Smith & Wesson Model 500

stac50bmg said:
A general question. which one is the most powerful the 500 S&W or the 460 S&W

Claude - Your Friendly Zombie Hunter
Click to expand...

I've seen this question many times. It's my understanding that it depends on your definition of "powerful". I can't give you exact numbers right now, but if you look into some of the factory loads, the heaviest hitting .500's do edge out the .460's in torque produced. That, however, is FACTORY loads. I don't think anyone has offered a factory load for the .460 that reaches it's full potential yet. The cylinder external diameter of both guns is the same (though I believe the .460's is longer). The .460 being .05 inches smaller in diameter therefore allows it to operate safely at higher pressures due to the greater amount of material used for each chamber. I don't have the numbers right now, but I've read that, operating at maximum pressures for each cartridge, the (65 000 maximum p.s.i.) .460 S&W Magnum hits with more torque. This, however, is with maximum saami spec'd cartridges. I don't believe any factory ammunition maker is offering such a cartridge. From what I understand, it is because no one makes brass for this round that can handle such a high p.s.i. If you define power of a cartridge by the torque it produces, then the .460 is the more powerful. If you define power as killing power, then you can try punching numbers into a T.K.O. calculator like this one http://www.n4lcd.com/calc/. Many professional hunters are said to believe that this is a far more valuable measure of a cartridge than the torque produced. John Linebaugh also did some penetration tests that included both cartridges. Google linebaugh seminar penetration tests. Interesting reading, though I believe the cartridges used for the tests were different factory loads, which, again, aren't necessarily max. loads. In conclusion, it depends on how you define power. If you want it in absolute scientific terms, then as stated, a max. loaded .460 will produce more torque than a max. loaded .500. If you prefer penetration tests T.K.O. values, or "killing power" the results may differ. If you're interested enough to go to the trouble, you can do some research online, or better yet do some experimenting yourself. There's nothing quite like first hand experience to make up a man's opinion, and of course, it's more fun than comparing numbers or internet research.
 
CanXB said:
I picked up a 460V and a 500 with an 8 3/8" barrel and interchangeable compensators recently. Have not shot either but am very excited. Locally I can get the Hornady 200 gr FTX (9152) for 28.99 a box and the Hornady 350 gr XTP Mag (9250) for 63.99 a box. Since investing in a bit of this ammo I have since ordered an RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme reloading kit to reload the spent brass. Everyone says these two revolvers are a blast (no pun intended) so I can't wait. Any advice, warnings or just general info in regards to reloading either of these would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

I'd be interested in any 500 S&W loads available for $28.99 a box. Please pass along the info. Send me a PM first before posting, I want to get my order in first before the price goes up.;)
 
I have a S&W 686 .357 mag. I was thinking on a 629 .44 rem mag, but latley I've been looking at these 460s and 500s. What do y'all think?
 
Somebody punched a hole in our outdoor range roof when double tapping this gun. I wasn't there but the guy was a newbie and he sold the gun shortly after this incident.

I'm really interested in buying this gun...
 
Loading 1 at a time is a must for newbies. The 500 has significant kick. I like to start off the newbies with a soft load similar to 44 mag.

For those like myself that luv DA look for a performance center model, the extra smoothness makes a difference in DA. Nothing like shooting a factory load in DA, luv that fireball.


Great way to progress to the big boys. Start with 357, then to 629, end with 500. Can't shoot a lot of 500 in one outing so bring a 357 or 44 along to entertain for the rest of the day.
Bitumen said:
I have a S&W 686 .357 mag. I was thinking on a 629 .44 rem mag, but latley I've been looking at these 460s and 500s. What do y'all think?
Click to expand...
 
burnaby said:
Great way to progress to the big boys. Start with 357, then to 629, end with 500. Can't shoot a lot of 500 in one outing so bring a 357 or 44 along to entertain for the rest of the day.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the compliment.

I like the .357 mag because it allows .38 special.

The .44 rem mag allows .44 special.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom