Delving into the History and Heart of the Cartridges
480 Ruger Origins
The 480 Ruger’s genesis occurred in collaboration between Ruger and Hornady. Ruger, always a champion of innovative designs, sought a cartridge that would excel in their revolvers. Hornady, known for their exceptional ammunition, stepped in to provide the ammunition. The goal was a powerful, yet manageable cartridge, ideally suited for hunting medium to large game. This collaborative effort produced a potent round, designed to deliver excellent performance in the rugged environments often frequented by hunters.
460 S&W Magnum Origins
The 460 S&W Magnum, on the other hand, represents a different evolutionary path. It was born from the ambition of Smith & Wesson, another iconic name in the firearms world. They aimed to push the envelope of handgun performance, creating a cartridge capable of achieving exceptional velocities and energy levels. The result was a round built to tame anything. This created an exceptionally powerful round capable of taking the biggest big game that North America has to offer.
Understanding the Cartridge Specifications
480 Ruger Specifications
The 480 Ruger’s case design is a sturdy one, featuring a rimmed design similar to the 45 Colt. The cartridge is designed to use standard primer types, adding to its usability. Bullet diameters for this cartridge are generally .475 inches, typically available in a variety of weights, from lighter options optimized for flatter trajectories to heavier bullets delivering maximum penetration and knockdown power. Performance characteristics show a balance between power and manageable recoil. The 480 Ruger delivers considerable energy, sufficient for taking down most North American game, while typically producing less felt recoil than some of the super magnum offerings.
460 S&W Magnum Specifications
The 460 S&W Magnum showcases a significant change in its casing. It employs a longer casing to house a greater powder charge, designed to maximize performance. Bullet diameters for the 460 S&W are also .452 inches, a common size. Because of the cartridge’s extended case and ability to fire several bullet weights, this creates a versatile choice for shooters. This allows the 460 S&W to be used for a wider range of hunting applications. The 460 S&W Magnum excels in ballistic performance. It consistently delivers more energy than the 480 Ruger, and with the increased velocities, it offers improved ballistics at extended ranges. The design of the 460 S&W Mag is for optimal velocity and energy.
A Direct Comparison: Power, Recoil, and Beyond
Power and Energy
The most obvious difference to begin with is the raw power each cartridge provides. When comparing energy levels, the 460 S&W Magnum typically takes the lead. The added powder capacity within the longer case allows it to propel bullets to higher velocities, resulting in increased muzzle energy. This difference can be especially noticeable at longer ranges, where the 460 S&W Magnum’s flatter trajectory gives it an advantage. It means less holdover is needed for shots at a further distance.
Recoil Considerations
However, the benefit in power comes with a cost: recoil. The 460 S&W Magnum generates significantly more felt recoil than the 480 Ruger. This can make it challenging for some shooters to maintain accuracy during follow-up shots, and it can certainly make for a less comfortable shooting experience. The 480 Ruger, with its slightly lower recoil, allows for more manageable shooting, which can be vital for multiple shots on a target.
Versatility Comparison
Versatility is another important aspect to consider. While both cartridges are highly effective, the 460 S&W Magnum offers a greater range of bullet weights and designs. This versatility allows the shooter to select ammunition tailored to different purposes. The 460 S&W Mag can effectively take down smaller game, and even be suitable for target shooting. The 480 Ruger is tailored more toward hunting, and some of the bullet options can be limiting.
Availability and Price
A practical consideration that cannot be neglected is the availability and price of both cartridges. Although both cartridges are available, the 460 S&W Mag can sometimes be more available than the 480 Ruger, especially in stores and at gun shows. The price of ammunition for the 460 S&W Mag is generally higher due to its complex nature and the higher price that is paid for the components.
Platform Options
The availability of firearms chambered for each cartridge also plays a role. The 480 Ruger is primarily found in revolvers, such as the Ruger Redhawk and Super Redhawk, which provides solid and reliable platforms. The 460 S&W Magnum is also found in Smith & Wesson’s X-Frame revolvers, which provide a robust and high-quality firearm.
Examining Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages of the 480 Ruger
The 480 Ruger presents a compelling combination of features. Its key strengths include its manageable recoil, delivering impressive stopping power. It offers a very reliable cartridge and is capable of taking down large game at reasonable distances. The disadvantages include a more limited selection of bullet weights, which some people will find to be a disadvantage.
Disadvantages of the 480 Ruger
The 480 Ruger presents a compelling combination of features. Its key strengths include its manageable recoil, delivering impressive stopping power. It offers a very reliable cartridge and is capable of taking down large game at reasonable distances. The disadvantages include a more limited selection of bullet weights, which some people will find to be a disadvantage.
Advantages of the 460 S&W Magnum
The 460 S&W Magnum stands as a testament to the power of modern handgun design. It provides incredible ballistics and excellent options for handloaders. Its primary downsides involve significant recoil, which can make it challenging for some shooters, and more expensive ammunition.
Disadvantages of the 460 S&W Magnum
The 460 S&W Magnum stands as a testament to the power of modern handgun design. It provides incredible ballistics and excellent options for handloaders. Its primary downsides involve significant recoil, which can make it challenging for some shooters, and more expensive ammunition.
Choosing the Right Cartridge for the Right Job
Best Uses for the 480 Ruger
The ideal application for the 480 Ruger often involves hunting medium to large game at reasonable ranges. It is also a solid choice for personal defense in bear country, where the combination of power and shootability is essential. The 480 Ruger is a practical choice that delivers excellent performance with recoil that most shooters can manage.
Best Uses for the 460 S&W Magnum
The 460 S&W Magnum shines in applications demanding maximum performance. For hunters targeting the largest big game animals, like moose and elk, the added power is a definite asset. Target shooters who enjoy the challenge of shooting powerful handguns will also find it to be an excellent option.
Conclusion: Making the Final Decision
Both the 480 Ruger and the 460 S&W Magnum are powerful revolvers that offer unique benefits. The 480 Ruger excels in its blend of power and ease of use, making it a good all-around hunting cartridge. The 460 S&W Magnum pushes the boundaries of handgun performance, providing unparalleled energy.
Consider what you need, and what kind of situations you will be using this firearm in. If you value a more comfortable shooting experience and want to pursue medium to large game, the 480 Ruger is an excellent choice. If you are looking for maximum power for hunting, or for a flat-shooting, versatile round, the 460 S&W Magnum is the superior option. Carefully research both cartridges, and handle each of these guns if possible. Weigh the pros and cons and choose the cartridge that best aligns with your individual needs and preferences.
