Loyalist Dave
Member
I'm getting a handi-rifle in .500 S&W. I think it's going to be a good rifle cartridge! I'd probably have gotten one in .460 S&W to be able to shoot .454 and .45 Colt but they don't make one.
LD
LD
does the 500 s&w make sense?
- Thread starter dakotasin
- Start date
- Status
SharpsDressedMan
member
The .500 will weigh less than the .460 (just casue the holes are bigger, so there's less steel). I carry the snubnose .500 because I wanted the lightest of the bunch for packing, and my range limits are gonna be out to 75 yards. The .500 is amazingly accurate, and my 50 yards groups with that gun are about 5-6 inches, two hands over a bench (but not otherwise supported.) I have a "defensive" load that runs about 850 with a 440gr FP lead. Very cool set up, and while 1/2lb heavier than S&W 29 with 4" barrel, it's not THAT big of a burden to pack on a 1 3/4" belt.
[/IMG]
BCRider
Member
What the hell does "need" have to do with this sort of decision? Obviously you already enjoy hunting with big handguns instead of rifles. From there it just becomes a question of how many different guns you enjoy using for your hunting. Many rifle hunters have more than one rifle after all.
Does anyone choke when Jay Leno adds another car or motorcycle to his collection? He does it with play money (granted he has a lot more of that than us reg'lar folk
). So if you enjoy the big hand cannon class of guns then what's it going to hurt to add the .500 to your harem?
On a whim a while back I bought a TC Encore rifle that came with the 15 inch barrel in .500 S&W. I bought one box of Hornady 350gn loads to try it out and immediately went into loading my own from there. Cost of the rounds was one aspect but mostly the flexibility of loading my own to suit my own tastes was the big one. I wasn't sure if I was going to keep it in the long term but then I came across articles on the 'net talking about various bullet weights and how flexible these big rounds could be. It seems that with big bores comes a far wider variety of bullet weights and loadings that can achieve a lot of different results. Those cast 700gn'ers shown above are an example. I even want to play around with loading some muzzle loader sabot rounds to see just what I can achieve with this shoulder thumper using the sabot load recipes.
So if you want it and it won't take food off the table or clothes off the backs of you or the family then just buy it and enjoy.
Does anyone choke when Jay Leno adds another car or motorcycle to his collection? He does it with play money (granted he has a lot more of that than us reg'lar folk
). So if you enjoy the big hand cannon class of guns then what's it going to hurt to add the .500 to your harem?On a whim a while back I bought a TC Encore rifle that came with the 15 inch barrel in .500 S&W. I bought one box of Hornady 350gn loads to try it out and immediately went into loading my own from there. Cost of the rounds was one aspect but mostly the flexibility of loading my own to suit my own tastes was the big one. I wasn't sure if I was going to keep it in the long term but then I came across articles on the 'net talking about various bullet weights and how flexible these big rounds could be. It seems that with big bores comes a far wider variety of bullet weights and loadings that can achieve a lot of different results. Those cast 700gn'ers shown above are an example. I even want to play around with loading some muzzle loader sabot rounds to see just what I can achieve with this shoulder thumper using the sabot load recipes.
So if you want it and it won't take food off the table or clothes off the backs of you or the family then just buy it and enjoy.
Hastings
Member
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.
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.
well, i am gathering there is no clear winner between 460 and 500. i'm sure i'll eventually wind up with both of them, but i went and looked over the big 500 again today, and i think i'm going to go that route.
i certainly appreciate a legitimate 200 yard revolver, but don't think i would seriously get into 200 yard revolver shooting.
i also do not believe i would ever load a 700 grain bullet. it just has 'wrist wrecker' written all over it!
thanks for the thoughts, fellas!
i certainly appreciate a legitimate 200 yard revolver, but don't think i would seriously get into 200 yard revolver shooting.
i also do not believe i would ever load a 700 grain bullet. it just has 'wrist wrecker' written all over it!
thanks for the thoughts, fellas!
BCRider
Member
If I was shooting handgun silhouette, which a 200 yard competition sort of implies, I think I'd want one of the single shot options. When you look at the oddball leg brace posture they use for that event a revolver would result in a lot of burns to my jeans and leg....
bluetopper
Member
The 500 Magnum is an awesome round coming out of my $300 Handi-Rifle.
Utter destruction of anything it hits.
I shoot 350, 410, and 440gr cast lead gas check bullets.
Utter destruction of anything it hits.
I shoot 350, 410, and 440gr cast lead gas check bullets.
Cosmoline
Member
I'd go with the .460 between the two, just because it's a far more interesting round ballistically. It has the potential to turn a wheelgun into 200 yard firearm.
The .500 is just the same old massive flatnose slug concept. You can find harder hitting projectiles along those same lines for any $300 shotgun.
The .500 is just the same old massive flatnose slug concept. You can find harder hitting projectiles along those same lines for any $300 shotgun.
coosbaycreep
Member
.500 (from a rifle) is capable of more energy than any shotgun slug with the exception of 3.5" 12ga, and those are almost $4 each.
Personally, .44mag is about as much as I need in a handgun, but I also have chronic tendonitis in my right hand....and I'm a weak coward. But, if I was going to choose between .460 and .500, I'd just get a .500. If you want to shoot .454 or .45lc, there's cheaper (and smaller/lighter) options than an X frame S&W. If you need the extra range that .460 offers over .500, why the hell are you using a handgun in the first place? Especially when those things weigh almost as much as some rifles.
And something else that none of you 460 fans bring up when comparing to 500 is bullet selection. 460 may be able to shoot 45 and 454, which covers a broad range, but 500 has bullets available from 275 grains up to 700 grains, and can be downloaded to reasonably light levels. But if you're going to get something that massive and expensive, you may as well get the biggest, most powerful you can get.
Personally, .44mag is about as much as I need in a handgun, but I also have chronic tendonitis in my right hand....and I'm a weak coward. But, if I was going to choose between .460 and .500, I'd just get a .500. If you want to shoot .454 or .45lc, there's cheaper (and smaller/lighter) options than an X frame S&W. If you need the extra range that .460 offers over .500, why the hell are you using a handgun in the first place? Especially when those things weigh almost as much as some rifles.
And something else that none of you 460 fans bring up when comparing to 500 is bullet selection. 460 may be able to shoot 45 and 454, which covers a broad range, but 500 has bullets available from 275 grains up to 700 grains, and can be downloaded to reasonably light levels. But if you're going to get something that massive and expensive, you may as well get the biggest, most powerful you can get.
jmortimer
Member
No it does not. 500 S&W is around 2,500 ft lbs max and there are many 3" shotguns slugs at 3,000 ft lbs plus. Brenneke, Federal, .............. Don't you think getting hit with a .73" Brenneke Hard Cast Slug at over 3,000 ft pounds would be more "effective" - The .500 S&W is powerful but lets not get carried away. The .460 generates 2,800 ft lbs so it is more "powerful"
Last edited:
coosbaycreep
Member
I said .500 out of a rifle is more powerful, not out of a handgun, and I believe doubletap makes a round that's listed at 3200ft lbs. from a 10" barrel IIRC.
From a 22" barrel, the 500 is capable of pushing a 350gr slug at almost 2400fps and 4400lbs of knockdown. The only slug I know of with more energy is a 3.5" lightfield slug (about 4800lbs IIRC), and like I said, they're almost $4 a piece.
Most of the high velocity slugs are saboted anyway, so few of them are actually .69" In fact I believe remington sells their 12ga sabots as .500 bullets too.
I'd bet that 500 hardcast would probably out penetrate most slugs too, since most slugs are usually pretty soft.
From a 22" barrel, the 500 is capable of pushing a 350gr slug at almost 2400fps and 4400lbs of knockdown. The only slug I know of with more energy is a 3.5" lightfield slug (about 4800lbs IIRC), and like I said, they're almost $4 a piece.
Most of the high velocity slugs are saboted anyway, so few of them are actually .69" In fact I believe remington sells their 12ga sabots as .500 bullets too.
I'd bet that 500 hardcast would probably out penetrate most slugs too, since most slugs are usually pretty soft.
jmortimer
Member
I missed your point which was clearly stated. Sorry. The Brennekes are "hard cast" and will kill anything on the earth. They will penetrate and are .73 caliber. What you describe is an awesome amount of energy.
Last edited:
twoclones
Member
Yes it does. Plus, Ballistic Supply web site says, "NOTE: Due to RECOIL and destabilization, the 700 gr. bullet is not recommended for barrel lengths 4“ or shorter." My .500 is a 4" barrel... I've bought some 700 gr. projectiles to use in my T. C. Encore 500 but haven't found primers yet
Strictly speaking about the 460 vs 500 I can tell you that the only time the 500 really packs moe punch is if/when you are shooting something bigger than a 300gr bullet. the 275gr rounds have the same exact velocity and punch between the two guns. When you jump up to the 350 and up though, the 500 is goig to win.
With that though, people have been hunting with much less for decades so I wouldn't worry about NEEDING the 500 unless you're going up against polar bears. haha.
As for pure fun, I have the 500 and although it's just a ton of fun to shoot, I'd still like to have the 460 as well if not just to have cheaper ammo. I don't have the room at home to start reloading (yet) but I guess if you are then either gun would have tons of cheap options.
With that though, people have been hunting with much less for decades so I wouldn't worry about NEEDING the 500 unless you're going up against polar bears. haha.
As for pure fun, I have the 500 and although it's just a ton of fun to shoot, I'd still like to have the 460 as well if not just to have cheaper ammo. I don't have the room at home to start reloading (yet) but I guess if you are then either gun would have tons of cheap options.
22-rimfire
Member
I had the itch.... which one? 460 or 500? After careful deliberation, I came to the conclusion that my 480 Ruger was enough even though I still lust for a 475 Linebaugh in a BFR.
Today, I'd probably choose the 460 and I would not shoot 454's or 45's though it. But I'm not scratching that itch.
Today, I'd probably choose the 460 and I would not shoot 454's or 45's though it. But I'm not scratching that itch.
MCgunner
Member
I can't see a purpose for the .500 for ME, but then, I'm a Texan, not an Alaskan. .45 Colt is the national caliber of Texas....
twoclones
Member
I had to look that up because I've never seen .500 in smaller than 325 gr projectile. Learn something new every day
BCRider
Member
You'd be surprised at how little gear you need to reload if you're happy to do it in stages rather than all at once proggresively. The press can be one of the simple ones that you attach to a plate that allows it to be clamped into place temporarily. Then when you're all done load it all in a box or one of those storage totes and slip it into the back of the closet.
My dad reloads so I know a LITTLE and I know the room requirments, and when I say I have no room, I mean like my desktop computer is on the dining room table and my road bike (bicycle) is leaning against the entertainment center int he living room. HAHA. we are looking for a house but right now we live in a 900sq ft one bedroom condo.
Twoclones,
I THINK Federal is the only one that makes the 275gr. I def could be wrong on that as I never really looked for them I just happened to see them at the store and was kind of surprised. I just shot the last onf what I have last night actually and the best way to describe the 275s is that they feel "comfortable". There is a noticable difference between them and the 350gr. not huge, but you can definitely tell the difference.
Twoclones,
I THINK Federal is the only one that makes the 275gr. I def could be wrong on that as I never really looked for them I just happened to see them at the store and was kind of surprised. I just shot the last onf what I have last night actually and the best way to describe the 275s is that they feel "comfortable". There is a noticable difference between them and the 350gr. not huge, but you can definitely tell the difference.
twoclones
Member
Projectile weight sure does make a difference! When I let someone try my .500 for the first time, I load it with 325s. When we jump up to 440s they sometimes ask if something has gone wrong...
I haven't tried .500 special and imagine it would be pretty mild. Ammo Bank sells them in 275 and 350 grain...
I haven't tried .500 special and imagine it would be pretty mild. Ammo Bank sells them in 275 and 350 grain...
I haven't tried the 500 special ammo either. I'd like to try it just for the sake of saying I tried it. HAHA. I haven't seen any at all in person. Midway sells it and i did see "light load" 500 ammo at the range I go to. I saw it on the shelf but I never asked to see a box so I have no idea what "light load" really means.
coosbaycreep
Member
Barnes also makes a 275gr. They're expensive, but the cavity is as big as the grand canyon.
With handloads, I think max load 350gr bullets kick harder than 440, 500, or 700grain.
I haven't tried any 500special ammo, but the BVAC (bitterfoot valley ammo company?) 325(?) gr HPs have almost zero kick out of a rifle. I believe they're actually .50AE/beowulf speer gold dots loaded to low velocities, and are great for those who don't reload and don't like recoil.
With handloads, I think max load 350gr bullets kick harder than 440, 500, or 700grain.
I haven't tried any 500special ammo, but the BVAC (bitterfoot valley ammo company?) 325(?) gr HPs have almost zero kick out of a rifle. I believe they're actually .50AE/beowulf speer gold dots loaded to low velocities, and are great for those who don't reload and don't like recoil.
memphisjim
Member
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2008
- Messages
- 1,265
sharped dressed man you would crazy if you pulled that gun, cool, but crazy
twoclones
Member
Has anyone mentioned in this thread that Big Horn Armory has a .500 S&W magnum lever action rifle? I understand production is planned for March 2010. Wild West Guns has been promising one since 2004 (possibly earlier?) but tell me they're still working on it...
http://bighornarmory.com/products/
http://bighornarmory.com/products/
- Status
Similar threads
- Locked
