunting trip.

Video review

Pros:
  • 100 percent weight retention
  • All-copper bullet
  • Accurate
  • Reliable expansion
Cons:
  • Only for centerfire pistol
  • Not suitable for small game

 

8# 460 S&W – 300 grain Swift A-Frame – Federal Premium

460 S&W - 300 grain Swift A-Frame - Federal Premium

20 Rounds

Whether you’re a seasoned big game hunter or just getting started, the Federal Premium 460 S&W 300 Grain Swift A-Frame is the perfect choice for your handgun hunting needs. The A-Frame design ensures reliable expansion and penetration, while the nickel-plated case prevents corrosion. So whether you’re out in the field or at the range, make sure you have the Federal Premium 460 S&W 300 Grain Swift A-Frame in your gun.

Pros:
  • Expansion-arresting A-Frame design
  • Nickel-plated case
  • Non-corrosion
  • Unique Federal primer
Cons:
  • It may not be available in all areas
  • Not for beginners

 

Maintenance 📌

Keep the ammo clean:

  • 🧷 This can be done by wiping down the outside of each cartridge before and after shooting.
  • 🧷 Make sure to do this with a soft cloth or brush to avoid scratching the brass casing.
  • 🧷 Additionally, inspect each cartridge for any defects or damage prior to loading them into your firearm.

Store correctly:

  • 🧷 Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures as this could cause warping in the casing or distortion of the projectile.
  • 🧷 Best practice suggests storing in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, such as a box somewhere in your home.
  • 🧷 Additionally, make sure you are storing your ammo away from any source of moisture that could corrode the brass casing over time.

Inspect your stored ammo:

  • 🧷Any signs of rusting on the outside of the cartridges should be addressed immediately with gun oil or another appropriate cleaner/protectant product as soon as possible before loading and firing them in a firearm again.

FAQ 🤠

What is the weight of 460 S&W ammo?

It depends on the specifications and design of the particular cartridge, but in general, it typically ranges from 150 grains to 300 grains.

✅ Some examples of common 460 S&W ammo types are 180-grain jacketed flat point bullets, 200-grain full metal jacket rounds, and 275-grain semi-jacketed hollow point projectiles.

What Is The Best 460 S&W Ammo For Self-Defense?
The best 460 S&W Ammo for self-defense is hollow point (HP) ammo.

🟢 HP ammo is designed to expand upon impact, which makes it more likely to stop an attacker.

🟢 It also has a lower chance of ricocheting, so it is less likely to create collateral damage.

What Is The Best 460 S&W Ammo For Hunting?
It depends on what you are hunting.

🔰 If you are hunting large game, such as deer or bear, then you will want to use full metal jacket (FMJ) ammo. FMJ ammo is less likely to ricochet and creates less collateral damage.

🔰 If you are hunting small games, such as rabbits or squirrels, then hollow point (HP) ammo is a better choice. HP ammo is more likely to expand upon impact, which makes it more effective for killing small games.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of 460 S&W Ammo?
✅ It is available in both revolver and semi-automatic versions, so you can choose the gun that best suits your needs.

✅ It also has a high velocity and a flat trajectory, so it is easier to hit your target.

❌ However, 460 S&W Ammo is also more expensive than other types of ammo, and it can be difficult to find in stores.

What is the difference between 500 S&W vs 460 S&W?

The main differences between 500 S&W vs 460 S&W are their size and power.

✅ The 460 S&W ammo has a slightly larger diameter bullet, making it great for protection against the heavier game

✅ The 500 S&W is better for smaller targets such as varmints or medium-sized games.

In terms of power, the 460 S&W has higher muzzle energy than the 500S&W with more stopping force and penetration.

We believe this video can be helpful for you 📺

Conclusion 🤩

460 S&W ammo is a powerful round that can be used for hunting or self-defense. It’s important to choose the right ammo for your needs, and we hope this buyer’s guide helped you with that because we’ve included reviews of some of the best on the market, as well as tips on how to select the right rounds. Thanks for reading! 🔥😎

5 1 vote
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
9 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Dorsondwy
Dorsondwy
10 months ago

Yesterday, I had my first experience shooting a 460 ammunition, and it was a blast! On my fourth shot, I managed to hit the bullseye, which was incredibly satisfying. It was so much fun to shoot, and the powerful boom made it even more exhilarating.

Hesiemige
Hesiemige
10 months ago

I recently acquired a 460 Magnum revolver and also purchased Hornady ammunition to use with it. Are there any thoughts about how many ammo to buy?

Zack Buck
Editor
Reply to  Hesiemige
10 months ago

The amount you should buy depends on your individual needs and requirements.

📎 However, a good rule of thumb is to purchase at least 100 rounds. This way you can get a good feel for the particular type of ammo you are using, allowing you to make sure it is accurate and reliable.

Anelat
Anelat
10 months ago

The post is good. But I prefer shooting more rounds of 454 ammunition with my 8-3/8 model revolver than 460. Although I don’t experience arthritis, I am not exceptionally strong, so after firing a few cylinders of the 460 with 300-grain bullets, I switch to the 454, which is enjoyable to shoot from this powerful firearm.

Jeffrey
Jeffrey
10 months ago

I am the proud owner of a 460V revolver, which I love. I think it has a 5.5-inch barrel. My first Smith & Wesson was the 8 3/8 500, which I also enjoyed, but it was too bulky to carry around. I then traded it for the 4.5 500, which had a perfect balance but had to let it go due to some reasons. Finally, I settled for the 460V because it offers three different ammo choices, making it a versatile option.

Caser Tomny
Caser Tomny
10 months ago

I noticed that the performance of the 460 Magnum is highly influenced by the length of its barrel, much more than the 500 Magnum. For instance, the 200-grain 460 ammo reached a speed of 2900 fps when fired from a 22-inch barrel, whereas the 500 Magnum showed only a negligible difference in speed when fired from 16-inch, 18-inch, and 22-inch barrels. Therefore, attaching a 12 or 14-inch barrel to a Smith & Wesson pistol can significantly increase the speed of the bullet, making it a popular choice among gun enthusiasts.

Hunter
Hunter
10 months ago

My friend lives in Alaska. He used 460 ammo for bears. We do not have bears here. But we have hogs. Big and very big. Is this ammo good in this situation?

Zack Buck
Editor
Reply to  Hunter
10 months ago

The 460 S&W is a highly powerful round that is suitable for hunting hogs.
🔎 Its large diameter and high velocity make it an ideal choice for taking down large, aggressive animals such as wild boars. The bullet can easily penetrate through thick hide, muscle, and bone to ensure quick kills.

When using 460 S&W ammunition for hunting hogs, there are a few things to keep in mind.
✅ First of all, because of the round’s larger diameter, it is important to use a rifle or handgun with enough barrel length to ensure accuracy from a distance.
✅ It is also essential to select the right type of ammo for hunting hogs; specifically, those designed for big game hunting should be used.
✅ Additionally, the use of modern expanding projectiles can help ensure clean kills at greater distances than lead bullets would provide.
✅ Finally, it is important to take into consideration local regulations when using 460 S&W ammo for hog hunting

Ronn
Ronn
10 months ago

So far, the only animals I have hunted with the 460 Magnum are deer, and I have used Hornady factory 200 Flex Tip ammunition for this purpose. I have shot deer from close range to as far as 297 yards, and most of the time, I could tell from their body language whether my shot was successful or not. However, if the leg bones were not broken, it was necessary to track them down even if the hit was good.