Handgun Hunting Caliber???? 460 or 500

[Richracer1]

I thinking about my X-mas present and am looking at the S&W 460 or 500. What do you all think???

Looking at the 10.5" Performance Center models.

Oh, I already have a 44 mag, so please don't tell me a 44mag.

 

[SJB358]

I would go with the 460, just cause bullets are a little easier and less expensive to come by and if you get into casting at all, there are dozens of awesome molds for the pistol. Very cool handgun. The 500 is a beast. Scotty

 

[FOTIS]

500 all the way!
The 460 has terrible erosion due to the high speeds. I own a 500 SW.

 

[Guy Miner]

I bought the .500 sight-unseen when they were first introduced. It's a hoot. I've never hunted with it, just had fun at the range with it.

Big doggone gun. Heavy and bulky. Fun to shoot, accurate, undeniably powerful. Mostly I heave 440 gr cast bullets at 1400 fps - which is a couple of hundred fps below max. The loads, the weight of it, the cushion grip and the muzzle brake all make it an amazingly easy revolver to shoot. I keep threatening to take it on a cow elk hunt, but usually seem to carry my much lighter .44 with me instead.

Either one is likely a great handgun - I'm very fond of the .500 though. I wanted something that was a LOT bigger than my .44, and the .500 certainly is. I really ought to put a scope or a red-dot sight on it and take it hunting...

Regards, Guy

 

[Richracer1]

HMMMMMMM a 500 S&W w/a VX-3 2.5-8x32 scope shooting the Hornady 300gn Flex-tip bullets, sounds interesting.

 

[FOTIS]

HMMMMMMM a 500 S&W w/a VX-3 2.5-8x32 scope shooting the Hornady 300gn Flex-tip bullets, sounds interesting.

300 Flex tips. Here is a 3 shot group from mine. after the sight adjustment
The other picture shown the loaded cartridge with the 300 flex the 440 gr and the 700 gr T-rex.

 

[DrMike]

Pretty impressive grouping, Fotis. Pretty impressive looking round.

 

[SJB358]

You aren't kidding, that is alot of juice! Man, what a handgun to hunt big stuff! Makes the 44 seem like a 38 special! Scotty

 

[FOTIS]

It is a fun round. My 14 year old has been shooting 700 gr (1238 fps) for a couple of years now.

 

[SJB358]

700gr bullets! Man, that is cool! I need to load some 525's or 550's for the 45-70!

 

[Richracer1]

Update to 460 or 500 purchase. It isn't going to happen, as I used the money to buy the girlfriend's X-mas present today, a 2002 Polaris 600 RMK. At least she and I can now go sledding together. Now I just have to see if she waits till X-mas or if I give it to her sooner do to lots of snow.

 

[FOTIS]

Darn! :x

 

[SJB358]

Thats cool, wished I had a use for sleds, they are a blast, and I can imagine up where you are, there are tons of miles of trails. Scotty

 

[JD338]

Rich

Maybe your girlfriend will get you the 460 SW

JD338

 

[Richracer1]

Rich

Maybe your girlfriend will get you the 460 SW

JD338

Not a chance, she's working two jobs to make ends meet. I told her not to worry about any Christmas presents for me so she can focus what liitle money she does have on her kids.

 

[Richracer1]

I've found a source for S&W "Performance Center" 10.5" 460 Revolver for about $1200 OTD. The std 8 3/8" versions are about $900 to $1000 OTD. What do you think. I found a little extra money and again considering one of them.

The local Sportsman's Warehouse has both 460 & 500 std 8 3/8" versions for $1150 (need to subtract 5% for Mil discount) plus tax and another store has a used 8 3/8" std version 500 for 999 plus tax.

 

[FOTIS]

Great deal! I think........

 

[Richracer1]

I went back to reverify the prices I posted and was a little off. The 460 10.5" Perf. Center is $1327 OTD and the same thing in the 500 is $1316 OTD.

The std 8 3/8" version 500 (w/std compensator) is $1099 OTD and the 460 is $1152 OTD.

I have no experience with S&W revolvers other than they do have a good reputation. Is the PC version worth the extra $$$ vs the standard models?

 

[Richracer1]

I went back to reverify the prices I posted and was a little off. The 460 10.5" Perf. Center is $1327 OTD and the same thing in the 500 is $1316 OTD.

The std 8 3/8" version 500 (w/std compensator) is $1099 OTD and the 460 is $1152 OTD.

I have no experience with S&W revolvers other than they do have a good reputation. Is the PC version worth the extra $$$ vs the standard models?

No one has an opinion on whether the Performance Center models are worth the extra money???????

 

[SJB358]

Sorry Rich, no experience with the Performance Model Smiths, but I would assume it is a little more refined than the the standard. I think Smith's are pretty slick the way they come, so what do I know? I would imagine you wouldn't be unhappy with either one and you can always upgrade later down the road if you think you need it. Scotty