.... I think it will be better than 45-70 loads in the handi since the 10" barrel velocities are upper end 45-70 loads and .50 cal to boot.
Here we go again! :roll: This is old business, it's been well discussed before.... the only way that works is if you compare trapdoor loads which aren't the limit for the Handi, check the Hodgdon loads on pages 109-110 of the 2004 annual, the 45-70 kicks the .500's butt when you get into the upper levergun and modern rifle loads since the .500 is already loaded to the max. But don't feel bad, you're not the first to think that way and probably not the last. :wink:
http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=53125&highlight=500+4570
Ok, first things first, the handirifle is not rated for same pressures as the Ruger singleshot rifles, bolt actions, etc. It is only rated for the leveraction type of loads.
2nd-- you are comparing rifle velocities in 24" barrels to handgun velocities in 10" barrels. So, lets be conservative and deduct 20fps per inch of barrel length to extrapolate velocites in a 10" barreled 45-70, which would deduct 280fps from top 45-70 loads. Things still looking rosey for the 45-70? Its probably more like 25fps per barrel inch deduction. Or you can go the other way and add 240fps to the 500 S&W velocities in the 22" barreled Handirifle.
Hmmm, that would make the 500 S&W pushing a 400gr bullet at 1960fps and the 45-70 at top end bolt action/Ruger singleshot loads at 2108fps for the 400gr bullet(just to keep things simple). But, the handirifle can't digest such loads and is limited to the modern leveraction loads--so, a 400gr bullet at 1995 fps out of a 24" barrel--so deduct 40fps off that and wind up with 1950fps when shot at the same 22" barel length.
Hmmm, they seem to be neck and neck with the advantage to bore size going to the .50 and the 45-70 probably penetrating deeper if your shooting through moose or brown bears, cape buffalo, etc.
Don't get me wrong, there are no flies on the 45-70 and I like it a lot. Ammo is cheaper if store bought and probably a little cheaper to reload as well.
I'm actually thinking the 500 will surpass the conservative extra 240fps when shot out of a rifle and will be quite similar to the diiference between 44mag, 357 mag, 454 casull when they are shot in a revolver versus a rifle. For instance the 158gr in the 357 gains 500fps when shot in a rifle over the velocities attained in a pistol. A more valid assumption would probably be made when comparing velocities of the 454 when fired in a rifle versus a pistol since it is a high pressure cartridge like the 500 S&W.
Anyways, lets compare apples to apples with the same barrel length.
Now all we need are some chronographed readings to verify the findings.
On another note, the cool factor when hunting with the 500 S&W in a handirifle versus the 45-70 is greater ,
. They are not that common.
And a :wink: back at ya!!
