44mag or 500 S&W?

[persistentprogrammer]

I'm getting ready to send in my Ultra Comp to get a new barrel and I was set on the 44mag, but what about that 500 S&W with Iron Sights?

Too much kick and bang for close in shots (less than 50 yards)?

[quickdtoo]

If you handload, the 500 would be ok cuz you can load it down but if you don't, factory ammo is uncomfortable to shoot for most shooters, a 44mag would be better in that respect. Dunno about the sights on the current production 500 Handi, but mine were cheap plastic, dunno if they've changed that or not, the term iron sights isn't really applicable IMO if they haven't , the 44mag on the other hand has nice Williams sights. What year was your UC made, serial number prefix?

Tim

[krod47nw]

These people have 500 S&W ammo in all sorts of reduced loads.  http://www.ballisticsupply.net/Default.aspx?tabid=252105  I haven't tried them, but they have some interesting loads.  They also have sample boxes that include several of their offerings.

Kevin

[darat100]

Also keep in mind the price of 500 ammo.  It can break the bank in a hurry if you plan to shoot it much.

[persistentprogrammer]

Yep, I plan on reloading and the S/N begins with HM. I planning on just using it as a plinker and traipsing through the brush, hoping to jump something, gun.

[quickdtoo]

HM was made in 1998, they won't fit  any * marked barrel like the 500 S&W to any frame made before 1999, so that makes the choice for ya, unfortunately. 

Tim

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,26264.msg503417.html#msg503417

http://www.hr1871.com/Support/accessoryProgram.aspx

[MSP Ret]

And I think you should be happy for that, a new .44 Mag barrel with the new smaller bore size and corresponding better accuracy is a MUCH better choice than the .500. With all the fine calibers that H&R could have have added to their lineup why they went with the .500 is beyond all reason. Their corporate decisions have left us shaking our heads in disbelief in the past, and then, just when you think they cannot top their last blunder, they show you they can!!! I am not a real proponent of the 6.5x55 swede and admit I do not know much about the cartridge, but from what others here say that would have been a much better caliber to add than the foolish .500. And guns for .357 and .44 Mags on dedicated SB1 frames, frames that they will not even fit to other magnum barrel to once you get it? I am hesitant to ask this but how did they ever get their heads all the way up there?....<><.... 

[canon6]

Andy,to answer you last question lots and lots of gun oil.The people who make the decision as to what calibers are needed/wanted are,obviously market types(not very smart ones) and not shooters.I think there are at least a dozen member of GB who would do a much better job, but Hey what do us HandiHolics know??    Doug