I have never had the opportunity to shoot the 500 S&W magnum . I do shoot the 4 , model 29 with my handloads , from " mild to wild " . I have shot the Keith load of 22 grs of 2400 using " HIS " swc , H&G 503 . I have just PC Magna's on the frame for grips . I don't find it too much . It just takes practice to learn how to shoot the 4" 44 with full magnum loads . I totally agree with Mr Keith , the 4 " 44 is just right , no matter the load if you learn how to shoot it . Regards Paul