500 magnum questions

Emeraldflame772 · July 9, 2018, 01:24 AM

So ive fired a 500 magnum a few times in the 8 3/8th barrel and im going to get one for woods carry I was planning on the 6 or 4 inch barrel not sure which one you would recommend, What are some good lighter rounds if i use it to hunt white tail and do they make any leather holsters for it?

jackmoser65 · July 25, 2018, 12:19 AM

Why would you want to carry something like that? You're asking very basic questions about very advanced armament. Tells me you really need a 357 magnum. Not a 500.

DaleA · July 25, 2018, 05:26 AM

Welcome to the forum Emeraldflame772.

Here's some holster information:
https://gunnewsdaily.com/reviews/smi...on_500_Holster

Disclaimer: I don't own, and have never even fired one of the big S&W X-frames. I do have a big interest in the 500's little brother the .460 though. That said, I've been guilty of some teasing about the guns, like claiming I got to be the assistant gunner on an X-Frame one weekend or that the most useful accessory for the gun would be someone to carry it for me.

I find holsters in general to be terribly frustrating things to buy. Much, much more frustrating than the guns themselves. One general guideline I could provide is don't go cheap. (I put some rust on a very nice old revolver by storing it in an unlined cheap leather holster once.)

Good luck.

buck460XVR · July 25, 2018, 05:44 AM

For a primary hunting weapon, I would go with the 6". Iffin' it's only for whitetails, I'd say you'd be better served with a .460. Iffin it for everyday, all around woods carry and you think it needs to be a .500, then the 4" is the way to go. But the 4" is not gonna shoot anything like the 8 3/8s you've shot in the past. Iffin you are new to revolvers you might be better served with a .44. The big X-Frames are expensive beasts to feed. They are really a reloaders handgun. Hard to get proficient with a handgun when ammo is $2-$3 a pop, unless you have deep pockets.....and iffin you're hunting deer with a handgun, you do need to be proficient.

saleen322 · July 25, 2018, 09:43 AM

The 8 3/8" barrel does make it a little more pleasant to shoot so you may want to include that in your decision. Like the others mentioned, the 460 offers some advantages so I went that way. The 460 can shoot 45 Colt, 454 Casull, or 460 S&W so you have much more flexibility in ammo. The 460 and 500 use the same X-frame holster.

Ricklin · July 25, 2018, 09:47 AM

I too would go with the .460, the ammo flexibility seals the deal for me.

How much gun do you need to hunt Whitetail deer?

jackmoser65 · July 25, 2018, 10:12 AM

Why do you need a 460 to shoot whitetail? A 900ft/sec 45 Colt load will shoot clear through any deer you'll encounter.

laytonj1 · July 25, 2018, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Why would you want to carry something like that?

Quote:

Why do you need a 460 to shoot whitetail

Why not?

Quote:

A 900ft/sec 45 Colt load will shoot clear through any deer you'll encounter.

So will a 44 special, 44-40, 41 magnum, 44 magnum, etc... so what...

Jim

jackmoser65 · July 25, 2018, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Why not?

Asked and answered.

Quote:

So will a 44 special, 44-40, 41 magnum, 44 magnum, etc... so what...

laytonj1 · July 25, 2018, 11:29 AM

No, it’s not.

Jim

jackmoser65 · July 25, 2018, 11:56 AM

Let me be more explicit for those who can't seem to comprehend. Why would one want to carry a revolver that is a pound heavier than necessary, producing exponentially more recoil and muzzle blast than necessary? In other words, why do so many seem to think that they need a huge X frame for deer?

Do you just want to or do you really think you need all that for the lowly whitetail? Are you encountering polar bears? What is your experience with heavy recoiling revolvers?

laytonj1 · July 25, 2018, 12:09 PM

Allow me to explain.. why do you care what someone else uses or carries?
If he wants to use a M2 to hunt deer with then that’s his business, not yours.
Just because you like handgun in 45 colt to hunt with does not mean that should be the standard for everybody else.
Besides, after he lugs that x- frame around all day he might change his mind.

Jim

jackmoser65 · July 25, 2018, 12:12 PM

Is this not a DISCUSSION forum??? Are you a moderator??? Is it your job to rate and validate posts??? Or is this a place where people with similar interests can have a polite, two (or more) way conversation???

Quote:

Besides, after he lugs that x- frame around all day he might change his mind.

Maybe the good folks here can save him from that anguish and considerable financial mistake? Is that not what a DISCUSSION FORUM is for???

laytonj1 · July 25, 2018, 12:40 PM

Quote:

can have a polite, two (or more) way conversation???

LOL.... I’m sure the OP, and others, finds your comments about their choice of caliber or gun to be very polite.

Jim

jackmoser65 · July 25, 2018, 01:06 PM

All I did was ask questions and I'm the rude one? Take a look in the mirror buddy.

Oldman11 · July 25, 2018, 01:22 PM

Back on the subject of the 500 mag. I have always wanted to shoot a 500 but I’m 75 and the recoil would kill me. No use being rude anybody can want a 500 and buy one if they want. You don’t have to have a reason just the new gun bug. I know of one that a 25 yr old bought and he has yet to shoot a whole box but will not sell. So go ahead young fellow and buy what you want and don’t let rude people tell you not to.

jackmoser65 · July 25, 2018, 01:26 PM

Who's being rude? All I did was ask why.

Dufus · July 25, 2018, 02:04 PM

I don't have a 460, but I do have a 454 Super RH. I like it.

I also have a 500 and I like it too.

A buddy has a BFR 45-70. It is a good shooter, but admittedly a hand full. Different recoil with that single action.

They are all good and reliable shooters.

Areoflyer09 · July 25, 2018, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackmoser65

Who's being rude? All I did was ask why.

Sometimes it’s not the question that’s rude, but how it’s asked. You may not have intended to be rude, but it could easily be interpreted that way from the wording.

BBarn · July 25, 2018, 02:31 PM

Of course, the 4" would be a little smaller and lighter on the hip. The 6" would give some of that up in exchange for a bit less recoil (which might be a very good thing with the 500). I'd probably go with the 6" myself. But what do I know, since I have no personal experience with the X Frame or 500 S&W.

I do have some experience with the 454 Casull, and that experience has led me to recognize my personal desire for reduced power loads on occasion for practice or lighter duty with the heavy magnum cartridges. Winchester markets a "reduced" load for the 500 (350gr. @ 1350 fps for ~1400 ft-lbs).

I am not familar enough with X Frame holster offerings to suggest anything there.

Hope the OP comes back for more than a single post.

Ruga Booga · July 25, 2018, 03:37 PM

500 is a great choice. Loaded way down or WAY up. Trailboss or H110 if you reload. 275 grains all the way up to 700 grain bullets.You can still purchase 500 special if you look hard enough. Or you can cut down the cases and make your own. I have not shot the 500 revolver though. I shoot them out of a 20 inch TC Encore. A very powerful cartridge. I love it.

disseminator · July 25, 2018, 05:28 PM

I have a bunch of different revolvers that are suitable for hunting Deer:

357 Mag, 41 Mag, 44 Mag, 45 Colt, 454 Casull, 460 Mag, and 480 Ruger.

If I could only keep one of them for the rest of my life, it would be:

#1 - 45 Colt if you are a re-loader or willing to learn
#2 - 44 Magnum otherwise.

I love shooting the big guns, but they are not needed for hunting Deer IMO and my Model 29 6-1/2" strikes a great balance of size vs power.

ligonierbill · July 25, 2018, 07:14 PM

I suggest you buy or borrow Big Bore Revolvers by Max Prasac. Lots of practical info. Regards holsters, sure, they make all kinds. You might look into a chest rig. I got an El Paso Saddlery (like their stuff) "Tanker" rig for my Super Redhawk. That's about as big a pistol as I will ever carry. Belt carry can get unwieldy with the big frames.

It's also one good reason not to get a big hogleg and then download because it kicks too much. You're still hauling all that iron. Better to get a smaller frame, lighter caliber. If you are going to lug the weight, learn to shot it and go for the gusto.

buck460XVR · July 26, 2018, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by disseminator

I love shooting the big guns, but they are not needed for hunting Deer IMO and my Model 29 6-1/2" strikes a great balance of size vs power.

I have hunted and taken deer with .357s, 44s and my .460. The only legitimate reason to go for the bigger calibers is range and accuracy. While one can take a deer very well @ 35 yards with a .45 Colt shooting a 250 gr projectile at 900 fps, @ 100 yards you have to aim a foot and a half high in order to hit the boiler room. Then at that range you only have about 350flbs of energy left. Not hardly enough to "shoot clear through any deer you'll encounter". When I used to hunt deer with rifle, I used everything from .223 to 30-06. Again, the difference was range and killing power farther downrange. While I loved hunting with Grabdpa's ol' .32 Special, it wasn't as good past 100 yards, as the ought-six. The X-Frames are niche guns, designed for hunting and DG protection. The heft and size makes shooting their heavy recoil manageable. They are also extremely accurate. Every year during "sight-in" before gun deer season at the local Sportsman's club, I put several rifle hunters to shame @ 100-150 yards with my X-Frame. They soon quit their snide comments about it once they see how it performs......and it is still a revolver. And hunting with it is handgun hunting. Kinda what they are all about. Like riding motorcycles....iffin I have to explain, you wouldn't understand.

fourbore · July 26, 2018, 07:07 AM

Quote:

The X-Frames are niche guns, designed for hunting and DG protection.

I do not believe this is true. Not even close, not ever. The 500 was designed to be the "largest". It is a great money maker, ie popular for another reason. All the criticism should keep in mind, that makes a lot of people getting subtle insulted. These guns are 99% purchased for fun and novelty. Some might call it braggin rights. Those who carry 500 for any purpose are a minisule minority. I would like one someday. I make no pretense for use. I just want one.

There is no reason to invent some pretend use for the 500. If you happen to own the 500, which is a fun gun. Then sure, you can make animals dead. Might as well. To quote: "why not?" I think anyone on this forum would be hard press to name a gun that cannot take game. Why not? Like M1 Garand, it will take any game in North America. That was never the primary purpose nor was it for the 500 revolver.

Not only has S&W reclaimed the title of most powerful production handgun, they have maxed out the legal bore diameter and at pressure levels that very few revolvers could ever handle. Smith owns the biggest title. Look at sales or demand for 480 ruger or 475 . Those were all touted as very useful and pretend popular hunting revolvers right up to the 500. Both dead and soon to be burred. The 44 mag and 454 still go strong, even if not close to bragin for biggest. That tells you something about 44 and 45 diameter.

I have never seen a 500 without some type of porting or brake. That is guarantee hearing damage if shot without hearing protection. If blowing out you ear drums is a fair trade for venison, fine? Or buy some of those electrons muffs.

July 25, 2018, 09:47 AM	#6
Ricklin Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2008 Location: SW Washington state Posts: 2,011	Agreed I too would go with the .460, the ammo flexibility seals the deal for me. How much gun do you need to hunt Whitetail deer? __________________ ricklin Freedom is not free

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July 9, 2018, 01:24 AM	#1
Emeraldflame772 Junior Member Join Date: July 8, 2018 Posts: 1	500 magnum questions So ive fired a 500 magnum a few times in the 8 3/8th barrel and im going to get one for woods carry I was planning on the 6 or 4 inch barrel not sure which one you would recommend, What are some good lighter rounds if i use it to hunt white tail and do they make any leather holsters for it?

July 25, 2018, 12:19 AM	#2
jackmoser65 Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2014 Posts: 754	Why would you want to carry something like that? You're asking very basic questions about very advanced armament. Tells me you really need a 357 magnum. Not a 500.

July 25, 2018, 05:26 AM	#3
DaleA Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2002 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 5,312	Welcome to the forum Emeraldflame772. Here's some holster information: https://gunnewsdaily.com/reviews/smi...on_500_Holster Disclaimer: I don't own, and have never even fired one of the big S&W X-frames. I do have a big interest in the 500's little brother the .460 though. That said, I've been guilty of some teasing about the guns, like claiming I got to be the assistant gunner on an X-Frame one weekend or that the most useful accessory for the gun would be someone to carry it for me. I find holsters in general to be terribly frustrating things to buy. Much, much more frustrating than the guns themselves. One general guideline I could provide is don't go cheap. (I put some rust on a very nice old revolver by storing it in an unlined cheap leather holster once.) Good luck.

July 25, 2018, 05:44 AM	#4
buck460XVR Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2006 Posts: 4,342	For a primary hunting weapon, I would go with the 6". Iffin' it's only for whitetails, I'd say you'd be better served with a .460. Iffin it for everyday, all around woods carry and you think it needs to be a .500, then the 4" is the way to go. But the 4" is not gonna shoot anything like the 8 3/8s you've shot in the past. Iffin you are new to revolvers you might be better served with a .44. The big X-Frames are expensive beasts to feed. They are really a reloaders handgun. Hard to get proficient with a handgun when ammo is $2-$3 a pop, unless you have deep pockets.....and iffin you're hunting deer with a handgun, you do need to be proficient.

July 25, 2018, 09:43 AM	#5
saleen322 Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2010 Posts: 778	The 8 3/8" barrel does make it a little more pleasant to shoot so you may want to include that in your decision. Like the others mentioned, the 460 offers some advantages so I went that way. The 460 can shoot 45 Colt, 454 Casull, or 460 S&W so you have much more flexibility in ammo. The 460 and 500 use the same X-frame holster.

July 25, 2018, 10:12 AM	#7
jackmoser65 Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2014 Posts: 754	Why do you need a 460 to shoot whitetail? A 900ft/sec 45 Colt load will shoot clear through any deer you'll encounter.

July 25, 2018, 11:29 AM	#10
laytonj1 Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2005 Posts: 4,443	No, it’s not. Jim

July 25, 2018, 11:56 AM	#11
jackmoser65 Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2014 Posts: 754	Let me be more explicit for those who can't seem to comprehend. Why would one want to carry a revolver that is a pound heavier than necessary, producing exponentially more recoil and muzzle blast than necessary? In other words, why do so many seem to think that they need a huge X frame for deer? Do you just want to or do you really think you need all that for the lowly whitetail? Are you encountering polar bears? What is your experience with heavy recoiling revolvers?

July 25, 2018, 12:09 PM	#12
laytonj1 Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2005 Posts: 4,443	Allow me to explain.. why do you care what someone else uses or carries? If he wants to use a M2 to hunt deer with then that’s his business, not yours. Just because you like handgun in 45 colt to hunt with does not mean that should be the standard for everybody else. Besides, after he lugs that x- frame around all day he might change his mind. Jim

July 25, 2018, 01:06 PM	#15
jackmoser65 Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2014 Posts: 754	All I did was ask questions and I'm the rude one? Take a look in the mirror buddy.

July 25, 2018, 01:22 PM	#16
Oldman11 Member Join Date: April 28, 2016 Posts: 77	Back on the subject of the 500 mag. I have always wanted to shoot a 500 but I’m 75 and the recoil would kill me. No use being rude anybody can want a 500 and buy one if they want. You don’t have to have a reason just the new gun bug. I know of one that a 25 yr old bought and he has yet to shoot a whole box but will not sell. So go ahead young fellow and buy what you want and don’t let rude people tell you not to.

July 25, 2018, 01:26 PM	#17
jackmoser65 Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2014 Posts: 754	Who's being rude? All I did was ask why.

July 25, 2018, 02:04 PM	#18
Dufus Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2014 Posts: 1,965	I don't have a 460, but I do have a 454 Super RH. I like it. I also have a 500 and I like it too. A buddy has a BFR 45-70. It is a good shooter, but admittedly a hand full. Different recoil with that single action. They are all good and reliable shooters.

July 25, 2018, 02:31 PM	#20
BBarn Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2015 Posts: 887	Of course, the 4" would be a little smaller and lighter on the hip. The 6" would give some of that up in exchange for a bit less recoil (which might be a very good thing with the 500). I'd probably go with the 6" myself. But what do I know, since I have no personal experience with the X Frame or 500 S&W. I do have some experience with the 454 Casull, and that experience has led me to recognize my personal desire for reduced power loads on occasion for practice or lighter duty with the heavy magnum cartridges. Winchester markets a "reduced" load for the 500 (350gr. @ 1350 fps for ~1400 ft-lbs). I am not familar enough with X Frame holster offerings to suggest anything there. Hope the OP comes back for more than a single post.

July 25, 2018, 03:37 PM	#21
Ruga Booga Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2017 Location: SE Kansas Posts: 116	500 is a great choice. Loaded way down or WAY up. Trailboss or H110 if you reload. 275 grains all the way up to 700 grain bullets.You can still purchase 500 special if you look hard enough. Or you can cut down the cases and make your own. I have not shot the 500 revolver though. I shoot them out of a 20 inch TC Encore. A very powerful cartridge. I love it.

July 25, 2018, 05:28 PM	#22
disseminator Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2016 Location: Minnesota Posts: 960	I have a bunch of different revolvers that are suitable for hunting Deer: 357 Mag, 41 Mag, 44 Mag, 45 Colt, 454 Casull, 460 Mag, and 480 Ruger. If I could only keep one of them for the rest of my life, it would be: #1 - 45 Colt if you are a re-loader or willing to learn #2 - 44 Magnum otherwise. I love shooting the big guns, but they are not needed for hunting Deer IMO and my Model 29 6-1/2" strikes a great balance of size vs power.

July 25, 2018, 07:14 PM	#23
ligonierbill Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2007 Posts: 2,448	I suggest you buy or borrow Big Bore Revolvers by Max Prasac. Lots of practical info. Regards holsters, sure, they make all kinds. You might look into a chest rig. I got an El Paso Saddlery (like their stuff) "Tanker" rig for my Super Redhawk. That's about as big a pistol as I will ever carry. Belt carry can get unwieldy with the big frames. It's also one good reason not to get a big hogleg and then download because it kicks too much. You're still hauling all that iron. Better to get a smaller frame, lighter caliber. If you are going to lug the weight, learn to shot it and go for the gusto.