Big Bore Cartridges Compared – 460 S&W vs 444 Marlin vs 450 BM vs 45-70 Govt
Match Grade Machine did extensive testing with different barrel lengths in some of our most popular cartridges. We started with 27″ barrels for each cartridge and collected velocities cutting one inch off at a time and retesting all the way down to 13″ using multiple loads of ammunition. The cartridges we tested include the 460 S&W Magnum, 444 Marlin, 450 Bushmaster, and 45-70 Government. Here’s how they compare to each other.
460 S&W
.451 Caliber projectiles
1.790″ Case length
Velocity testing results
- Factory 200g ammo
- 13″ – 2720 FPS
- 27″ – 2970 FPS
- 250 FPS spread
- 33-46g powder charge
- We suggest a 24″ barrel length
Summary: Factory ammo is not a great choice for rifle length barrels, hand loading gives better performance. Fastest cartridge of these options. Most destructive to components.
444 Marlin
.429 Caliber projectiles
2.215 Case length
Velocity testing results
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Factory 265g ammo
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13″ – 2070 FPS
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27″ – 2350 FPS
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280 FPS spread
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40-60g powder charge
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We suggest a 23″ barrel length
Summary: Good rifle ammo available. Only use with rifle projectiles. High velocity and high energy.
450 Bushmaster
.451 Caliber projectiles
1.690″ case length
Velocity testing results
- Factory 250g ammo
- 13″ – 2180 FPS
- 27″ – 2350 FPS
- 170 FPS spread
- 34-45g powder charge
- We suggest a 19″ barrel length
Summary: Designed for rifle use. Good ammo available. Efficient, lots of punch for its size. Shortest suggested length means a compact lightweight package.
45-70 Government
.458 Caliber projectiles
2.100″ case length
Velocity testing results
- Factory 325g ammo
- 13″ – 1750 FPS
- 27″ – 2020 FPS
- 270 FPS spread
- 50-70g powder charge
- We suggest a 23″ barrel length
Summary: Most factory options available. Heaviest bullets available. Slowest velocities of the bunch. It’s a classic cartridge choice.
Our velocity charts are labeled with bullet weights and barrel lengths with velocities gathered. We also used the data gathered to suggest optimum barrel lengths for each cartridge to help decide which was best. Different states hunting laws are slightly different and are subject to change so we included case lengths for each for you to use as a guide if they are legal for your hunt or not. Each cartridge has its own benefit and ultimately is your choice. You can find more information on our site under the Velocity/Info tab labeled Velocity Testing.
