I want to buy one of these two X-frames. I have a number of revolvers in .357 K-frames and a Python, but I want something bigger for hunting and big bore plinking. I do occasionally reload but not at the moment.

I like the looks of the non-compensated bbl on the 6.5". I notice that I can get some hard cast rounds in .500, which evens out the cost, but I want to know what is the most sensible choice. I feel like the .460 is the most versatile, but the .500 seems to reach a peak that other can't. I don't know if there is a wrong choice, but what about between these two guns? Instinct says the 5" may be better, but I feel like the .460 might lose too much velocity out of the 5" bbl. Which would just leave me with the cheaper and more efficient .454 and at that point I should go get a Super Redhawk. How do these X-frames balance in the medium barrel lengths?

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/2084_21_39_1806/products_id/38175/S&W+M460V+5RD+460S&W+5%22

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/2084_21_39_1806/products_id/55816/S&W+S&W500+5RD+500S&W+6.5%22

You might consider a 5" .500 John Ross Special; no comp, weighs 56 oz. You can read about it here. http://gunblast.com/LT_SW-JohnRoss500.htm

If money isn't an issue, then it's a matter if what you value more.  Do you want versatility with the ability to shoot everything from mild .45lc to bone crushing. 460, or do you want a .50 cal projectile that you know is the hardest hitting handgun around?  

I love big bore revolvers, and have a .454 SRH and a .500 4" X Frame for full disclosure. If I hadn't gotten a great deal on the .500, I probably would have gone .460.  Still love me .500.

Word to the wise - START RELOADING.

I have the S&W .500 with the 6.5" barrel.  It is fun.  I load it with the same Rainier 330-gr copper plated slugs that I use in my .50 Beowulf (you can get them for around 18 cents each).  With 10-ish grains of Trail Boss it is a kitten that anybody can shoot without issue.  With 500-gr Hornady FP-XTP slugs and any textbook amount of Lil' Gun it is a monster that will slay any beast in this hemisphere.  That's pretty darn versatile.

I haven't played with any of the .45LC derivative rounds.  For me, .45 means ACP whether it is in a semi or a moon-clipped revolver.

Besides, I already had other magnum wheelguns.  Both .357 and .44.  The .460 certainly has an edge on them but if you're going to step up why not go all the way up?

Bigger holes are always better in hunting ..get back reloading WTF...

I have both in 8-3/8", the 500 is a blast but the 460 just has more options for ammo both hand loads and factory options.

But, if you don't want to load for it, then 460 all the way! The factory ammo is almost double for the 500 over 460.

I hunt with the .460 with a 12" barrel, topped with a 2x7 scope, it was love on the first shot. I chose the .460 for its ballistics, I have never fired a .500 but, would love the chance.

OP, of the two I'd go with the 500 for sure. I suggest two things. One, start reloading. Two, go and shoot both with full power loads, 2-3 cylinders full of each to get a feel for each one. Good luck and remember to post pics and a range report after you decide!

I don't have a .460, but I do have a friend that does.  He tends to have some trouble finding the ammo readily available, and when he does, the price creeps up towards the .500.   I own a .454, and a .500.   I can easily state that the .454 is much easier to shoot, and cheaper....but when I hit the woods, it's with my .500 custom from Reeder Custom guns.   The .500 hurts to shoot repeatedly as a plinker, the .454 is pretty easy to put 50 rounds through.



.500 S&W





Standard Ruger .454 some of the best factory recoil absorbing grips in the industry


Reeder Custom guns in stock + fancy .500 S&W revolver for sale

Any decision yet OP?