Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present
o

Notices

S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 01-03-2012, 01:50 AM
farmjake farmjake is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default 460 vs 500

Hello iam new on this forum but I have a few questions. Iam looking at buying a x frame revolver either the 460 or the 500 but don't know which would be the better gun. I may hunt black bear with it some day but iam mainly buying it to have a big powerful handgun. Your help is appreciated thanks,Jon
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 01-03-2012, 02:04 AM
Alk8944's Avatar
Alk8944 Alk8944 is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Sandy Utah
Posts: 8,617
Likes: 1,554
Liked 8,616 Times in 3,452 Posts
Default

Either are quite adequate for hunting any game species found in North America. The .500 has roughly twice the muzzle energy that the .50-70 Model 1866 Springfield did that "Buffalo Bill" Cody used to kill the 1200+ Bison that got him his moniker.

They are roughly equal. The 460 will give higher velocity than the 500 creating approximately the same muzzle energy. If you expect to re-load for either, bullets for the 460 are somewhat less expensive.

Just a recommendation. If this is your first handgun start with something else until you are proficient. Very seriously a .22 is the place to begin, graduating to .38/.357 and finally .44 Magnum or .45 Colt, before jumping into a very specialized gun like either X-Frame.
__________________
Gunsmithing since 1961
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #3  
Old 01-03-2012, 08:11 AM
Mule88's Avatar
Mule88 Mule88 is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Vandalia, Ohio
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 297
Liked 231 Times in 137 Posts
Default

With the 460, you have the option also to shoot .45 LC. ,454 and the 460. I bought a 500 before the 460 came out but if I was doing it today I may have changed my mind. Either will handle anything you'd want to hunt.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #4  
Old 01-03-2012, 08:39 AM
murphydog's Avatar
murphydog murphydog is offline
Moderator
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 26,785
Likes: 938
Liked 18,879 Times in 9,241 Posts
Default

You may want to find a friend or range that will let you try a .460 or .500 first, especially if you do not reload. You may decide the "big powerful handgun" you want is a .44 Magnum of some type, for which you can buy ammo at Wal-Mart and shoot .44 Specials.
__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
  #5  
Old 01-03-2012, 08:44 AM
John Ross's Avatar
John Ross John Ross is offline
Absent Comrade
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: St. Louis, MO
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
Liked 83 Times in 23 Posts
Default

The .460 is touted by many as being more "versatile" due to its ability to fire .45 Colt, .454, and .460. That appeals to the shooters who like the idea of getting "three guns in one."

I'm not one of those people.

I like to shoot a revolver in the caliber for which it is chambered, not a shorter case. I have been blessed with enough financial success that if I want to shoot .44 Special ammo, I can afford to own an M24 as well as a 29.

If you like to shoot more that just an occasional round or two, both the .460 and the .500 are VERY expensive to shoot if you are restricted to factory ammo. We're talking $3 a shot or more for ammo bought at your local gunshop.

Some people prefer the .460 over the .500 for it's ultra-high (for a revolver) velocity. Once again, that's true IF YOU ARE LIMITED TO FACTORY AMMO.

The moment the shooter has access to decent reloading equipment and components, all the above things go out the window and the .500 absolutely smokes the .460 for "versatility." This, IMO, is particularly true if you choose my 5" half-lug .500 with 10" twist and tight cylinder gap.

Want high velocity like the 200 grain .460 load? Try a polymer tipped 300 grain Hornady spitzer at 2250 FPS in your .500.

Want 3500 foot-pounds of energy? Try a long-nose, short-shank 400 grain cast bullet at 2020 FPS.

Want the up-close killing power of a .458 rifle? Shoot a short-shank 510 grain bullet at 1740 FPS.

Want to shoot 700+ grain bullets at anywhere from 800 to 1200 FPS with good accuracy at all ranges? Check.

Want a 400-450 grain bullet at 1200-1400 FPS that you can shoot long strings with and that Kent Lomont used to hit an oil drum 50 shots in a row (in front of witnesses) at a measured 700 (yes, seven hundred) yards? Check. (Gun was scoped and shot off sandbags.)

Want an accurate load that kicks like a .38 Special for your girlfriend to shoot, using Trail Boss powder and almost any bullet you want? Check.

Bottom line, the .500 has more case capacity and a bigger bore than the .460, and that means it can do things the .460 can't IF YOU WANT IT TO. Both guns are extremely accurate (2" groups at 100 yards, scoped, off a rest, are quite common.) Both guns are very well built. Either will give you years of shooting pleasure and pride of ownership.

But for the thoughtful reloader, the .500 has it all over the .460.
__________________
JR, the 500 Specialist
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 01-03-2012, 08:56 AM
Glock2740 Glock2740 is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 22
Likes: 2
Liked 44 Times in 6 Posts
Default

I chose the 5" .460 for the ability to shoot .454 also. I don't shoot much 45LC. The gun is short enough to hip carry, yet has the ability to be scoped. There's nothing a .500 can do that a .460 can't. It all comes down to the load. Personally, if I'm ever going to hunt grizzly bear, polar bear, cape buffalo or elephants, I'm going to have a handgun like my .460 on my hip, but Ill have a rifle in my hands. People hunt those same animal with archery equipment too. But I don't plan on doing that. I hunt deer and hogs mostly and do bow hunt, and the .460 is more than enough gun to do what I need it for.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 01-03-2012, 09:01 AM
RGPM1A RGPM1A is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 595
Likes: 34
Liked 247 Times in 117 Posts
Default

John. I was leaning toward a 460 due to its supposed versatility. You made me realize I was incorrect in my thinking. I reload and the ability to shoot 45 LC, 454, and 460s in the same gun appealed to me. However you made me realize the the same could be done in the 500 w/o having to stock up on three types of cases. Looks like I'm going to the fun store today.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #8  
Old 01-04-2012, 09:39 AM
John Ross's Avatar
John Ross John Ross is offline
Absent Comrade
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: St. Louis, MO
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
Liked 83 Times in 23 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Glock2740 View Post
There's nothing a .500 can do that a .460 can't.
That's a little like saying "There's nothing a .454 can do that a .44 Mag can't," or "There's nothing a .338 Win Mag can do that a .30-'06 can't." See above post. A 40% increase in muzzle energy and 23% increase in frontal area is NOT trivial, IMO.

That said, the 5" .460 is a great gun, and I have one. But it's not a .500.
__________________
JR, the 500 Specialist

Last edited by John Ross; 01-04-2012 at 09:44 AM. Reason: Spelling
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #9  
Old 01-04-2012, 10:44 AM
Redhawk1 Redhawk1 is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Magnolia Delaware / West
Posts: 159
Likes: 2
Liked 8 Times in 5 Posts
Default

I have owned several S&W handguns in both rounds. I tested the 460 and 500 Mag extensively. Without a doubt the 500 Mag is far superior to the 460 Mag in my opinion. A bigger hole is always better. 275 to 700 gr. bullets out of a 500 Mag, larger holes, more energy. I picked the 500 mag over the 460, and don't look back!
__________________
Endowment Life Member NRA
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #10  
Old 01-04-2012, 11:08 AM
460v LAC du FLAMBEAU 460v LAC du FLAMBEAU is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Northwoods, WISCONSIN
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Default

I own the 4" 500 and the 5" 460 and use the Hornady 300 grain with the 500 and the Hornady 200 grain with the 460. Both go "Kaboom"...when in doubt get both!

New 5" 460 is tough to find under $1K.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #11  
Old 01-04-2012, 11:42 AM
LennyLames LennyLames is offline
Member
460 vs 500  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Central Arizona
Posts: 250
Likes: 7
Liked 127 Times in 71 Posts
Default

I knew I was going to buy one or the other. I rented both the .460 and the .500. Prior to these sessions, the biggest handgun I had shot was a .44 magnum. If you have the opportunity, you should test both before deciding.

I found out that I could handle the recoil on the .460 much better, so I decided to buy one of the 460 Performance Center models. The biggest, most accurate gun in the world is of little use if you can't handle it.

I don't have the time to reload and haven't had the need for the specialized characteristics available in reloads, so I just use off-the-shelf 200 grain ammunition for both hunting and target shooting. Heck, I don't even reload 45 ACP anymore, even though I have all the reloading equipment for it and I shoot that caliber the most.

I haven't used any of the other ammunition types that the 460 is capable of. My brother-in-law gifted me with a box of 45 Long Colt but I haven't used it.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #12  
Old 01-04-2012, 11:42 AM
DCWilson's Avatar
DCWilson DCWilson is offline
SWCA Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 13,993
Likes: 4,998
Liked 7,681 Times in 2,618 Posts
Default

Ah, the never-ending question. And again it has brought forth informative and thoughtful answers.

When I faced this question I bought a 460 XVR with the longest standard barrel. I love the gun.

Then about a year later I found a four-inch 500 on the consignment shelf and bought it because the price was right. It looked unused but came at about a $200 discount to the new gun price. I love that gun too.

I didn't feel undergunned when the only X-frame revolver in the safe was a 460. I sometimes look at the 500 and think, "What am I going to use that for?" But I am not inclined to tune my collection by getting rid of it. Both are very accurate revolvers, and I like making tight clusters in far-away targets at the range (as tight as I am capable of achieving, at any rate).

Now that I own one of each, I can see that there may be a different way to approach the first-purchase question. Ask yourself, "How much excess capacity do I need?" If your answer is, "A whole bunch," the 460 is good enough. If the proper answer is "As much as I can get," you want a 500.

I believe 500s outsell 460s by quite a significant margin, but that is a descriptive statistic, not a recommendation.

You will like whichever one you get. Whichever one it is, I bet you will find yourself wanting the other one, too.
__________________
David Wilson
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #13  
Old 01-04-2012, 04:20 PM
graydog's Avatar
graydog graydog is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 191
Likes: 17
Liked 66 Times in 34 Posts
Default

I have both of these guns as well. I love both of them but if I could only have one I would keep the 460.

Just my two cents worth.

Graydog
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #14  
Old 01-04-2012, 05:30 PM
TDC's Avatar
TDC TDC is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Oregon
Posts: 1,349
Likes: 87
Liked 877 Times in 265 Posts
Default

My, my, my!!! How many times in our lives do we hear something is "almost as good as" or "as good as" something else?

This 460 vs 500 is another of those type challenges we all have to consider if making a serious purchase choice.

I've learned through my many years that the item that everything is being compared to is the item I would buy, or remorsefully, should have bought. That and and an in-depth comparison of the two guns motivated my choice of the 500 over the 460. Guns are more than an occasional "plinker" or novelty for me and are used as a "working tool". I hunt big game with my 500.

A strong defense can be made for the purchase of either and none of us can justifiably criticize what others may choose between these two fine guns and calibers. As usual, John Ross's earlier post assessment and ongoing in-depth research is consistent with my own experience. His opinion is certainly worthy of a second read for those who are still "straddling the fence..."

Choose wisely......
__________________
Terry
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #15  
Old 01-05-2012, 07:24 AM
Sportsterguy's Avatar
Sportsterguy Sportsterguy is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Ask the NSA
Posts: 2,208
Likes: 111
Liked 119 Times in 73 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by murphydog View Post
You may want to find a friend or range that will let you try a .460 or .500 first, especially if you do not reload. You may decide the "big powerful handgun" you want is a .44 Magnum of some type, for which you can buy ammo at Wal-Mart and shoot .44 Specials.
Good advice murphydog. I don't know your background sir but 95% of the people I know who own .44 mags cannot shoot them with any accuracy at all. If you can't handle a hot 240 gr. .44 magnum you will not do well with either of the two boomers.

I've been shooting big bores since I was 17. Developed a terrible flinch that took years to overcome. I've never shot a .500 but did shoot a .460. Should have worn my PAST shooting glove. What a whopper as they have some heavy recoil and was louder than heck even with double hearing protection on. Think one would lose some hearing very quickly hunting with one without protection.

I'll stick with my .41 mags loaded hot with heavy bullets thank you. If I need a handgun for an animal my .41's will take anything on North America, but I'd be using a rifle for any animal that bites back (bears) and have my .41 as a last ditch weapon.

My hats off to the few who can acurately shoot a cylinder full of .460's or the .500's wthout flinching! Just too much gun for me.
__________________
V/R
Roger / SG

Last edited by Sportsterguy; 01-05-2012 at 07:27 AM. Reason: addition
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 01-05-2012, 04:59 PM
jabobo_01's Avatar
jabobo_01 jabobo_01 is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default

I have the 500 with the 8 3/8" barrel and I love it. It is an absolute blast to shoot. I was surprised on how well the gun handles even when shooting the heavy loads. I shot pretty much every grain size made for this gun from 300 grain the the 500 grain Hornady rounds. I have never shot the 460 so I can't really compare the two. All I can say is the 500 is one of my favorites in my collection.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #17  
Old 01-05-2012, 05:49 PM
Cordite Cordite is offline
US Veteran
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 54
Likes: 13
Liked 149 Times in 31 Posts
Default

My thought process was a little different. Already have a .454 Casull, so for me going op six thousandths of an inch in caliber seemed a like I was not getting much more out of a .460 - even though the .454 is relatively constrained versus the .460 in OAL you can load to.

On the other hand, going up almost 5 hundredths in caliber is indeed a big step. After going back and forth on the right 50 cal for about 2 years and looking at the JRH, Wyoming, Action Express and a couple of others, it hit me that I kept comparing them to the 500 S&W. And while the others were 50 cal, you really were limited in getting close to the bounds with the OAL limitations. With that 2.3" cylinder, there was plenty of room to load all kinds of different bullets.

Did a lot of research on the X frame, and it is definitely a well engineered design that will handle some tremendous pressures (like 338 Lapua pressures).

My initial issue with going with the S&W pistol was the conventional barrel length and the twist. I don't want a snub nose - my primary purpose would be to use this as a packing pistol for situations where "final protective fire" was in order for some raging beast with me on its radar. At the speeds something like a grizzly travels, you can only count on getting one shot. So the barrel had to be of a size that would allow for quick extraction yet long enough to allow for getting the most out of the round. Between extraction, aim and shot, figure 2 seconds. Figure a bear going 30 MPH can cover over a little over 40 feet a second, or close to 30 yards in 2 seconds.

So, the bigger the better.

Then I came across the JR S&W Performance Center version of the 500 S&W - 5" barrel, no compensator (no real need for one seeing as how I have never noticed recoil in a high pressure situation - ever (also don't ever remember hearing a shot). 1:10 twist to stabilize longer and heavier bullets. On an X frame. That can make the 500 S&W round be all it can be.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 01-05-2012, 06:13 PM
folkenheath folkenheath is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Midwest
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times in 3 Posts
Default

I have a 460 and I love it, it is honestly one of the most fun guns I have to shoot. Recoil is not bad with the weight of the frame and the muzzlebrake. Muzzleblast is pretty intense though, still enjoyable. I picked the 460 because it has a flatter trajectory and reloads can be made for about .40 cents a piece total for a 240 gr XTP MAG. Also, I have heard from people that have shot it and a 500 (I have never shot a 500), that recoil is much more manageable with the 460, makes sense because of the lighter bullet.

You can hunt anything in NA with the .460 or the .500

BTW, cordite, the .460 shoots the same caliber bullet as the .454 casull, just a different case. Thats why you can shoot them and .45 colt in the same chamber, because they all use .452 bullets.

In addition, I tried shooting .45 Colt in it and it's not worth it. Yeah, it works, but the mess it makes in the chambers and the required cleaning before putting any full length cartidges back in there was not worth it. I ended up getting a Ruger blackhawk for when I want to shoot .45 Colt. It was funny though, .45 Colt coming out of that XVR barrel felt like a .22LR, I actually had to look down the barrel to make sure the bullet had exited it felt so weak.

Last edited by folkenheath; 01-05-2012 at 06:19 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #19  
Old 01-05-2012, 08:52 PM
roger460xvr's Avatar
roger460xvr roger460xvr is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: south central florida
Posts: 123
Likes: 2
Liked 3 Times in 2 Posts
Smile

Give me the 460xvr ANYDAY..........
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 01-05-2012, 09:21 PM
Magnum-Krazy's Avatar
Magnum-Krazy Magnum-Krazy is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Indiana
Posts: 182
Likes: 818
Liked 113 Times in 45 Posts
Default

Both the 460 & 500 are super guns.
What made my decision to get a couple 500's was I already had the Rageing Bull 454 and a couple western 45 Colts.
One of my buddys has the 460 and it is a sweet shooting gun, recoil wasn't too bad.
The 500 on the other hand has quite a bit more recoil and brute force, but nothing thats not manageable even with the hottest loads.
I do like the 460 and more than likely will add one to the collection as well.



Ernie
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #21  
Old 01-07-2012, 12:46 PM
buck460XVR buck460XVR is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: \'ell if I know
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 0
Liked 476 Times in 279 Posts
Default

One has to question why they want/need a .460 or .500 before they can decide which one is correct for them. I went back and forth between the two, shot both and after more thought and research went with the .460 because it filled the niche in my gun collection better. My primary use is for deer/black bear and at the range. Since I handload, I do not need to shoot other calibers when I want to shoot reduced recoil loads, I just download my .460 cases. Most of the time, unlike factory ammo, there is no difference in cost, so I just shoot what I hunt with at the range. Even handloading. when buying commercial bullets, appropriate .45 caliber bullets are much cheaper than .50 caliber. I can reload my .460 once I have the brass for the same amount as a .45LC. My experience shooting deer with my X-Frame shows me I have no need for anything bigger than 300gr nor do I need to go any faster than 1600fps. Now if I was hunting dangerous game such as Cape Buffalo or elephants, I might feel the need for a bigger hole and 700 gr ammo. At the range the .460 gives me more than enough attention from the other shooters there. The smaller cost of ammo gives me more ammo to shoot. No matter how deep our pockets, most of us have a limit to what we can spend on ammo. The more shots we get for that budget, the more shooting we get. That generally means more fun. For those that feel the .500 is more appropriate for them, I'm sure they have good reasons. Neither gun is one that should be bought without serious consideration, becasue they are serious firearms. Those that buy them on a whim generally have them for sale very quickly with relatively few rounds thru them.

Last edited by buck460XVR; 01-07-2012 at 12:47 PM. Reason: spelling
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #22  
Old 09-17-2018, 10:52 PM
OutlanderFirearms's Avatar
OutlanderFirearms OutlanderFirearms is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Home detention Cairns Aus
Posts: 12
Likes: 15
Liked 4 Times in 3 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by John Ross View Post

Want to shoot 700+ grain bullets at anywhere from 800 to 1200 FPS with good accuracy at all ranges? Check.
Hi JR have you got a supplier of 700gn bullets at the moment?

Im looking at a rifle so hopefully the 500 will be a lot more manageable with even its heaviest loads especially in the brisk adrenaline filled action of the hunt.

Or a source of all your 500 bullets?

Tnx in advance!
__________________
Hmm, make mine in pump tnx
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 09-17-2018, 11:21 PM
roscoepc roscoepc is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Marion, Va
Posts: 562
Likes: 561
Liked 626 Times in 243 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by John Ross View Post
The .460 is touted by many as being more "versatile" due to its ability to fire .45 Colt, .454, and .460. That appeals to the shooters who like the idea of getting "three guns in one."

I'm not one of those people.

I like to shoot a revolver in the caliber for which it is chambered, not a shorter case. I have been blessed with enough financial success that if I want to shoot .44 Special ammo, I can afford to own an M24 as well as a 29.

If you like to shoot more that just an occasional round or two, both the .460 and the .500 are VERY expensive to shoot if you are restricted to factory ammo. We're talking $3 a shot or more for ammo bought at your local gunshop.

Some people prefer the .460 over the .500 for it's ultra-high (for a revolver) velocity. Once again, that's true IF YOU ARE LIMITED TO FACTORY AMMO.

The moment the shooter has access to decent reloading equipment and components, all the above things go out the window and the .500 absolutely smokes the .460 for "versatility." This, IMO, is particularly true if you choose my 5" half-lug .500 with 10" twist and tight cylinder gap.

Want high velocity like the 200 grain .460 load? Try a polymer tipped 300 grain Hornady spitzer at 2250 FPS in your .500.

Want 3500 foot-pounds of energy? Try a long-nose, short-shank 400 grain cast bullet at 2020 FPS.

Want the up-close killing power of a .458 rifle? Shoot a short-shank 510 grain bullet at 1740 FPS.

Want to shoot 700+ grain bullets at anywhere from 800 to 1200 FPS with good accuracy at all ranges? Check.

Want a 400-450 grain bullet at 1200-1400 FPS that you can shoot long strings with and that Kent Lomont used to hit an oil drum 50 shots in a row (in front of witnesses) at a measured 700 (yes, seven hundred) yards? Check. (Gun was scoped and shot off sandbags.)

Want an accurate load that kicks like a .38 Special for your girlfriend to shoot, using Trail Boss powder and almost any bullet you want? Check.

Bottom line, the .500 has more case capacity and a bigger bore than the .460, and that means it can do things the .460 can't IF YOU WANT IT TO. Both guns are extremely accurate (2" groups at 100 yards, scoped, off a rest, are quite common.) Both guns are very well built. Either will give you years of shooting pleasure and pride of ownership.

But for the thoughtful reloader, the .500 has it all over the .460.
Ok John... That's all well and good but... Tell us what you REALLY think...

In my Opinion the 460 vs the 500 boils down to this: If ya want Speed, get the 460. It's the Worlds Fastest Production pistol made...

But.. If ya want Power.. Well... The 500 is yer choice!! It's the Worlds Most Powerful Production Pistol made and it's designed to remain that way unless the ATF changes their classifications!!

Either will handle anything you come across with good shot placement and the proper round size....

Have Fun with Her!!!!!
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #24  
Old 09-17-2018, 11:26 PM
roscoepc roscoepc is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Marion, Va
Posts: 562
Likes: 561
Liked 626 Times in 243 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by OutlanderFirearms View Post
Hi JR have you got a supplier of 700gn bullets at the moment?

Im looking at a rifle so hopefully the 500 will be a lot more manageable with even its heaviest loads especially in the brisk adrenaline filled action of the hunt.

Or a source of all your 500 bullets?

Tnx in advance!

I reload mine but here's a link to Matt's Bullet's who makes a pretty good selection of rounds. He even sells a sample pack!!

500 S&W : Matts Bullets Ammunition
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #25  
Old 09-17-2018, 11:39 PM
CDR_Glock CDR_Glock is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 246
Likes: 460
Liked 310 Times in 114 Posts
Default

I worked my up from 357 to 44, then to 454 Casull, followed by the 500 S&W, and I added a 460.

I have 3 454 Casull: 2.5”, 5” and 7,5”.
I have 3 44 Magnum: 3”, 7.5” and 9.5”

I am a reloader and do so for all of these handguns.

The 454 Casull does do 45Colt, 45 Colt +p, 45 Colt +P+, and 454 Casull. I hike with a Ruger Alaskan 454 because I get 6 rounds.

I reserved my 500 and 450 for hunting and plinking.

The 500 Magnum is the most versatile for loads, from 500 Special up to the 700 grain bullet. It is the most versatile of all Magnums with the widest range of bullet weights and the most versatility for loading different velocities.

If you could only pick one, then the 500 is the clear choice...for a reloader. If you’re not A reloader, there are much lower priced alternatives.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #26  
Old 09-18-2018, 03:43 PM
ruggyh's Avatar
ruggyh ruggyh is offline
SWCA Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: North Texas
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 181
Liked 1,654 Times in 639 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by farmjake View Post
Hello iam new on this forum but I have a few questions. Iam looking at buying a x frame revolver either the 460 or the 500 but don't know which would be the better gun. I may hunt black bear with it some day but iam mainly buying it to have a big powerful handgun. Your help is appreciated thanks,Jon
I see this is a vey old post but will offer up some advise

While each individual poster has a reason for choosing one over the other, they are their reasons.

Both chooses offer a wide range of loadings when you handload your own and suggest all owners take up handloading if they don't already.

The best advise is for you to go out and shoot both calibers in several different barrel lengths before buying or choosing either.
You are the one that is going to have to live with the choice.

Either caliber will dispatch anything in North America when proper bullet is used.

be safe
Ruggy

PS I have both so I don't have to choose between them.

Last edited by ruggyh; 09-18-2018 at 03:47 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #27  
Old 09-18-2018, 03:49 PM
murphydog's Avatar
murphydog murphydog is offline
Moderator
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 26,785
Likes: 938
Liked 18,879 Times in 9,241 Posts
Default

Guys, the OP bought a compensated 500, then asked about a CCW and an AR, then disappeared from here almost 6 years ago...
__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #28  
Old 09-18-2018, 04:01 PM
Groo01's Avatar
Groo01 Groo01 is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: central ohio
Posts: 1,385
Likes: 949
Liked 826 Times in 488 Posts
Default

Groo here
What barrel length are you looking for??????
If a long barrel [6in or longer like the 10in] the 460 will shoot flatter
and will be easier to hit with at range.
If you want a short barrel [I have a ported 4in] for closer range.
The 500 gets the nod.
You will reload!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Much cheaper!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The thing is, the 460 [like the 454 ] lives on speed.
The 500 lives on size and weight.
Ps a "target" load for a 500 will still put down a deer most handly.
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 09-18-2018, 05:14 PM
Sevens Sevens is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Ohio
Posts: 7,827
Likes: 9,401
Liked 14,751 Times in 5,026 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by murphydog View Post
Guys, the OP bought a compensated 500, then asked about a CCW and an AR, then disappeared from here almost 6 years ago...
It's still an interesting discussion.
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 09-19-2018, 08:18 AM
MTKTM's Avatar
MTKTM MTKTM is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Montana
Posts: 934
Likes: 27
Liked 307 Times in 110 Posts
Default

I've never fired a 460 so my opinion is worth exactly what you paid for it. I have two 500s, one of the earliest 8 3/8 guns from circa 2003, and a 4" that I got in 2005. I've shot both quite extensively, chronographed, compared, hunted, handloaded, carried.

I love the 500. I consider it something of a unique and mystic beast. It has power and impact downrange that is exponentially beyond what you have probably experienced before. My long favored load is a maximum charge of H110 behind a Cast Performance 440 grain gas-check SWC bullet. That load just smashes stuff, it's hard to even put into words.

I also own a Ruger Alaskan in 454 Casul. I like it, but I love the 500s. It truly is just something else. Not putting down the 460 here, just writing in praise of the 500.
Reply With Quote
  #31  
Old 09-19-2018, 11:58 AM
Zombie John Zombie John is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 34
Likes: 2
Liked 18 Times in 12 Posts
Default

Maybe I'm crazy, but I'd rather shoot my 10.5" 500 Mag than some of the 44 Mags I've had. (My timing issues aside)

500 Mag has crazy recoil, but it's in a gun that's usually MUCH larger than, say, a Super Redhawk. Add a scope and it's all the heavier and easier on recoil.

I think the 500's versatility adds to this. When I got mine, I shot Doubletap 275gr and Federal Fusion 325gr. Those are fun loads to shoot.

I recently picked up some Hornady 325gr FTX rounds and with those, I think I found my limit on recoil. Those seem to actually sting my palm pretty good whereas the other two I listed where more of a push.

My old Super Redhawk hurt to shoot and drew blood at least once on my trigger finger.
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 09-19-2018, 12:13 PM
Czechvar Czechvar is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Florida
Posts: 600
Likes: 708
Liked 1,272 Times in 370 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by murphydog View Post
Guys, the OP bought a compensated 500, then asked about a CCW and an AR, then disappeared from here almost 6 years ago...
It’s still entertaining though...Sort of the “9mm vs 45ACP” argument for Artillary...
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #33  
Old 09-19-2018, 12:30 PM
ken158 ken158 is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: VA
Posts: 4,667
Likes: 1,437
Liked 4,488 Times in 1,927 Posts
Default

Many 460 and 500 revolvers come on the market with the remainder of the first box of ammo purchased... gotta be a reason for that! I never fired a factory round in mine but did fire some hot reloads. The gun was not very handy, produced much more power then needed for any hunting situation based on handgun hunting ranges and very heavy to haul around. Been there and done that.
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 09-19-2018, 02:13 PM
Sevens Sevens is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Ohio
Posts: 7,827
Likes: 9,401
Liked 14,751 Times in 5,026 Posts
Default

I took in a .500 Mag and a .460 Mag from a buddy who purchased them simply for fun... and then needed to direct funds toward the purchase of a second home. So I had them both and I had to decide if I was going to keep one or the other or both or neither.

I chose to keep the .460 XVR and I don't hunt at all. I chose the .460 not for the ability to use shorter and weaker cartridges... but because I figured the bullet selection for handloading would be a bit more available and perhaps a bit lower in cost.

I have two uses for this big revolver:

--it's fun, especially for other folks to try, and handloading for it means it doesn't cost a fortune. Plenty of friends have had fun with the massive blast and concussion when it lights off and when I'm at the range... if other folks I don't know are interested, I don't mind letting them have a couple of shots after a short primer.

--it's enjoyable for slapping steel plates at distances from 100 to 300 yards and the load I've cooked up for it uses a 240 grain Hornady XTP Mag bullet. What I find wildly interesting is that according to my ballistic software, that load has the 240 leaving the muzzle at 2,000 fps and still going 800+ fps at five hundred yards. Now I'm not actually trying to hit targets at 500 yards but it's funny to me that I have almost the same weight slug going almost the same speed at 500 yards as a .45 Automatic does at the muzzle.

I only have a couple guns that have a designated use or task or job. Everything else I own is because I am an enthusiast, and that's exactly what my .460 XVR is for. At that, it's a total success.

The massive weight, the well-designed rubber grip and the exceptional porting on this beast does a flat-out amazing job at taming recoil. I can honestly say that shooting the 240-Mag slugs out of this revolver is more enjoyable to my shooting hands than shooting 240gr JSP's at 1,200 fps from any 6-inch or shorter .44 Magnum that I have ever experienced, bar none.
Reply With Quote
  #35  
Old 09-20-2018, 03:39 AM
steelslaver's Avatar
steelslaver steelslaver is online now
US Veteran
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Central Montana
Posts: 13,625
Likes: 12,742
Liked 39,093 Times in 9,967 Posts
Default

I have a 500 and I like it. When I decided to go ahead and get an X frame I was planning on a 460. I am a 45 colt fan, already cast bullets in that caliber and have a fair stock of jacketed. Liked the idea of being able to fire my 45 colt loads in the 460. But, then came a great deal on a 500, complete with Leopold scope, so I took the deal and am happy. I have my hand cannon. I believe it would be hard to show that one of the 2 is really that much better at anything than the other. If you have a 44 mag, 41 mag, 45 colt or even a 44 special, whats the real point of being able to fire anything but, the real thing in either? They are very bulky and heavy, and "versatile" is not a word I would apply to either no mater what they can fire. Someday I may pick up a 460, maybe a 4-6", but no real hurry or need. Ya, need. LOL If I had guns based on any kind of need at all. I wouldn't have anywhere near so many.
Reply With Quote
  #36  
Old 09-20-2018, 06:54 AM
Rivoak01 Rivoak01 is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 95
Likes: 19
Liked 96 Times in 43 Posts
Default

It’s interesting how old threads get revived, and I found several comments equally interesting. I own both a .460 and a .500. I originally bought them just for target use and out of curiosity, but thought I might use them for hogs as a backup gun to my rifle.

I shoot them maybe once or twice a month at my outdoor range and haven’t found them that expensive to shoot because after one box of ammo my wrists, ears and arms start telling me “gee how about a break.” I stick to factory ammo mainly because I don’t want the warranty issues that come with reloads.

I think they are both great guns, but I haven’t been able to use either of them for anything other than as single shot pistols without losing acceptable accuracy on follow ups. My hunting consists only of whitetail deer and hog extermination when necessary. I think given my skill set, the prospects of wounding a deer with a pistol rather than getting a knock down are too high, so I use oddly a Ruger precision .308 and generally don’t have to go tracking and dragging the dead carcass of a deer in the middle of the night out of the woods. I am nearly 67 YO and that just ain’t as easy as it used to be. Generally, when I shoot a deer now, it is found within 50 feet of the point of impact. Part of that is due to the fact I will let a deer walk unless I get a kill shot profile.

If I was to pick a .500 or a .460 for versatility, I would pick the .460 because the power of that gun can be dumbed down for self defense, and I can handle follow ups with the .454 Casull or 45LC. But I don’t use one for that purpose even in my house because of limited capacity. That said, I would never EDC one because of weight, the fact they are overpowered for SD and the risk of collateral damage. My preferred handgun for SD is a 5.7 with green tip ammo because I can shoot it accurately and very quickly. (I know many going to disagree with me on that, but I got a thick skin and won’t be offended)

I can see either the 460 or 500 being good last ditch defense guns for bear or an angry hog because time is probably only going to allow one shot at close range, so it might as well be one that can be a stopper. Never been to Africa, but either gun would probably stop an 800 pound gorilla I suppose.

Now, that said, I think both the 500 and 460 have made me a better shooter when I’m handling my 45ACP or 5.7 pistols. The reason being, anybody handling either the 500 or 460 is quickly going to learn the skill set of locking hands, wrists and arms, and managing recoil. If you think about it, after shooting a 500 or 460, and managing that recoil without flinching, at least for me, I don’t even notice recoil when I shoot my other pistols. That means when I am shooting quickly all my rounds, up to 50 feet away, generally are within the target.










Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #37  
Old 09-20-2018, 07:03 AM
CDR_Glock CDR_Glock is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 246
Likes: 460
Liked 310 Times in 114 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rivoak01 View Post


Now, that said, I think both the 500 and 460 have made me a better shooter when I’m handling my 45ACP or 5.7 pistols. The reason being, anybody handling either the 500 or 460 is quickly going to learn the skill set of locking hands, wrists and arms, and managing recoil. If you think about it, after shooting a 500 or 460, and managing that recoil without flinching, at least for me, I don’t even notice recoil when I shoot my other pistols. That means when I am shooting quickly all my rounds, up to 50 feet away, generally are within the target.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Agreed. I find that shooting these Magnum revolvers, plus my Snubby 454 Casull (Ruger Alaskan), have improved my defensive pistol technique in the same way.




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #38  
Old 09-20-2018, 02:41 PM
Misskimo Misskimo is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Alaska
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Liked 43 Times in 22 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rivoak01 View Post
It’s interesting how old threads get revived, and I found several comments equally interesting. I own both a .460 and a .500. I originally bought them just for target use and out of curiosity, but thought I might use them for hogs as a backup gun to my rifle.

I shoot them maybe once or twice a month at my outdoor range and haven’t found them that expensive to shoot because after one box of ammo my wrists, ears and arms start telling me “gee how about a break.” I stick to factory ammo mainly because I don’t want the warranty issues that come with reloads.

I think they are both great guns, but I haven’t been able to use either of them for anything other than as single shot pistols without losing acceptable accuracy on follow ups. My hunting consists only of whitetail deer and hog extermination when necessary. I think given my skill set, the prospects of wounding a deer with a pistol rather than getting a knock down are too high, so I use oddly a Ruger precision .308 and generally don’t have to go tracking and dragging the dead carcass of a deer in the middle of the night out of the woods. I am nearly 67 YO and that just ain’t as easy as it used to be. Generally, when I shoot a deer now, it is found within 50 feet of the point of impact. Part of that is due to the fact I will let a deer walk unless I get a kill shot profile.

If I was to pick a .500 or a .460 for versatility, I would pick the .460 because the power of that gun can be dumbed down for self defense, and I can handle follow ups with the .454 Casull or 45LC. But I don’t use one for that purpose even in my house because of limited capacity. That said, I would never EDC one because of weight, the fact they are overpowered for SD and the risk of collateral damage. My preferred handgun for SD is a 5.7 with green tip ammo because I can shoot it accurately and very quickly. (I know many going to disagree with me on that, but I got a thick skin and won’t be offended)

I can see either the 460 or 500 being good last ditch defense guns for bear or an angry hog because time is probably only going to allow one shot at close range, so it might as well be one that can be a stopper. Never been to Africa, but either gun would probably stop an 800 pound gorilla I suppose.

Now, that said, I think both the 500 and 460 have made me a better shooter when I’m handling my 45ACP or 5.7 pistols. The reason being, anybody handling either the 500 or 460 is quickly going to learn the skill set of locking hands, wrists and arms, and managing recoil. If you think about it, after shooting a 500 or 460, and managing that recoil without flinching, at least for me, I don’t even notice recoil when I shoot my other pistols. That means when I am shooting quickly all my rounds, up to 50 feet away, generally are within the target.










Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk


Great read . Im not a big guy. Normal 185 lbs. 5’10”. But handling the 460 with my reloads is just plain fun. Every load I have, I shoot one handed. 200 factory hornaday 280 gr hard Lead cast +P there flate primers. And 395 gr. Hardcast .
And yep. Got to have earplugs ANYTIME you shoot it , is the only downfall. I live in the Arctic of Alaska. My back door has way too many grizzly around. So I got 2 460. Just in case my friend needs a real gun when we go camping
__________________
Tony

Last edited by Misskimo; 09-20-2018 at 02:45 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #39  
Old 09-20-2018, 07:42 PM
joe44va's Avatar
joe44va joe44va is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Central VA
Posts: 2,535
Likes: 3,774
Liked 4,332 Times in 1,548 Posts
Default

Id suggest shooting one or the other before buying either.
__________________
Foster Positivity.
Reply With Quote
  #40  
Old 09-21-2018, 02:48 PM
OutlanderFirearms's Avatar
OutlanderFirearms OutlanderFirearms is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Home detention Cairns Aus
Posts: 12
Likes: 15
Liked 4 Times in 3 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by roscoepc View Post
I reload mine but here's a link to Matt's Bullet's who makes a pretty good selection of rounds. He even sells a sample pack!!

500 S&W : Matts Bullets Ammunition
I did have a look at that and it has some interesting rounds but I am looking at using pump action carbine for hunting to I think a lot of people still want the 600gn - 700gn in a carbine for flat-out knock down and then maybe a 325gn etc for their secondary backup as a lot of people match up like that when hiking in for a hunt etc and its the best "dont surprise me and then get all butt hurt coz I shot a hole in you the size of Texas" carry.

Having said that Im also making a 460SW pump so with both of those to come to market in these fabulous calibers I wanted people to have a choice of some amazing bullets to go with their amazing equipment and started to to @Fort Scott Munitions for their tumbling technology for 100% energy transfer in many cases although I suspect a 600-700gn may go through quite a lot of think skinned animals.

These are going to be some fun with the biggest of the bangers out there!
Fort Scott Munitions .4565 300grain Handgun Projectile
__________________
Hmm, make mine in pump tnx

Last edited by OutlanderFirearms; 09-21-2018 at 03:06 PM. Reason: My brain has forgotten spelling....
Reply With Quote
  #41  
Old 09-21-2018, 02:57 PM
OutlanderFirearms's Avatar
OutlanderFirearms OutlanderFirearms is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Home detention Cairns Aus
Posts: 12
Likes: 15
Liked 4 Times in 3 Posts
Default New experiences for old hands...

Quote:
Originally Posted by ken158 View Post
Many 460 and 500 revolvers come on the market with the remainder of the first box of ammo purchased... gotta be a reason for that! I never fired a factory round in mine but did fire some hot reloads. The gun was not very handy, produced much more power then needed for any hunting situation based on handgun hunting ranges and very heavy to haul around. Been there and done that.
There are different experiences you can have year to year, model to model and bullet changes as well that can provide all kinds of new experiences if you set yourself up to the challenge of developing the change you want.

For example did you know the 45ACP is the right OD to use for making swagged projectiles for the 500SW? so buy any .45 bullet you want stuff it in to the bottom of a ACP case swaging properly and you can have what ever you want and with new guns arriving (though not regularly in these calibers so much but some coming now) and the ability to Swage or buy new and interesting bullets off the shelf its a new prospect for how yo may use it.
__________________
Hmm, make mine in pump tnx
Reply With Quote
  #42  
Old 09-29-2018, 02:19 AM
ruggyh's Avatar
ruggyh ruggyh is offline
SWCA Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: North Texas
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 181
Liked 1,654 Times in 639 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by OutlanderFirearms View Post
I did have a look at that and it has some interesting rounds but I am looking at using pump action carbine for hunting to I think a lot of people still want the 600gn - 700gn in a carbine for flat-out knock down and then maybe a 325gn etc for their secondary backup as a lot of people match up like that when hiking in for a hunt etc and its the best "dont surprise me and then get all butt hurt coz I shot a hole in you the size of Texas" carry.

Having said that Im also making a 460SW pump so with both of those to come to market in these fabulous calibers I wanted people to have a choice of some amazing bullets to go with their amazing equipment and started to to @Fort Scott Munitions for their tumbling technology for 100% energy transfer in many cases although I suspect a 600-700gn may go through quite a lot of think skinned animals.

These are going to be some fun with the biggest of the bangers out there!
Fort Scott Munitions .4565 300grain Handgun Projectile
The .4565 bullet mentioned above is not usable in 460 S&W, it is intended for .458 rifle bores such as 45-70. Be a monolith copper projectile it would require machining to be usable in the 460 S&W.

If your looking for a copper monolith hunting bullet Barnes has 4 suitable choices, 200, 225, 250, and 275 XPB bullets. Cutting Edge has several choices, 240 handgun raptor and a 300 grain soild. My personal favorite is NorthFork Technologies 260 CPS (Cup Point Solid).

I have used all of them successfully in the field.

be safe
Ruggy
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #43  
Old 12-08-2018, 02:22 PM
OutlanderFirearms's Avatar
OutlanderFirearms OutlanderFirearms is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Home detention Cairns Aus
Posts: 12
Likes: 15
Liked 4 Times in 3 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ruggyh View Post
The .4565 bullet mentioned above is not usable in 460 S&W, it is intended for .458 rifle bores such as 45-70. Be a monolith copper projectile it would require machining to be usable in the 460 S&W.

If your looking for a copper monolith hunting bullet Barnes has 4 suitable choices, 200, 225, 250, and 275 XPB bullets. Cutting Edge has several choices, 240 handgun raptor and a 300 grain soild. My personal favorite is NorthFork Technologies 260 CPS (Cup Point Solid).

I have used all of them successfully in the field.

be safe
Ruggy
While thats true the bullet was just a sample of what bullets in the weight people want them will look like at a size for those who are size queens and especially chasing the Monolith 600gn+ in 500SW

Hoping the working with Fort Scot will make that available and people have that choice. Predominantly I expect it would be for hunters because of the performance characteristics of their bullets. In both heavier and lighter bullets and that they make sense to use in hunting situation in both long guns and pistols.

Started cutting metal today on pumps actions....
__________________
Hmm, make mine in pump tnx
Reply With Quote
  #44  
Old 12-10-2018, 06:29 PM
ruggyh's Avatar
ruggyh ruggyh is offline
SWCA Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: North Texas
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 181
Liked 1,654 Times in 639 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by OutlanderFirearms View Post
While thats true the bullet was just a sample of what bullets in the weight people want them will look like at a size for those who are size queens and especially chasing the Monolith 600gn+ in 500SW

Hoping the working with Fort Scot will make that available and people have that choice. Predominantly I expect it would be for hunters because of the performance characteristics of their bullets. In both heavier and lighter bullets and that they make sense to use in hunting situation in both long guns and pistols.

Started cutting metal today on pumps actions....
In all practicality 600 grain bullet in 500 S&W offers no performance gains. Once you reach about 450 grains (with a well designed projectile) terminal performance is reached- at this weight penetration will be not be an issue.

Yes the 600 will kill critters (if designed well) but not any better that the lighter monolith offers and definitely won't shoot any where as flat. At 600 grains a copper bullet is going to pretty long and might even have some stability issues out past 100 yards- Just like the 700 grain lead bullets. You would probably need a John Ross model or a BFR single action to shoot those accurately at distance.

good luck
be safe
Ruggy
Reply With Quote
  #45  
Old 12-29-2018, 06:50 PM
OutlanderFirearms's Avatar
OutlanderFirearms OutlanderFirearms is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Home detention Cairns Aus
Posts: 12
Likes: 15
Liked 4 Times in 3 Posts
Default

The discussions we have had to date with had to date with Fort Scot are in both Carbine weight and Pistol Weight bullets and even though I expect some people will want ultimate performance in speed they will get that with the pistol weight bullet in either platform the big boy 600+ is just what some people want make sense or not. Makes fun out of shooting down trees, massively oversizing on pigs (which both these calibers do anyway) but being very effective stoppers on big and/or dangerous game at zero distance, so a few hunting guides are very interested in having the same cartridge in their carry and secondary.

But we can only see what happens as these bullets will be right sized for balance in the firearm under manufacture.

Hope you have a had a happy and safe festive season.
__________________
Hmm, make mine in pump tnx
Reply With Quote
  #46  
Old 12-29-2018, 11:00 PM
WPWarhawk's Avatar
WPWarhawk WPWarhawk is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Hot Springs, Arkansas
Posts: 649
Likes: 293
Liked 570 Times in 198 Posts
Default

In my case, I wanted a 50 caliber revolver. Ideally it would be a Bowen custom Redhawk, but that’s too many $$$ for me. In my travels I ran across a 4 inch 500 cheap, then a. 6 inch 500 dirt cheap. But I hate ported guns and these were the worst ported guns ever. So I sold them both.

Then one day I learned that JR still has some of his Performance Center 500s. 5 inch barrel and no porting, perfect! Note that I never said I wanted a 500 Magnum. I do not shoot full house 500 Magnum loads, my favorites are a cast bullet at 1000-1200 FPS.
Reply With Quote
  #47  
Old 12-31-2018, 02:08 PM
Dan Christopher Dan Christopher is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: SC
Posts: 249
Likes: 41
Liked 202 Times in 109 Posts
Default

Between the 460 and 500 it's just going to boil down to preference. Both are large, both are insanely powerful and frankly overkill for anything someone might want to take a whack at in North America.

I will say that either way reloading is essential if you want to do any appreciable amount of shooting.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #48  
Old 01-01-2019, 05:48 AM
Bill Lear Bill Lear is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Clovis, California
Posts: 396
Likes: 395
Liked 601 Times in 235 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by farmjake View Post
Hello iam new on this forum but I have a few questions. Iam looking at buying a x frame revolver either the 460 or the 500 but don't know which would be the better gun. I may hunt black bear with it some day but iam mainly buying it to have a big powerful handgun. Your help is appreciated thanks,Jon
I own both - actually I own several of both calibers. The .460 gets a lot of interest because it can also shoot every other .45 caliber ammo in the world and that's certainly a consideration. The .460 S&W can match the power of the .500 with the right barrel and loads.

On the other hand, the .500 really is head-and-shoulders "better" than all other choices. I love my 4" model that weighs LESS than my .460 5". The .500 lofts bigger, heavier slugs and from shorter barrels will do more than the .460 S&W.

It really comes down to what YOU believe will satisfy your personal "Jones" for one of these monster blasters!

If you're not set-up to handload and don't want to be so, then the .460 is probably the better choice because you can shoot less expensive .45 Colt, or .454 Casull, or even .45 auto with moon clips. BUT, if you are set-up to handload then the .500 gets the nod hands down. With the .500 you make no "excuses" and the .500 will always "shade" the .460, especially from shorter barrels. The .500 will loft an honest "one-ounce-slug" at 12 gauge shotgun energy without even straining.

I should point out that virtually NO factory ammo for the .500 S&W is loaded anywhere close to it's "maximum average pressure" of 60,000 psi because frankly, there is no need. THAT is a POWERFUL cartridge to say the least!
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #49  
Old 01-01-2019, 12:41 PM
Dan Christopher Dan Christopher is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: SC
Posts: 249
Likes: 41
Liked 202 Times in 109 Posts
Default

Excellent summation, Bill. The X frames do have a certain coolness factor to them. Over the years I have had three different 500s and one 460. I eventually sold them off and just went back to the 44 Magnum.
Reply With Quote
  #50  
Old 01-11-2019, 09:40 PM
OutlanderFirearms's Avatar
OutlanderFirearms OutlanderFirearms is offline
Member
460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500 460 vs 500  
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Home detention Cairns Aus
Posts: 12
Likes: 15
Liked 4 Times in 3 Posts
Default

Cut and measured 20barrels for a first run with prototypes of 2 and when they have fired successfully at current measures they will go production.

Deviation came out at .0004" so absolutely ecstatic over that and cn only hope that continues across what are outsourced FFL manufacturers at the moment while we dont have the need (or the cash) to set up a full machine line for the next 5 years production yet.

__________________
Hmm, make mine in pump tnx
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
Reply

Tags
22lr, 44 magnum, casull, colt, commercial, compensator, hornady, model 24, performance center, polymer, ruger, sig arms, snubnose, springfield

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 05:57 AM.


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