Winchester overstates muzzle energy by 30%

    In May (2008) I blogged that Winchester were going to offer reduced recoil .460 S&W.

    features a 250-grain jacketed hollow point bullet, a muzzle velocity of 1,450 feet per second (fps) and an impressive 1,517 foot-pounds of muzzle energy.

    Muzzle energy is a function of bullet weight and velocity. I did not notice it at the time but those figures are impossible. I am sure it was a typo, but I am surprised that it has taken Winchester over 6 months to issue a correct press release!

    From the “new” press release:

    features a 250-grain jacketed hollow point bullet, a muzzle velocity of 1,450 feet per second (fps) and an impressive 1,167 foot-pounds of muzzle energy.

    So it generates 50% less recoil and has 50% less power. I don’t see the point, might as well use a .44 magnum, but the game being shot probably won’t notice the difference.

    460Sw Sm

    Steve Johnson

    I founded TFB in 2007 and over 10 years worked tirelessly, with the help of my team, to build it up into the largest gun blog online. I retired as Editor in Chief in 2017. During my decade at TFB I was fortunate to work with the most amazing talented writers and genuinely good people!


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