Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Ammunition-Gunsmithing > Ammo
o

Notices

Ammo All Ammo Discussions Go Here


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 02-25-2011, 05:19 PM
26Ford 26Ford is offline
Member
.50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 775
Likes: 201
Liked 184 Times in 99 Posts
Default .50 AE vs 500 S&W

Not sure if this is the correct catagory, please move if not, thank you. Could the experts please school me, the .50AE like from a Desert Eagle semi, how does that compare to a 500 S&W for say hiking in Alaska and protection against really big bear? I understand your proficiency with each gun and the right ammo in each of the guns could mean all the diffrence in the world, but just in general. Are they both equally capable? Thank you.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 02-25-2011, 07:48 PM
David Sinko David Sinko is offline
Member
.50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,089
Likes: 0
Liked 375 Times in 217 Posts
Default

The .500 S&W is more powerful but as far as I'm concerned it belongs in a rifle and not a "revolver." In addition to the Desert Eagle, the .50 AE is available in some single and double action revolvers, at least on a custom basis. It is certainly adequate for the thin skinned stuff like bear. I like big bore revolver cartridges as much as anybody but I could never get excited by either of these two cartridges. A modern .44 Magnum or .45 Colt is plenty for bear. If I went the expensive custom route I'd choose one of the Linebaugh cartridges instead.

Dave Sinko
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 02-25-2011, 08:00 PM
Titegroups Titegroups is offline
Member
.50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 1,338
Likes: 65
Liked 247 Times in 166 Posts
Default

You could break it down to whichever holds the most powder, the bullets are the same diameter. The bear won't care. Case size tells a lot.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 02-25-2011, 08:10 PM
Maximumbob54's Avatar
Maximumbob54 Maximumbob54 is offline
Member
.50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W  
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 7,202
Likes: 9,079
Liked 1,921 Times in 1,043 Posts
Default

I'm not even sure if .38 Special to .357 magnum is a good comparison to what you're asking. They are leagues apart in difference. Look in a loading manual. Powder capacity, bullet weights, max velocity, everything is different but the diameter of the bullet.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 02-25-2011, 09:59 PM
26Ford 26Ford is offline
Member
.50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 775
Likes: 201
Liked 184 Times in 99 Posts
Default

Thank you gentleman for the input. David I have a P.C. 44 magnum, but from what I hear If I move the family out to the northwest, I should have something bigger. 454 casull, .460, or the .50. I am not a rifle man, just handguns, always have been. I know your correct with recommending a rifle cartridge, It's just not me. The right round in the 44 Magnum might get things done, but not having faced any bears that size before, I would want to be better safe than sorry. Bob, actually the 38-357 analogy worked for me. Ihave zero experience with reloading, but as a machinist and engineer, I understand your point, thank you. 26
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 02-25-2011, 10:04 PM
26Ford 26Ford is offline
Member
.50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 775
Likes: 201
Liked 184 Times in 99 Posts
Default

David, I have seen the revolvers chambered for the .50AE. At least the ones I am thinking of were all in the 8 inch and longer barell length. Magnum Research sound right? I dont think I want to fumble with that length of a barell looking at a starving and ticked off Grizzly , Ive gotton very comfortable with the 6 1/2" barell. 26
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 02-26-2011, 02:17 AM
A10's Avatar
A10 A10 is offline
SWCA Member
.50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Sadly, Seattle WA
Posts: 10,561
Likes: 22,762
Liked 10,304 Times in 4,263 Posts
Default

How far northwest you movin? I'm in Washington State and have hunted lots in the furthest north regions we have here. And yes, there are grizz here in the state. I have never felt undergunned carrying my .45 colt or .44 mag as a backup to my rifle or shotgun. I had a Desert Eagle in .44 for a few years, but didn't see the need to carry such a HEAVY gun. It shot great, and the recoil was low, but I gave it up for my model 29. I carry either Buffalo Bore 300 grainers or my home loaded 300 grain Speers in my .45, and either 270 grain Federal factory ammo or my home loaded 300 grain LazerCast in the .44.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 02-26-2011, 05:08 AM
ArchAngelCD's Avatar
ArchAngelCD ArchAngelCD is offline
Moderator
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
.50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Northeast PA, USA
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 1,029
Liked 5,070 Times in 2,660 Posts
Default

26, even though you're not a rifle guy considering you will be protecting your family you might want to consider a levergun in a guide gun configuration. Something in 45-70 or 450 Marlin will protect you all quite well and a levergun is fast and easy to carry.
__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 02-26-2011, 08:27 AM
bigshot500 bigshot500 is offline
Member
.50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: RI
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times in 6 Posts
Default

my .02
My brother has lived in AK for 15 years at this point, he carrys every time he goes into the woods with his dogs for a run. Typically a snub 38 is what he has on his side at all times. I know what many will say that a 38 is going to bounce off he skull of a bear like a bug hitting a windshield. Always remember having something with you regardless of caliber is better then leaving it in the safe. Try going for a 5 mile run with a s&w 500 or a freedom arms on your side...good luck.

That being said the best advice I can give you is what my brother was told when he goes into the woods...Always wear a pair of comfy running shoes, and always bring along someone who runs slower then you....


Quote:
Originally Posted by 26Ford View Post
Thank you gentleman for the input. David I have a P.C. 44 magnum, but from what I hear If I move the family out to the northwest, I should have something bigger. 454 casull, .460, or the .50. I am not a rifle man, just handguns, always have been. I know your correct with recommending a rifle cartridge, It's just not me. The right round in the 44 Magnum might get things done, but not having faced any bears that size before, I would want to be better safe than sorry. Bob, actually the 38-357 analogy worked for me. Ihave zero experience with reloading, but as a machinist and engineer, I understand your point, thank you. 26
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 02-26-2011, 10:09 AM
David Sinko David Sinko is offline
Member
.50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,089
Likes: 0
Liked 375 Times in 217 Posts
Default

I'm pretty sure Freedom Arms makes a single action revolver in .50AE with a short barrel. I know Bowen Classic Arms re-chambers the Ruger Redhawk and Super Redhawk in .50AE for use with moonclips.

I believe Freedom Arms also offers something called the .50 Wyoming Express in their single action revolvers. It is more powerful than the .50 AE but I don't think it is very mainstream.

I suggest you keep practicing with your .44 Magnum and go with what you know. With heavy bullets it is more than adequate and don't let anybody convince you otherwise. If I went into bear territory I'd be content with my .44 Magnum Mountain Gun.

Dave Sinko
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 02-26-2011, 11:46 AM
26Ford 26Ford is offline
Member
.50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 775
Likes: 201
Liked 184 Times in 99 Posts
Default

I want to thank everyone again for thier input. I'm sure some are laughing thinking that guy { 26 -me }, don't think that a 44 Mag is enough. I think how many threads are started questioning carrying the 500 Smith for personal protection, and I dont feel so ignorant. Sounds like I should count on my proficiency with my 44 Magnum, and some Buffalo Bore rounds just for the hiking trips to protect myself, family, and dogs. Poor dogs attract aligators like crazy here on the Florida coast, I couldn't imagine a starving grizzly. Thank you all who gave thier input and time. 26
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 02-26-2011, 02:34 PM
zan516's Avatar
zan516 zan516 is offline
US Veteran
.50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 111
Likes: 6
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default

26-

You could also Google Garrett Cartridges, they have some good info on heavy loaded 44's.

todd
__________________
Blessed, not lucky
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 02-26-2011, 05:48 PM
26Ford 26Ford is offline
Member
.50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 775
Likes: 201
Liked 184 Times in 99 Posts
Default

Will do sir thank you. Thank you for your service to our great country, and please wear your vest on the job!!! 26
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 02-28-2011, 06:41 PM
Hired Gun Hired Gun is offline
Member
.50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Oregon
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

A 500S&W is a huge step above the 50AE. The 500 can generate up over 3000 foot pounds of energy and is capable of 700 grain bullets. It ought to flatten a brown bear with extreme prejudice. I'm thinking end to end penetration at almost any angle with the right bullet. A 44mag will still certainly kill any bear but will require a bit more precision. I have severed 6" hardwood trees with a single shot with a 500. My 44 would require 5-6 shots to acheive the same.
__________________
NRA Instructor / Life Member
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 03-01-2011, 03:15 AM
ArchAngelCD's Avatar
ArchAngelCD ArchAngelCD is offline
Moderator
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
.50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Northeast PA, USA
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 1,029
Liked 5,070 Times in 2,660 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 26Ford View Post
Sounds like I should count on my proficiency with my 44 Magnum, and some Buffalo Bore rounds just for the hiking trips to protect myself, family, and dogs.
I think that's a great idea. Even though a 50/500 would be bigger and probably stop a large animal quicker I fear you might not carry it all the time because of it's weight.

Here's that link to Garrett Ammo and I would also highly suggest Grizzly Ammo. Pay particular attention to their "Punch Bullet" ammo. It's a tough hard hitting round made to do the job of hunting. Grizzly ammo is great stuff and so are the bullets from their sister company, Cast Performance. I load heavy .357 Magnum ammo with 180gr Cast Performance bullets.
__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 03-01-2011, 04:53 PM
26Ford 26Ford is offline
Member
.50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 775
Likes: 201
Liked 184 Times in 99 Posts
Default

Thank you for those links. I learned quite a bit, and now have resourses for ammo on our next trip. 26
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 03-02-2011, 11:28 PM
J. W.'s Avatar
J. W. J. W. is offline
Member
.50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W  
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: WV
Posts: 778
Likes: 161
Liked 541 Times in 259 Posts
Default

JMO, but if you feel a .44 mag isn't enough then you might want to consider a shotgun or a lever rifle.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 03-03-2011, 08:09 AM
bigshot500 bigshot500 is offline
Member
.50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: RI
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times in 6 Posts
Default

oh..yeah...like a lever that takes s&w 500 whoooohooo..thats the ticket.

Quote:
Originally Posted by J. W. View Post
JMO, but if you feel a .44 mag isn't enough then you might want to consider a shotgun or a lever rifle.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 10-17-2013, 01:22 AM
hrmchan hrmchan is offline
Member
.50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 26Ford View Post
I want to thank everyone again for thier input. I'm sure some are laughing thinking that guy { 26 -me }, don't think that a 44 Mag is enough. I think how many threads are started questioning carrying the 500 Smith for personal protection, and I dont feel so ignorant. Sounds like I should count on my proficiency with my 44 Magnum, and some Buffalo Bore rounds just for the hiking trips to protect myself, family, and dogs. Poor dogs attract aligators like crazy here on the Florida coast, I couldn't imagine a starving grizzly. Thank you all who gave thier input and time. 26
I think you answered your owned requirements, since you don't shoot a rifle and this is for home defense and not "jogged hardware" ... your 50AE or 500S&W is the best caliber in handgun configuration to have available upon and when vital need occurs. I'd have it safely stored but accessible near the rear door of the house, since that's most likely were your garbage can are located ... get my drift?

I have both a Hunter Classic N-frame 44mag by S&W and also a monster DE .50AE. If you have both, put the 44 in the front and the 50 in the back.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 10-17-2013, 04:03 AM
ArchAngelCD's Avatar
ArchAngelCD ArchAngelCD is offline
Moderator
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
.50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W .50 AE vs 500 S&W  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Northeast PA, USA
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 1,029
Liked 5,070 Times in 2,660 Posts
Default

hrmchan,
After 2 1/2 years I'm sure the OP figured it out of got eaten by a bear.

Welcome to the forum...
__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
357 magnum, 44 magnum, bowen, cartridge, casull, colt, model 29, mountain gun, redhawk, ruger, s&w, snubnose

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:58 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)