xmanpike
Member
now im torn between the 8 3/8" and 4". I do reload so I am not worried about ammo costs. Anyone know the ballistic advantage of the 8 3/8"? i cant imagine it would be more than 100-150 fps.
S&W .460 mag or S&W .500?
- Thread starter xmanpike
- Start date
- Status
atlanticfire
Member
10" BFR in 500. . .love it.
Neither until you try both
The recoil and noise from both guns is tremendous. It can be managed by someone of average strength, but it's not pleasant. Before you fork over significant cash, make sure this is something you want to shoot. And get a heavy gun with a ported barrel. The good news is that either of these suckers is more than enough gun for any animal I can think of in North America.
If you are comparing the rounds to a 44 mag, which is what I did when I shot the 460 (but not the 500), stop. No comparison in power or punishment.
The recoil and noise from both guns is tremendous. It can be managed by someone of average strength, but it's not pleasant. Before you fork over significant cash, make sure this is something you want to shoot. And get a heavy gun with a ported barrel. The good news is that either of these suckers is more than enough gun for any animal I can think of in North America.
If you are comparing the rounds to a 44 mag, which is what I did when I shot the 460 (but not the 500), stop. No comparison in power or punishment.
GregC
Member
Have a .460 with 8 3/8". Shooting 454s is milder than my 686 in .357. If you feel the need for more power, there is nothing like feeling the concusion in your chest from fullhouse .460s. A very versitile gun for someone who does not handload. Would definitely buy it again.
atlanticfire
Member
Disagree, There is no real reason for any pistol to be ported, I've shot them. And I'd rather have a little more recoil then the blast in the face or extra noise.
Snowdog
Member
- Joined
- Dec 24, 2002
- Messages
- 4,606
When a buddy of mine pondering this same question asked for my advice, I suggested the .460 S&W due to versatility.
He liked the idea of using comparatively inexpensive .45 Colt for plinking (this before knowing we would eventually reload the .460)
Later, he bought some dies and components. These days I load .460 S&W for him in exchange for free use of the tremendous amounts of powder and primers he purchased for the reloading efforts for my own reloads (which I’m now especially thankful for with the primer shortage these days). With all the .451-.452 caliber bullets available for reloads, this is the caliber to get it you want an especially versatile chambering.
Heck, I’ve loaded up several mild loads using 230gr FMJs intended for the .45acp into the .460 S&W case with pleasant results. It should make for a quite nice groundhog bagger. I have no doubt the stout 300gr XTP loads I’ve also loaded for him will excel at mule deer and the like.
Again, a very adaptable chambering with the plethora of bullets available.
He liked the idea of using comparatively inexpensive .45 Colt for plinking (this before knowing we would eventually reload the .460)
Later, he bought some dies and components. These days I load .460 S&W for him in exchange for free use of the tremendous amounts of powder and primers he purchased for the reloading efforts for my own reloads (which I’m now especially thankful for with the primer shortage these days). With all the .451-.452 caliber bullets available for reloads, this is the caliber to get it you want an especially versatile chambering.
Heck, I’ve loaded up several mild loads using 230gr FMJs intended for the .45acp into the .460 S&W case with pleasant results. It should make for a quite nice groundhog bagger. I have no doubt the stout 300gr XTP loads I’ve also loaded for him will excel at mule deer and the like.
Again, a very adaptable chambering with the plethora of bullets available.
8 3/8" vs 4"
The 8 3/8" version kicks less, has more velocity, and throws less of the blast back at you. It is heavy and bulky though and much more of a man portable weapon than a handgun. For range use that would be fine, and it would fine as a primary hunting arm.
The 4" seems much lighter, even though it is probably only a 1 lb difference. I bought mine from CDNN for $799 (not sure if they still have them) and it came with a holster and cartridge carrier, which are actually somewhat practical as the firearm carries decently in it. Recoil is more with the full bore rounds, and it does throw out a big fireball and heat/concussion wave with them, but is plenty shootable. For a bear defense gun or a fun gun it would work well. I find myself shooting it more than the 8 3/8's as it is a bit more wild or fun to shoot.
You could always split the difference and go with a 6.5" model.
The 8 3/8" version kicks less, has more velocity, and throws less of the blast back at you. It is heavy and bulky though and much more of a man portable weapon than a handgun. For range use that would be fine, and it would fine as a primary hunting arm.
The 4" seems much lighter, even though it is probably only a 1 lb difference. I bought mine from CDNN for $799 (not sure if they still have them) and it came with a holster and cartridge carrier, which are actually somewhat practical as the firearm carries decently in it. Recoil is more with the full bore rounds, and it does throw out a big fireball and heat/concussion wave with them, but is plenty shootable. For a bear defense gun or a fun gun it would work well. I find myself shooting it more than the 8 3/8's as it is a bit more wild or fun to shoot.
You could always split the difference and go with a 6.5" model.
mattt
Member
Go with the 500 performance center 10" barrel with the full muzzel brake.
BCRider
Member
The model you get should be based more on why you want one. For hunting a longer barrel will help steady your aim and the little extra velocity allow for a flatter trajectory.
For range time giggles then a short ported barrel and reloads that enhance the flame production and noise are great fun.
If you don't plan on reloading then the versatility of loads you can shoot from the .460 are a big plus. However any of these bigger rounds are costly. I would not consider getting either the .460 or the .500 unless you plan on getting into reloading really quick. And if you are reloading then you can customize the loads to whatever you want or make up different loads for different applications. Once you're doing that the versatility of shooting the different sizes in the .460 becomes a moot point.
Instead I'd then look at the varieity of bullets you can get for both and brass life and base your decision on that information.
I started with reloading just recently. Oddly enough my first reloads were .500S&W. This was done using a basic Lee 1000 press without any of the progressive kit. I loaded them up "rifle" style using a loading block that holds 50 cases (drilled out of some wood myself). The primers were set in using a hand primer tool and the powder was poured in with the primed cases sitting in the loading block. Then the bullets were pressed in. Once set up I'd say it took about 40 minutes to make 50 of them this way. With a bit of practice it'll drop even more. Just be double careful that you don't double charge a case. In my case I was using H110 which all but fills the case so a double charge would instantly have been spotted by the overflow. For smaller volume loads that many other powders have a double check for powder level with a flashlight before you begin the bullet seating operation would be highly advisable.
For range time giggles then a short ported barrel and reloads that enhance the flame production and noise are great fun.
If you don't plan on reloading then the versatility of loads you can shoot from the .460 are a big plus. However any of these bigger rounds are costly. I would not consider getting either the .460 or the .500 unless you plan on getting into reloading really quick. And if you are reloading then you can customize the loads to whatever you want or make up different loads for different applications. Once you're doing that the versatility of shooting the different sizes in the .460 becomes a moot point.
Instead I'd then look at the varieity of bullets you can get for both and brass life and base your decision on that information.
I started with reloading just recently. Oddly enough my first reloads were .500S&W. This was done using a basic Lee 1000 press without any of the progressive kit. I loaded them up "rifle" style using a loading block that holds 50 cases (drilled out of some wood myself). The primers were set in using a hand primer tool and the powder was poured in with the primed cases sitting in the loading block. Then the bullets were pressed in. Once set up I'd say it took about 40 minutes to make 50 of them this way. With a bit of practice it'll drop even more. Just be double careful that you don't double charge a case. In my case I was using H110 which all but fills the case so a double charge would instantly have been spotted by the overflow. For smaller volume loads that many other powders have a double check for powder level with a flashlight before you begin the bullet seating operation would be highly advisable.
22-rimfire
Member
I own a 480 Ruger. The 475 Linebaugh appeals to me for a bigger load.
If I were in the market today to move into the big bores, I'd be thinking the same as you. I would have no interest shooting 454's or 45's in a 460 gun. The 454 has little appeal to me. So what would I really choose after shooting some of them?
I would have illusions of shooting 200 yds with the 460 and killing varmints or deer. The reality does not match my experience and I'm pretty comfortable with the 480 Ruger. If there was no 480 Ruger, I'd go with the 500 and think in terms of a 100 yd gun.
If I were in the market today to move into the big bores, I'd be thinking the same as you. I would have no interest shooting 454's or 45's in a 460 gun. The 454 has little appeal to me. So what would I really choose after shooting some of them?
I would have illusions of shooting 200 yds with the 460 and killing varmints or deer. The reality does not match my experience and I'm pretty comfortable with the 480 Ruger. If there was no 480 Ruger, I'd go with the 500 and think in terms of a 100 yd gun.
GJgo
Member
I'd get the longer barrel, 8" range. Shorter and it's just not as much fun to shoot. Longer (My 460 was a 14" ported barrel) and it's also not fun to shoot off hand.
Here's me shooting the 500 vs. a milk jug.
500 S&W, 8", Winchester Silvertips
Here's me shooting the S&W PC 460 mag, Lil Gun & XTP full house handloads.
The Wrist Breaker
Here's me shooting the 500 vs. a milk jug.
500 S&W, 8", Winchester Silvertips
Here's me shooting the S&W PC 460 mag, Lil Gun & XTP full house handloads.
The Wrist Breaker
Last edited:
BMF500
Member
Go with the .500!
I have a 10" BFR in .500 S&W as well and love mine as well. I recommend having a look at, holding, and feeling the BFR (if you have not already) before purchasing the X-Frame. I was dead set on the X-Frame until I held the BFR in my hands. Now, the barrels on these are not ported, and hot loaded .500's kick like a MF!
The longest shot I've taken with mine (other than the range) was about 60yds on a 300lb boar shooting Hornady 300gr FTX. I can tell you a shoulder shot is absolutely devastating.
I have a 10" BFR in .500 S&W as well and love mine as well. I recommend having a look at, holding, and feeling the BFR (if you have not already) before purchasing the X-Frame. I was dead set on the X-Frame until I held the BFR in my hands. Now, the barrels on these are not ported, and hot loaded .500's kick like a MF!
The longest shot I've taken with mine (other than the range) was about 60yds on a 300lb boar shooting Hornady 300gr FTX. I can tell you a shoulder shot is absolutely devastating.
inherentical
Member
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2007
- Messages
- 753
My S&W 500 with a 6.5" barrel is a blast to shoot. Single hand shots have a bit of kick, but both hands and you can shoot a few boxes of ammo through it without problems. I've only shot the Hornady 500gr XTP Jacketed flat point loads through it, though. I'm not sure where they compare to some of the hand loads.
BCRider
Member
I guess felt recoil is a very subjective thing. I've shot factory Hornady from a long barrel S&W 500 and found it to be quite painful. One or two is fine but I sure would not want to shoot a whole box. On the other hand some reloads using H110 powder are great fun. The powder burns a lot slower than most handgun powders so the impulse is definetly much more of a push than the factory Hornady smack.
Dave45
Member
500 s&w
I have owned a 500 for five years and love it. I hand load and cast my own bullets with gas checks.
It can have the kick of an elephant or be as mild as a mouse.
I have owned a 500 for five years and love it. I hand load and cast my own bullets with gas checks.
It can have the kick of an elephant or be as mild as a mouse.
atlanticfire
Member
Shoot one of these mamas outta your 460!
I have shot the 500 Mag from the day they were released. I have had 7 of the 500 Mags. I have shot from 4 inch barrel length to 10 inch barrel length. I sold 5 of my 500 Mags to buddies and kept 2 of them. I have a 4 inch S&W with a end cap and no compensator. I also have my custom 6 inch BFR 500 Mag.
I have shot and owned 5 different 460 Mags from the 5 inch up to the 10 inch PC model. I have sold all my 460 Mags, because I like the 500 Mag much more.
I like a bigger hole, I really did not shoot the 45 Colts or 454 Casull's in mine, I have other guns that would shoot them rounds, and I believe shooting the gun with what it was intended for.
Picking the 500 Mag over the 460 Mag was easy for me. So with all my experience with both guns, I believe the 500 Mag will out perform the 460 Mag hands down, and do it with a bigger hole.
I have shot and owned 5 different 460 Mags from the 5 inch up to the 10 inch PC model. I have sold all my 460 Mags, because I like the 500 Mag much more.
I like a bigger hole, I really did not shoot the 45 Colts or 454 Casull's in mine, I have other guns that would shoot them rounds, and I believe shooting the gun with what it was intended for.
Picking the 500 Mag over the 460 Mag was easy for me. So with all my experience with both guns, I believe the 500 Mag will out perform the 460 Mag hands down, and do it with a bigger hole.
- Status