My Experience with S&W Behemoth Magnums

[Mr.Revolverguy]

In 2003 at Shot Show Smith and Wesson having partnered with Cor-Bon introduced the monster of all magnums to regain its crown of most powerful by releasing the Smith and Wesson 500 Magnum.

Smith and Wesson wouldn't stop there 2 years later in 2005 at the Shot Show Smith and Wesson released the 460XVR the worlds fastest production revolver derived from a partnership with Hornady. The 460XVR is arguably the most versatile big bore revolver to date capable of firing the 460 Magnum, 454 Casull, 45 Colt and the 45 S&W Schofield. This allows the shooter to increase cartridge power, one level at a time, until he or she is comfortable with full-power loads, if so desired. This level of versatility in a revolver—the ability to handle four or more cartridges interchangeably—is duplicated only by the newly released 327 Federal Magnum and the 445 Super Magnum.

Today I had the pleasure of having on the range both -- the worlds most powerful and the world fastest prduction revolvers which I often refer to as "Smith and Wesson's Behemoth Magnums". The "Kings" are capable of launching .50 caliber bunker busting projectiles and .45 caliber projectiles at missile like speed capable of taking the biggest wild life game on God's green earth.



Full Range Review Here

 

[56hawk]

Nice write up. As a side note, I remember the 500 coming out in 2003 and thinking that it looked really stupid with the long barrel. Then in 2008 I saw a History Channel show where Jerry Miculek was shooting a 4" 500. I immediately went on the S&W website and found they had a lot more options for the 500. A couple days later I bought the 2 3/4" 500ES and have loved it ever since.

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

Yes they have a number of different versions now. I thought the best was the 6inch half lug barrel but they very scarce.

 

[bangbig]

Nice.

Now I want one - of each!

Might have to try out those grips on my 629 too.

 

[56hawk]

There was one of those 6" models in my local gun store recently. It did look pretty nice.

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

There was one of those 6" models in my local gun store recently. It did look pretty nice.

I have never seen one in person, though thats probably a good thing it would suck to drool on one causing rust and having to buy it.

 

[MarshallDodge]

The 460 is on my wish list.

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

What barrel length are you looking at? I have come to love the S&W 14inch performance center model with bipod heheehhe. I bet you if I had that model with bipod and the netter trigger of the Performance Center model I would have been able to really ring out some good groups.

 

[carlo1776]

The ball of fire that erupts from the muzzle and the horrific blast is nothing short of awe inspiring.

 

[panhead58ak]

nice pistols but they are huge I have had a freedom arms 454 since 1984 it was part of my fishing gear in Alaska its much more compact and as much power as I need.One thing I dont like about the big double action are the u tube videos of fools intentionally using limp grips and getting uncontrolled double taps from the recoil DUMB!!

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I have a 460V from the first run. It's the perfect trail gun for grizzly or moose country, and a great backup gun if hunting dangerous game. The 5" bbl is the perfect balance of accuracy, velocity, and easy handling. Suspenders help keep the pants up when carrying on the hip.

If I were to buy a 500, the 6.5" would be the model for me. I've handled one, and the tappered bbl keeps the weight down.

My 460 is my favorite handgunI own, and would be the last one to go if I had to get rid of all but one.

 

[codefour]

I love my XVR in 8 3/8 inch barrel. It shoots well and is very versatile. It can be scary accurate too. I debated over the five inch and the 8 3/8 inch barrel. I went with the longer tube. I have shorter .44 magnums that are more than packable to fill that role.

It is a great platform that is suprisingly versatile. I do not shoot Casull or 45 Long Colt either. I just down load the .460 Mag with 19.0 grains of Power Pistol and a 300 grain MBC 45 Colt bullet with a BHN of 18. It comes out at a meager 1450 fps. I have not had any leading issues either.

My next load develpoment is going to be the Cast Performance 360 and 395 grain behemoths.

My next X-frame will be the 6.5 inch 500 S&W. Why not? I wish they made a five inch 500. Maybe I will get the four inch. It will have to wait till after X-mas.

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

codefour I to drool over the 6" 500 S&W magnum< I may give your load a try the Speer reloading manual says it is safe. Though I have become very fond of 28.5gr of 2400 under a 300gr cast bullet leaving the barrel at about 1350fps.

The loads I test with today were full house H110 Loads but not loaded to the max.

 

[BYJO4]

If you like recoil, they will certainly provide it.

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

Really the recoil was not all that bad. I know there are a bunch of horror videos out there on youtube but you have to take into consideration the experience of the shooter. What I mainly see which sickens me is someone giving a rather inexperienced shooter a large handgun so they can get a good laugh. Ignoring all of the safety precautions.

 

[sgt127]

So...I traded for this. It was a package deal, two guns, great price. I have no idea why I did it. But, its mine. Dear Lord. Its a frisky little thing with the full house, rock and roll .460 XVR loads. There is nothing anywhere around Texas I need to kill with it, well, maybe a runaway Buick or something.

But...If...IF I ever find myself hiking in serious bear country, I got it covered.

I may send it in and have it rebarreled to 4-5 inches. Though it is quite a conversation piece at the range, even though it looks like a gun from Who Killed Roger Rabbit.

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

I would love to get a short barrel like that to test against the longer barrel 8 inch across the chronograph to see what the real world differences are.

That is one nice looking Monster you have there and you are so right they are great conversation pieces at the range.

 

[sgt127]

I have half a box of Winchester Supreme 260 GR Partition Gold. Label shows: MV-2000 fps.

And, I have a PACT Chrono. If you want to match my ammo, I'll be happy to test a few rounds of mine and, you do the same. Thats all the .460 I have right now though. The last few times I shot it, I shot BVAC .454 through it. That dang .460 is REALLY pricey....Like $3.00 a round!

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

Let me see if I can find that locally here. Would you mind getting the product number off the box or possibly taking a picture of the box so I am sure I get the same ammo.

Though it is not all scientific because it will be different lot numbers it will at least get us very close.

 

[56hawk]

In 500 I have some Hornady ammo that says 1900 fps. on the box. I chronographed it at 1450 fps out of the 2 3/4" barrel. Odd thing is I just checked their website and they list the same ammo as 1700 fps out of an 8 1/2" barrel. Wonder if they used a different barrel length, or if they downloaded it because this ammo is really hot.

 

[sgt127]

You anywhere near Texas? If not, we'll try and find a time when the ambiant temperature is close. I agree, may not be scientific...but, better than nothing.

I scanned the bar code. Outdoor Outfitters.com shows to have it in stock. $58.30 a box.

 

[Lerk]

My buddy's old man has a 500. Heck of a range toy, I've probably put more rounds through it then he has (I'm around 300 if I had to guess). The 460 is a blast also, only got to shoot a cylinder full on that one though but I'm still thankful to the nice gentleman at the range that offered to let me shoot it.

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

Sgt127

Unfortunately I am in a cold weather area the state of Ohio. I will go out to gander and other local shops this week to see if I can find this brand.

This is awesome.

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

In 500 I have some Hornady ammo that says 1900 fps. on the box. I chronographed it at 1450 fps out of the 2 3/4" barrel. Odd thing is I just checked their website and they list the same ammo as 1700 fps out of an 8 1/2" barrel. Wonder if they used a different barrel length, or if they downloaded it because this ammo is really hot.

That is strange. I do know the Hornady ammo is the hottest rounds I have fired out of the 500 it is up there with Cor-Bon. Now you talk about concussive blast it just shakes your entire insides. I sware it jared one of my fillings loose the next day I was in the dentist office getting it taken care of.

 

[56hawk]

That Hornady ammo was what made me decide to load above book max. Max book load chronographed at around 1250 fps. Took seven more grains of H110 to hit 1450 fps. Still no signs of pressure though.