I'm all for large caliber cartridges, but I have no use for the 500 S&W handgun. I love the 45-70 cartridge, but I don't want a 45-70 revolver. My brother has a 500 S&W BFR revolver and the cylinder length and frame size seem like an abomination when compared to the proportions of an N-frame or L-frame, or even a Redhawk. He loves the thing, but it's really a novelty since he will probably not hunt with it. He has a 41mag mountain gun and a 44mag Redhawk that see more hunting action due to their size and weight.
Obviously, some love this cartridge for hunting, or just to shoot something with that much power. I say "More power to them", although I think they have as much power as they can take at that point. I think a levergun in 500s&w would be great, and I would like to try the 50 AE and 50 GI in a normal sized single action revolver since I love large diameter bullets. It's the length of the cylinder and the mass of the frame required to handle the huge pressures of the 460 and 500 that turn my stomach. Having tried both the 500 and the 460, I can say that a Ruger Redhawk 45colt loaded with a 350gr bullet, or a 454 single action revolver satisfies my desire for power and bullet weight. Plus, they feel well balanced, are nicely proportioned, and don't require a sherpa to carry them on an all-day hunt on steep terrain.
The 500special appeals to me, but you still have the long case length that makes the revolver look like a beer-can with a barrel. I wish someone would come out with a Blackhawk sized 50 cal. single action revolver with a cartridge length similar to the 45colt. A 50 Redhawk, or Super Blackhawk would be great, and with that diameter and a 500 grain projectile pushing say, 1,000fps, deer, hogs and bear would be in real trouble. Plus, the pressure wouldn't burst eardrums and shatter windows in the process.
I applaud those of you who do hunt with these handguns, since this is what they were designed for. I would feel very safe stalking a grizzly with a 500s&w in my hand. But if I was stalking a grizzly I'd want a long-gun as a primary weapon (my 45-70 Marlin Cowboy that holds 10 rounds and groups well out to 400 yards) and a 45colt Blackhawk or 454 FA revolver on my hip for a "get off me" gun.