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.
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.50 AE vs 500 S&W
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David Sinko
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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
Dave Sinko
Titegroups
Member
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.
Maximumbob54
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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.
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
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
, Ive gotton very comfortable with the 6 1/2" barell. 26
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.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
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.
bigshot500
Member
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....
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....
David Sinko
Member
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
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
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
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.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
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.
bigshot500
Member
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.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
hrmchan,
After 2 1/2 years I'm sure the OP figured it out of got eaten by a bear.
Welcome to the forum...
After 2 1/2 years I'm sure the OP figured it out of got eaten by a bear.
Welcome to the forum...
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