I shot my 4" 500 today for the first time with Hornady 300 gr. factory ammo.
I own multiple guns chambered for .44 Mag., 454 Casull, have owned the 460V and XVR, 45/70 Contender, and own and shoot a host of big bore rifles. I'm not recoil sensitive.

After the first shot from the 500, I think I went blind and crapped my pants at the same time! The *** hurt! I shoulda known when my 500 Handi Rifle felt about like my Ruger #1 .450/400 3" that the same load in a handgun was gonna suck!

I managed five rounds before coming to my senses. I shot about 10 rounds of a handload that consists of a 420 cast bullet over 10 gr. of Trailboss. It was surprising in recoil as well.

I love the gun, but damned if it don't hurt!!