Author Topic: S&W 500 or 454 Casull ,Which is Better ? (Read 9361 times)

GP · « **Reply #60 on:** October 22, 2003, 08:43:51 AM »

Have you considerd the Thompson Center Encore? You can get a large range of barrels. I was just looking at the 454 Ruger and the 44 mag Ruger, after asking (them what hunt with handguns) I got a TC with a 243win barrel. I have it scoped with a leupold and am looking forward to trying it out this season. Just a little something to think about!

willis5 · « **Reply #61 on:** October 23, 2003, 01:36:08 AM »

Quote

And my choice is .500 S&W... WHY both the ruger and my encore 454 is non breaked and my .500 is breaked and has less recoil then the 454 ,,the .500 with out the break has only a little more recoil than the 454 SO .500 S&W all the way for any thing that moves..

What kind of loads were you shooing in both? This could make a difference.

DzrtRat · « **Reply #62 on:** October 23, 2003, 08:59:16 AM »

Hi fellars,

I've been following this thread with some interest, but I haven't posted because I don't have any experience with either the .454 or .500. They might be something I can work up to, but right now a .44 mag or heavy loaded .45 Colt has about all the recoil I can shoot well. That don't bother me much though cuzz I have a buddy that's bigger'n me and my .45 makes HIM flinch.

I'm just curious about one thing:

What's a BFR?

:?

~Rat

buckenbass · « **Reply #63 on:** October 23, 2003, 11:23:23 AM »

willis5

At this time I am using only low end factory loads,, but there hunting rounds all the way.... :-)

Smokem · « **Reply #64 on:** October 24, 2003, 12:56:03 AM »

BFR = Biggest Finest Revolver. It's made by Magnum Research, the same company that makes the Desert Eagle.

willis5 · « **Reply #65 on:** October 24, 2003, 02:21:53 AM »

some say that BFR stands for other things, but we try to keep it fairly clean around here! :-D

Bucknbass,

I guess I am spoiled with my 454 and it's ports. I noticed a huge diffrence btwn my RB and SRH.

DzrtRat · « **Reply #66 on:** October 24, 2003, 10:00:12 AM »

Thanks Smokem. I came up with several things that BFR could stand for, but somehow "finest" just wasn't part of it.

Take care,
~Rat

mr.frosty · « **Reply #67 on:** September 05, 2004, 11:05:51 AM »

Quote from: dakotashooter2

The 454 of course. The 500 is NOT a caliber for a hunting gun. It was designed primarily for gang banger, cop killers. I repeat it I NOT suitable for hunting. :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D

its right up there with a 458 socom

macbullet · « **Reply #68 on:** September 06, 2004, 03:36:16 AM »

mr.frosty · « **Reply #69 on:** September 06, 2004, 04:39:20 AM »

from my little expierence on the 500 and 454,if i were recoil sensitive i would be less likely to shoot the 454 than the 500

WV Cowboy · « **Reply #70 on:** September 06, 2004, 05:20:47 AM »

Wildbill, I hope this may help somewhat. I own all of the calibers mentioned in this thread. Have shot them all extensively. I like them all. The 500 Smith is easier to shoot well than a Freedom Arms 454. I would not sell my 454. But the way the 500 distributes recoil & the efficiency of its muzzle break make it the easier gun to shoot well. If you find the 44 mag objectionable do not buy either one though. Heard a lot of talk about there being some problems with the Smith 500 in this thread. I have sold quite a few in my gunshop. After hundreds of rounds through them. Not one problem with any of them.

VSSF · « **Reply #71 on:** September 06, 2004, 07:44:23 AM »

Love em both,just depends on whether I want a big or bigger hole through em,neither will be stopped by a whitetail.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #72 on:** September 06, 2004, 10:42:58 AM »

heres my take on it for what its worth. (nothing :-D ) before i start let it be known that i have shot them all and even have owned and do own some. the super rehawks are ugly guns. The .500 smiths are ugly and to dammed big! The 4 inch version handles alot better but its still to big. The bfr I owned was in .480 and it was a piece of crap for the money it cost. No better fit and finish then a super black hawk that was free wheeled. Shot good though. Dont own a FA gun but would be proud to. Its not the money that pushes me away as alot of you know i dont wince at spending money on a custom gun. I just wish theyd make a 97 in .44 spec. BLUED! I here alot of people claiming there rugers and bfrs are just as much gun for less money. All i can say is BULL! They dont compare to a fa gun. You do get what you pay for. So having said all this if I had to pick between a .454 and a .500 id take a .454 cause you can at least get one in a FA gun. But for now ill just have to shoot my .500 and .475 linebaugh and dream about the day i can afford another bfr. After all im single and i dont get much sex :-D

billpool · « **Reply #73 on:** September 11, 2005, 04:16:29 AM »

Hi Folks:

Regarding the question .500 vs .454, I just had my dealer put me on a "wants" with he and his distibutors, for the new Ruger .454 Casull Alaskan. The reasons I've picked this weapon over the other are:
Cost -- The .454 cartridges are cheaper to buy if not reloading.

Cost -- The .454 Alaskan can shoot both .454 Casull and .45 Colt cartridges AND from what I'm learning, even .45 Schofield. This equates to lower cost in $$$ and cost in recoil if one wants to shoot the weapon often.

Besides.....It's a Ruger

ALTHOUGH.... I picked up some information here in HHG 'bout Coloado's 4" barrel length requirement for hunting. Unless they do like a couple of other states and include from the firing pin in that measurement I may have to change my mind and get a Taurus .454 cause Rugers barrel lengths for the SRH are too long IMHO....just an added thought FWIW.
:-)

IMHO

jro45 · « **Reply #74 on:** September 12, 2005, 12:56:22 PM »

I'd say the 500. With the 275 bullets the 500 can go 200yds. I know the 460 can go 250 yds but it can't shoot the heavy bullets some people need for bears. I don't know how far the 454 can shoot for deer hunting. Thats what I'm using [ the 500 ] for Deer hunting during handgun deer season.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #75 on:** September 12, 2005, 06:27:15 PM »

Quote from: jro45

I'd say the 500. With the 275 bullets the 500 can go 200yds. I know the 460 can go 250 yds but it can't shoot the heavy bullets some people need for bears. I don't know how far the 454 can shoot for deer hunting. Thats what I'm using [ the 500 ] for Deer hunting during handgun deer season.

The 460 not having a heavy enough bullet for bears??? Come on, the 454 Casull with a 300 gr. cast bullet will take a bear, as will the 460 Mag. The 460 Mag will deliver a 300 gr. bullet faster than the 454 Casull and the 454 Casull is know as a powerful round. I am a 500 Mag fan (I have 2 of them), but I would never underestimate the 460 Mag, I know it is an awesome round, that is why I have one. We all know 44 Mags have been used as back up handguns in bear country for years. So it goes without saying anything from 44 Mag to 500 Mag will work.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #76 on:** September 12, 2005, 06:44:47 PM »

Take the time a go to the first post here and read them all, I did. There was a lot of people hating the 500 Mag and others thinking it was not going to last. The 500 Mags was junk that was pron to blow up. This thread started in February 2003 and the 500 Mag is a round that is here to stay and the guns are working well. I looked back and seen where I was at 200 rounds fired and now have over 4000 plus 500 Mags rounds fired. Guns still holding up and functioning well. I thought it had a lot of good information and in time has proven some of the doubters wrong. Now the 460 will have to prove itself. I am on board for that ride as I was for the 500Mag.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #77 on:** September 12, 2005, 06:49:44 PM »

Quote from: Graybeard

No actually the WHOLE WORLD isn't waiting to buy one.

Only those who've bought into the magazine writer's hype. That's what they get paid the big bucks to do. Sell you every new toy the manufacturers come up with.

It will be short lived likely and will sell far less than the .480 Ruger and even less than the .475 Linebaugh which is for the most part a custom or semi custom proposition.

GB

******Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2003 1:53 am*******

I just wanted to show one of the past post about the 500 Mag. I think it has out sold both the 480 Ruger and 475 Linebaugh. :-D :-D :-D

jro45 · « **Reply #78 on:** September 13, 2005, 10:34:49 AM »

Quote from: Redhawk1

Quote from: jro45
I'd say the 500. With the 275 bullets the 500 can go 200yds. I know the 460 can go 250 yds but it can't shoot the heavy bullets some people need for bears. I don't know how far the 454 can shoot for deer hunting. Thats what I'm using [ the 500 ] for Deer hunting during handgun deer season.

The 460 not having a heavy enough bullet for bears??? Come on, the 454 Casull with a 300 gr. cast bullet will take a bear, as will the 460 Mag. The 460 Mag will deliver a 300 gr. bullet faster than the 454 Casull and the 454 Casull is know as a powerful round. I am a 500 Mag fan (I have 2 of them), but I would never underestimate the 460 Mag, I know it is an awesome round, that is why I have one. We all know 44 Mags have been used as back up handguns in bear country for years. So it goes without saying anything from 44 Mag to 500 Mag will work.

I was talking about the 500 shooting the 500gr bullet for bears witch i know the 460 can't shoot.
I know it has the power to kill a bear but it can't do everthing the 500 can do. I guess thats why you own both.
I wouldn't put the 454 or the 460 down I think they are great guns.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #79 on:** September 13, 2005, 11:23:12 AM »

Quote from: jro45

Quote from: Redhawk1
Quote from: jro45
I'd say the 500. With the 275 bullets the 500 can go 200yds. I know the 460 can go 250 yds but it can't shoot the heavy bullets some people need for bears. I don't know how far the 454 can shoot for deer hunting. Thats what I'm using [ the 500 ] for Deer hunting during handgun deer season.

The 460 not having a heavy enough bullet for bears??? Come on, the 454 Casull with a 300 gr. cast bullet will take a bear, as will the 460 Mag. The 460 Mag will deliver a 300 gr. bullet faster than the 454 Casull and the 454 Casull is know as a powerful round. I am a 500 Mag fan (I have 2 of them), but I would never underestimate the 460 Mag, I know it is an awesome round, that is why I have one. We all know 44 Mags have been used as back up handguns in bear country for years. So it goes without saying anything from 44 Mag to 500 Mag will work.

I was talking about the 500 shooting the 500gr bullet for bears witch i know the 460 can't shoot.
I know it has the power to kill a bear but it can't do everything the 500 can do. I guess thats why you own both.
I wouldn't put the 454 or the 460 down I think they are great guns.

John, you are correct, I know the 460 can't handle bullets in the 500 to 700 gr. range like the 500 Mag. But I know it will take a 396 gr. cast bullets and it would work on any bear out there.

I did not think you were butting the 454 or the 460 down, I just thought you said it could not be loaded to handle bear, my mistake. :-D

John C-S · « **Reply #80 on:** September 13, 2005, 01:13:29 PM »

The first centerfire handgun I shot was a 6 1/2" S/W 29 in 1974. Why any handgun (HAND GUN) needed more blistering noise and power was, then, and now (after 35 years) incomprehensible to the likes of me. But I have owned the Raging Bull and the 500 by S/W (trying to stay ahead of the misinformed pack). The 3 Casulls I had were 2 Raging Bulls and a Freedom Arms Rolex expense. After all was done I ended up thinking the 44 Mag was all any decent hunting individual needed if they (him/her) wanted to use a handgun. Otherwise,I would opt for a simple 94 or 336 in 30-30 or 35 Rem to place the bullet properly without trying to prove anything about myself against a deer or bear.

S.B. · « **Reply #81 on:** September 13, 2005, 01:33:07 PM »

John C-S, you didn't mention where you live but, I'd have to guess it's not Alaska or British Columbia Canada(yes, I know handguns are illegal in Canada), or some other remote place? Hunting handguns are one thing but to allude that there is no use for such as the .500 Smith just doesn't take others in the outdoors needs into consideration at all. Several people now have some experience with this caliber and seem to like it, and use it. To each his own but, let's not throw out useful tools just because we don't need them in our life style or situation. Don't buy one if you don't need one or like them?

John C-S · « **Reply #82 on:** September 13, 2005, 01:49:45 PM »

If I was hunting for the game in a handgun I would want that 6 1/2" S/W .44 Mag. If I was to carry for defense I'd have a simple 16 shot 9mm CZ 75 because it feels good on my waist and I'm not walking out in the wilderness wanting to kill something with one shot from a gun (if I needed to defend myself) that was almost as unwieldly as a rifle (like the 500) when a simple and efficient carbine like a thirty-thirty or .35 Rem is just as easily carried with the benefit of accuracy and energy and firepower available.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #83 on:** September 13, 2005, 04:22:10 PM »

Quote from: John C-S

If I was hunting for the game in a handgun I would want that 6 1/2" S/W .44 Mag. If I was to carry for defense I'd have a simple 16 shot 9mm CZ 75 because it feels good on my waist and I'm not walking out in the wilderness wanting to kill something with one shot from a gun (if I needed to defend myself) that was almost as unwieldly as a rifle (like the 500) when a simple and efficient carbine like a thirty-thirty or .35 Rem is just as easily carried with the benefit of accuracy and energy and firepower available.

That is all good and well, but don't try and say it is not needed. That is just your opinion. If you think a 44 Mag is all you personally need, more power to you. Why should you try to dictate that if a 44 Mag won't handle it, get a rifle. Some of us choose not to opt for a rifle.

I get's old hearing you guys saying the 500 Mag is not needed. REAL OLD. You don't like it DON'T BUY IT. :roll: There are a lot of guns I don't have or use but I don't knock them or say you should use something else because I think it is not needed. It is called choices.

This just proves that gun owners are stupid, we are our own worst enemies. :evil:

John C-S · « **Reply #84 on:** September 13, 2005, 04:38:18 PM »

Anything you can accomplish above a 44 Mag in a HANDGUN the records will show you are trying to compensate for bullet placement up to Griz and Polar Bear. I will await your endeavor with aplomb. And still acknowledge a simple 30-30 or what have you carbine is superior to any handgun over the proven simple 6 shot .44 S/A or D/A revolver.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #85 on:** September 13, 2005, 04:49:40 PM »

Quote from: John C-S

Anything you can accomplish above a 44 Mag in a HANDGUN the records will show you are trying to compensate for bullet placement up to Griz and Polar Bear. I will await your endeavor with aplomb. And still acknowledge a simple 30-30 or what have you carbine is superior to any handgun over the proven simple 6 shot .44 S/A or D/A revolver.

How can you make a statement about trying to compensate for bullet placement? Do you know the skill level all of us posess? If you don't personally like to pistol hunt or just trying to be a troll, don't knock what we like to shoot or the way we choose to hunt. If it does not suit your style of hunting move on. Why dwell on what makes us happy without trying to to impose your point of view. This is the Handgun Hunting area.

S.B. · « **Reply #86 on:** September 14, 2005, 12:04:19 AM »

John C-S, lest you forget, this is a handgun hunting forum and that is what is generally discussed here? You don't work for PETA do you?

jro45 · « **Reply #87 on:** September 14, 2005, 07:59:32 AM »

Hey Redhawk, I took my 500 out shooting today and was shooting those 320gr bullets. And to my surprize they only drop 4" at 150yds.
I was shooting at 100yds and thought about trying them at 150 yds. I even tryed them at 200 yds. One went right to point of aim the others droped about 8" to 10". They were loaded last year.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #88 on:** September 14, 2005, 08:18:41 AM »

Quote from: jro45

Hey Redhawk, I took my 500 out shooting today and was shooting those 320gr bullets. And to my surprize they only drop 4" at 150yds.
I was shooting at 100yds and thought about trying them at 150 yds. I even tryed them at 200 yds. One went right to point of aim the others droped about 8" to 10". They were loaded last year.

Is that the bullet you are going to use for deer this year?
Sounds like you got a good load there.

John C-S · « **Reply #89 on:** September 14, 2005, 12:54:19 PM »

I believe in handgun hunting and did all of mine with the .44 Magnum S/A 7 1/2 Super Blackhawk--and the Redhawk version is just as nice and a D/A to boot.
I feel it is just right for handgun hunting. The more recent higher powered guns I have shot only at the range. They are exceptionally accurate. But the need for the extra power escapes me and my feeling about the original "most powerful hangun in the world". The .44 Mag has a history of handling anything that walks on this earth with proper shot placement. A man has got to know his limitations. For me, the old .44 Magnum is sufficient when hunting with a handgun or using it for wilderness protection. Then, above the limitations of proper bullet placement with a handgun (100 YDS for me), I would rather have a carbine rifle instead of a boat anchor pistol with or without glass. That is my reasoning here. Sorry if it is offensive to those who do not think a .44 Magnum in a quality six-shooter is enough.