The 500 is great if you happen to have it in your hand when a bear charges. Not that likely.
The 454 is not going to be as quick for the second shot as the 480, 44, 45 Colt, or 41 And the other four can have 6 rounds in a cylinder.
I'm paranoid enough to want the most power, but I'm not honestly convinced there's going to be much difference between the 454 and the 480 at defensive ranges. I think either can break a shoulder. For that matter, so can a 41
The 500 might find a real niche in a semi auto carbine.
I'll always remember Nosler number 3 and someone writing- "Im not sure anything not on a lanyard would end the pucker factor, and maybe not even then." (paraphrased)
And finally, will the 500 really outperform a hot loaded 45/70?
Oh, and Please Inform Mr March that when I get my 480, it will double the sales overnight and should lower the prohibitive reloading costs he keeps citing.
munk