Do I want a 460 or a 500?

[BIGKID]

Decided to add a bigger bore than my 629. Looking at either the 500 or 460. The 460 is appealing with the ability to use cheaper 45 Colt, but the 500 is a 500. Haven't found a screaming deal on either and I'm not sure which one to get. What do you guys think and don't say both?

Thanks,
BK

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

If you reload, get the 500. Ammo is almost affordable if you roll your own. Plus the 500 can do anything the 460 can, but better...

Big bullets rule!

 

[GRIZZLYBEAR]

I think the 500 would be a better choice.
I like the big bang.

 

[kritter]

like stated above.. if you reload get the .500....

 

[gunsmith11]

I think I will just stay with my .41 mags

 

[Stainz]

If you want a frugal 'big bore', at least as big as the .460, consider a 625 in .45 ACP. Then - ammo-less on a Sunday, you can always get ammo at WallyWorld, etc. Of course, if you reload, you can load .45 Auto Rim brass with .45 Colt lead, like the 255gr LRNFP/255gr LSWC/250gr GDJHP. To pop around, you cannot beat 230gr FMJ ball ammo in moonclips. The currently available new 625JM is a complete package for such.

Now, if you really like .45 Colt, find a 25/625 Mountain Gun. Beautiful balance - traditional short lugged/tapered barrel (4") look - and .45 Colts are mild enough for wood grips. Fun gun - and my first ever S&W over seven years ago. I liked it so much, I bought a second one to take up some of the duties from my sentimental valued original one. In fact, it's in my range bag now - just in case I get a chance for a range trip today.

Of course, if you want the 'biggest/baddest', just get a 4-6.5" .500 Magnum. A cylinderful per range trip will put a smile on your face... and empty the adjacent stalls at the range, too. Another plus, if you are attacked by a wayward waterbuffalo or rabid 18-wheeler, you'll be prepared.

Stainz

 

[bagolden]

Are you going to use either one away from the range? If so my vote is the 460. Shoots flatter and you have a wider choice in store bought ammo that will work and if you reload...still offers more options. Down side it's not the biggest and baddest.

B
PS I've determined that personally about all I can handle accurately is the 'lowly' .44 Magnum.

 

[DCWilson]

I eventually ended up with both, but when I had neither and faced your decision I went with the 460XVR. My reasons were the same as the ones you mentioned -- flexibility of commercially available cartridges, all the way from .45 Colt up through .454 Casull and into the .460 loads.

When I eventually bought the 500, I didn't do it because I felt there was a power need that was unmet by the 460. I stumbled across it at the gun store, saw it had a good price, and thought "Why not?" But during the period when the 460 was the only X-frame I had, I never once thought, "I should have gone with the 500."

I suspect the decision may hinge on your commitment to reloading. If you reload, you can put together just about any level of power you want for the 500, from something with the energy of a .44 special up to something whose energy cargo is greater than that of a 19th century .50-110 buffalo load.

Once you get a look at the prices of high-end .460 ammo, you may decide to reload for those anyway. But for off the shelf shooting with commercially available supplies, I think the 460 is the way to go.

 

[running iron]

I've been thinking the same thought. And would say that the 460 is more a "thinking man's" gun and the 500 is more "I need the biggest" gun. The 460 has more to offer IMO.

 

[MWAG]

if you want to shoot 45's , then get a 45! otherwise get the 500 mag, you won't be disappointed............

 

[DonD]

my vote is the 460. Shoots flatter and you have a wider choice in store bought ammo that will work and if you reload...still offers more options. Down side it's not the biggest and baddest..

Not knocking the .460 but the trajectory difference is minimal. Using Barnes XPBs or the Hornady flex tip, you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference between the .460 and .500.

For the OP, if in doubt, get both! In my case I have a couple .500s and really like them. Don

 

[BIGKID]

Did a little more research and I think the 460 is the way to go. I have tons of 45 Colt ammo from cowboy shooting. It looks like Starline sells brass for both, but the 460 is in stock and you can use the Colt dies. All I have to do now is find one for reasonable. Then I'll have to live with 500 envy.

 

[JD 500]

I think 500 Magnum Nut nailed it. (And others)

If you reload, the 500 is hard to beat. (I have two). You can load ammo such that it can feel like shooting .38 specials all the way up to the most powerful production revolver available.

If you don't reload, the 460 offers similar circumstance, by buying different caliber ammo. (Although I do think you can buy 500 specials too.)

Feeding either with store bought ammo, will be expensive.

Good luck,

 

[kennyb]

i have both...if i could pick only one...the 500...i can reload from mild to wild...why be envious of the 500?Go get one!

 

[TheSurvivalist]

The 460 would be my pick. I like the ammo choices.

 

[DonD]

The 460 would be my pick. I like the ammo choices.

For those who haven't used revolvers with mulitple cartridge capability, it is worth repeating that if you use the .45 Colt or .454 Casull in a .460, you have to be careful to clean any deposits off of the chambers. Those deposits can impede chambering and increase pressures. Don

 

[Pate]

I recently bought a 500 and love it.

 

[grit]

460 vs. 500

I wonder how many people answering this thread have actually shot either.

I have owned both, but now only the 500.

The concept of the 460 is genius, no doubt. It seems very practical, but shooting .45 Colt out of the beast is just pitiful...as fulfilling as a capgun. AND it fouls up the cylinder, so you can't load any .460's until you clean it...knuckle-busting cleaning...not so practical after all.

It sounds crazy, but the 500 can be loaded down to a .38 special, and all the way up to test your sanity (and beyond).

Don't kid yourself, if you shoot much, reloading is a must for either.

 

[txpitdog]

I got the 500, mainly because at the time, I was concerned that Hitlery Clinton would run for Pres., win, and outlaw .50 cal firearms.

To me, the 460 is just "more magnum". The 45 Colt heavy loaded is plenty for handgun hunting in the Lower 48. The 454 Casull extends the effective range to well past what anyone would attempt and still shoot the gun as a handgun and not a rested handheld rifle. The 460 is just more velocity. Whoopdeedo. Nothing new about it. Kind of like a Dan Wesson 445 Supermag. Just faster, and that's all.

The .500 is unique. Nuff said.

 

[Redhawk1]

I have owned 5 of the 460 Mag and 6 of the 500 Mags.
I sold all my 460 Mags and kept the 500 Mags.

I found nothing the 460 could do, that the 500 Mag could not do better and make a bigger hole.

People keep saying the 460 Mag has more choices of ammo, 45 Colt and 454 Casull. Well the 500 Mag will also shoot 500 Special's and 500 JHR.

One thing the 460 Mag cant do is shoot 700 gr. bullets, but the 500 mag can.

The 500 Mag is the way to go if you have the choice of the two.