.454 or 500 S&W Magnum

[Prosser]

I'm not a real fan of super heavy bullets. The 700's at 1200 fps just recoil too much.
If a 440 LFN at 950 fps will go end to end on a 1500 pound Asian buffalo, I just don't see needing anything more then 430's at 1350 fps. Note these are both .500 JRH rounds, and, 500 S&W rounds.

 

[Sam1911]

Seems we have a discussion between TWO choices. The OP has requested that the thread become a little more focused. Now it is. Let us let it remain so.

 

[Harley Quinn]

This is an interesting Video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8CuOybgmxQ

I was in a gunstore yesterday person bought a 460 S&W because he does not reload and can shoot 460, 454 and 45 LC factory, in it...

The situation is in my opinion the 500 is the king now if you reload, capable of all above, based on what you reload, and want to shoot that day...

I think you have to walk your way up and down the recoil scale (if you want to be truly handy with item) shooting something moderate to know the true accuracy you can build up, then going into the hottest you can handle or gun can shoot, to be able to handle the beating you take with what the Bear hunter would want to carry, if looking for the biggest and baddest round...

Sort of like bodybuilding you work in all the ranges of weight to get the muscle and definition over a time of intense application... When trying to go for max (bear shooting) you don't do as many reps as you would in moderate range for sure, body will not handle it, simple really...Stress and adreneline are sometimes your friend, but not as a rule if not trained...


(((There was a video of a guy shooting a 454 (I believe) and it flew out of his hand very funny in a sick way, to prove that it takes time and training to become what you want to be if you hunt bears with a handgun)))...

So reloading is the answer along with the 500 S&W as the tool... It is a very simple question the OP is asking, but not a real simple answer imho...

Very few can handle the recoil and still shoot well...

I discussed it with the person buying the 460 and his logic was right on, shoot the 45LC or 454 and last for hottie 460 (for the no reloading buff)...

Both or all 3 will get the job done if placement is there

Regards

 

[NELSONs02]

When in bear country, I'm going to duct tape this baby to my hand, and if the bear gets too close, I'm going to shove my hand into his jaws, and empty the gun. Should help reduce muzzle blast and recoil.

[/IMG]

That thing must be pretty bad w/o the break on it right?

 

[Tomcat47]

Nice Smith .500 I was looking at one of these... I have shot the 8-3/8 version but I bet the recoil is rough on this one.

 

[timney t]

i own a 454 and love it but if i was to do it all over again i would get the 460 S&W!

you can shoot 3 different bullets out of the 460.

45 long colt
454 casull
460 S&W

that in itself is awesome.

 

[Prosser]

.454 or 500 S&W Magnum
Let's say that, hypothetically, you had to face down an angry/hungry boar grizzly bear.


Would you rather have a .454 Casull or a 500 S&W?

Pick your gun, bullet, load, and why you chose that one.

Note: I'm not talking about hunting grizz, but defense from the grizz.

So, I get my choice, in front of the bear, and don't have to carry it? .500 S&W
all the way.
I would hand load 420 grain Punch Bullets
http://www.beltmountain.com/punch.htm


Minimum load for that bullet with 4227 or H110 is around 1500 fps, 40K pressure, maximum around 1700 fps. I'd probably go with something towards the higher end, since I'm firing it out of a canon that soaks up recoil(pretty much any .500 S&W revolver) and, the fuller the case, the more consistent velocity, and best accuracy.

Punch bullets are tough. Saw one of those 420's shot into the ground, gravel and all. We dug it out, and, it was so strong, it was not deformed in anyway.
We cleaned it off, and, considered loading it again, after measuring carefully.

They break bones, and penetrate pretty much forever, like 4-6 feet in bison.

And, they go straight.

Second choice is a LFN, around 525 grains, and 1100-1200 fps. Couple guys are using these on pigs, deer, and, they swear they are second only to Thor's Hammer in effect on medium sized game.
On the otherhand, Gary Reeder says his bear soaked up a couple such loads, with 440 grain bullets, and the bear kept going. He pushes 350 grain LFN at 1350 fps, or so, IIRC.

 

[Big Kid]

I like 44 Mag. I know that wasn't the question, and I do think the 500 is the better choice in the 2 mentioned, after all the energy in ftlbs is almost that of many 12 gauge slugs. Now having been in grizzly country a lot, my stand is, be aware of what's around you, don't hide from the bear, let it know your there and you likely won't have any issues. But really, how many people with out the stressfull shooting scenarious and trainging will be able to shoot a charging grizzly at that range and not be injured. That's why I like the 44 mag, it's great, will use specials, and thpough I"m effective with it if i were attacked by a bear, the bear would most likely slip in my pile of crap, than be hit by my bullet.

 

[ClemY]

I will take one of these bad boys, both .500 S&Ws, loaded with an appropriate 440 gr. lead flat point, loaded to something like 1000 to 1100 fps. Should provide controlability with penetration.

 

[TRP1]

The 500 with 700 grain bullets from ballistic supply should do the trick

 

[NMGonzo]

I rather carry a semi-auto shotgun

Or a .50 beowulf AR

 

[okespe04]

I really like shooting the S&W .500. Its like no other, I'd take the .500.

 

[bluetopper]

Without a doubt, my choice would be my 500 S&W Handi-Rifle slug around my shoulder. The performance of hard cast gas check bullets out of it is phenominal. Over 3,000 ft. lbs. of energy. It's been the best $300 I've spent on firearms in my life.......and quite entertaining too.