460 S&W vs 500 Mag

[am44mag]

I might have the opportunity to go to Alaska later in the year, so I am using it as an excuse... I mean, I see a significant need for getting a bear defense gun. [smilie=1:

After looking at a few, I am stuck between two choices. A 5" 460 S&W, and a 6" 500 Mag. The 460 seems more versatile since I can shoot 45 Colt and 454 Casull in it too, but the 500 is the epitome of knockdown power as far as handguns go. 500 Special is also an option for those days that I don't feel like trying to rip my hands off at the wrist. The guns themselves are basically the same. The 6" is a half lug which I will admit is more my style since I love that classic look, but there is nothing wrong with the 5". I don't feel that there would be that much of a advantage/disadvantage to going with the 5" over the 6" or vice versa. They both also have a factory compensator.

I don't know which one I want. At first I thought I wanted the 460 more, but the more I look at the 500, the more I want it instead. What do you guys think?

[Plate plinker]

They both have plenty of power, so I would look at which one you realistically want to carry around. The weight is everything.

[am44mag]

They both have plenty of power, so I would look at which one you realistically want to carry around. The weight is everything.

60.9 oz vs 60.7 oz. The 6" 500 is actually a tiny bit lighter than the 460 despite having an inch more of barrel.

[megasupermagnum]

I think both are over bloated guns, chambered for cartridges that are beyond what any possible benefit can be gained. I have a hard time believing you would ever feel troubled with a 44 magnum or 454 casull. If you felt you had to step up, 475 Linebaugh/480 Ruger offers tremendous performance. If you absolutely have to have the big 50, there are a number cartridges that fit in a more reasonable gun. 500 JRH comes to mind. A S&W X frame is not something I would want to strap to my hip. If you carry it over your shoulder, you might as well make it a shotgun.

[am44mag]

I think both are over bloated guns, chambered for cartridges that are beyond what any possible benefit can be gained. I have a hard time believing you would ever feel troubled with a 44 magnum or 454 casull. If you felt you had to step up, 475 Linebaugh/480 Ruger offers tremendous performance. If you absolutely have to have the big 50, there are a number cartridges that fit in a more reasonable gun. 500 JRH comes to mind. A S&W X frame is not something I would want to strap to my hip. If you carry it over your shoulder, you might as well make it a shotgun.

I am not opposed to getting something like a 480 Ruger or a 475 Linebaugh. I have not seen many guns chambered in those rounds though. The only double actions I have seen for the 480 is the Super Redhawk. and the SRH Alaskan. I cannot get over how ugly the SRH is with how it's barrel transitions to round after 2.5", and the Alaskan looks very unpleasant to shoot with it's 2.5" barrel. I cannot imagine how snappy a gun that would be. I haven't seen any double actions chambered in 475 Linebaugh.

[lar45]

I have a 4" 500S&W and it is heavy. I have a nice belt holster for it and it just plain wants to pull your pants down. Maybe with suspenders it wouldn't be too bad?

I would get a Super Redhawk in 480, cut the barrel to 5-6" and remount the front sight.

[megasupermagnum]

I can't blame you. The super redhawk might be the ugliest revolver ever made. You can't fault its performance though.

[am44mag]

I can't blame you. The super redhawk might be the ugliest revolver ever made. You can't fault its performance though.

That's what I've heard. After doing some digging, I understand why they did it. Still though, I think I'd have a hard time paying that much money for something I couldn't stand the looks of.

After looking, I found that the Super Blackhawk Bisley is chambered in both 454 Casull and 480 Ruger, and for about $300 less than the 460 or 500. That's kinda tempting. I'd prefer a DA, but it's still tempting.

[freedom475]

Night&Day..one is fast and furious.. the other is Thunder!!

[M-Tecs]

I like them both and I own a 460. I have spent time in remote Alaska but I don't consider myself anywhere close to be an expert on brown bear defense. To me the X-frames are just too big and heavy for every day carry for what I am doing. I have seen a couple of 8 1/2' grizzly bears at a 100 yard plus. I was about 40 feet away from a 6 to 6 1/2' grizzly. They do get your attention.

I am going back up this summer for 3 or 4 weeks. If l take one it will be a 44 Mag. 629 or a 10mm Auto. A buddy has a 2 1/2" 500 that I could take if I want but don't to deal with the weight. If I don't take one I will just borrow my buddies 12 gauge. He owns a Salmon and Grizzly bear Guide Service. http://nortonsoundguideservice.net/

Too me the 460 is much louder than the 500 with the same barrel length.

Some good info on actual handgun usage below.

https://www.ammoland.com/2018/02/defense-against-bears-with-pistols-97-success-rate-37-incidents-by-caliber/#axzz5i7K0p2zP

https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/a-new-mexico-bear-attack-finally-stopped-by-a-glock-10mm-pistol/

[leeggen]

A friend of mine has the S&W 500, the day he bought it he came over to shoot. He shot 2 rounds reloaded the cyl. and handed it to me. I thought something fishy here but I love big guns. I shot 2 complete cyl. full then handed it back. Great gun if a herd of baffalo come thru Tn. or a grizzly sneeks in. Didn't think twice about shooting it until evening, dang my hand , wrist and arm felt BAD. The gun is heavy but should do a great job, of coarse adrinlyn does wonders for shooting big guns in emergencies. Myself a nice 44 would ride along, once with the 500 was enough.LOL
CD

[Chad5005]

I have a matched pair of 500s&w 8 1/2 barrels and really like them,heavy but accurate.also have a tuarus raging bull 8 inch barrel in 480 and like it but not near the gun as the 500.one of my carry guns is a raging bull judge 3 inch barrel 454,45,410.its heavy but not as cumbersome and it shoots well

[djryan13]

I have a TC rifle in 460 only because I wanted to be able to shoot my 454 Casull rounds in it (so I could have a rifle and revolver in same.

Went ahead and loaded some 460 in the rifle one day. The cases and reloading stuff has been sitting in a box ever since. Annoying the power for such a little rifle.

I can’t imagine shooting that round in a Revolver. 454 will do the job and do it well.

BUT if you were to choose which between a 460 and 500, buy the 460. You can always shoot “460 special” in it (454 casull or 45 colt). Not sure what you can do with the 500 besides dumbing down the rounds.

454 casull will keep the grizzlies away enough. Not sure about a 44 mag though.

[lar45]

BUT if you were to choose which between a 460 and 500, buy the 460. You can always shoot “460 special” in it (454 casull or 45 colt). Not sure what you can do with the 500 besides dumbing down the rounds.

The 500 JRH has a 1.4" case and the 500 Special is 1.275" long. Both will fit in the 500 S&W chamber.

[Thundarstick]

I'm not sure about hand guns, but I have a TC Encore in 500 S&W and can't imagine shooting it in a hand gun! Some loadings aren't too bad, but others will break your shoulder! I think if I where going where big bears are a real threat I'd do a pump shotgun!

[Tatume]

That's what I've heard. After doing some digging, I understand why they did it. Still though, I think I'd have a hard time paying that much money for something I couldn't stand the looks of.

That's what I thought too. After owning one for awhile it grew on me. Basically, the gun shoots so well I couldn't help but love it. I bought another.

[Buzz Krumhunger]

I had a S&W .500, bought it second hand with a nearly full box of cartridges that had 3 fired ones in it. Sold it a couple of months later with the same box of shells, with a few more fired out of it. Every round fired from the covered firing point at the range was accompanied by a cascade of dust and bird crap falling from the tin roof overhead. Too much candy for a dime, AFAIC.:shock:

Heavy, bulky, and I bet the muzzle brake will deafen you if you have to shoot it without ear protection. Although I’d rather be deaf than in a bear’s stomach.

Think I’d look at a standard Redhawk in .45 Colt and some suitable hard cast heavy bullet loads. And a chest holster.

[Tatume]

Think I’d look at a Redhawk in .45 Colt and some suitable hard cast heavy bullet loads. And a chest holster.

I have one of those too (including the chest holster). It shoots very well, it's comfortable, has a great trigger, and like the SRH, it's built like a brick outhouse. You can't go wrong with the big Rugers.

[Earlwb]

Tough call, either one is good. But I think that in a pinch you would be able to find at least .45 Colt ammo in most gun stores everywhere. So the .460 S&W would work better in that case.

[frank505]

The four inch 500 is an incredible revolver. Accurate and as much power as the shooter can handle. I really like mine, it gives me comfort to pack it in the hills. Last summer a young gal shot it after one of her shooting sessions. She handled a cylinder full of trail boss loads just fine. My “heavy” loads basically duplicate my 500 Linebaugh but the Smith is faster to reload and I love double action.

[Plate plinker]

60.9 oz vs 60.7 oz. The 6" 500 is actually a tiny bit lighter than the 460 despite having an inch more of barrel.

Was afraid of this response. I’m in the 44mag camp. Get a 3-4” 44mag and be happy .

[Petander]

A 500 carries just fine in a shoulder holster. I had a 10" for years since 2003,now a 4"... well the actual barrel is 3"...

615 grains @ 1200 fps pictured here. But I also shoot 305's @ 800 fps and anything in between. Very versatile.

https://i.postimg.cc/XY31MLZj/IMG-20200218-162519-107.jpg

[megasupermagnum]

The 44 magnum will never be a 454 casull, and the 50's are above that. Still, my own load with the Lee 310 grain and H110 goes 1275 fps in my 5.5" redhawk. It is not easy to shoot. Yet that's not even at the potential. You can load a 355 grain to 1200 fps. Both Buffalo Bore and Underwood offer a 340 grain at an advertized 1400 fps!

The magnum cartridges factory ammo is tamed down from their former glory, but they can still bark if you load them to their potential.

[djryan13]

The 500 JRH has a 1.4" case and the 500 Special is 1.275" long. Both will fit in the 500 S&W chamber.

Interesting thx

[am44mag]

Well, you guys have convinced me to at least take a look at the SRH. I'm still not a fan of it's looks, but after watching some reviews about it, I think I could live with that ugly barrel/frame transition.

After some research, I think I'd go with the 454 over the 480 due to the extra power and versatility the 454 offers. I'm still considering the 460 or the 500, but I'd be lying if I said that the Ruger wasn't growing on me a bit.

[Tatume]

The rubber grip with the wood panel inserts on the 454 SRH absorbs a LOT of recoil. Compared to a single action with the same ammo, it is a pussycat. I got fancy hardwood inserts from an aftermarket supplier to enhance mine.

[Tatume]

American Hunter has a good article on bear defense this month.

[megasupermagnum]

Well, you guys have convinced me to at least take a look at the SRH. I'm still not a fan of it's looks, but after watching some reviews about it, I think I could live with that ugly barrel/frame transition.

After some research, I think I'd go with the 454 over the 480 due to the extra power and versatility the 454 offers. I'm still considering the 460 or the 500, but I'd be lying if I said that the Ruger wasn't growing on me a bit.

This is just my opinion, but I wouldn't discount the 480 on power alone. The 480 is run up to 48,000 psi, not a gentle giant. While the 454 Casull can run up to 60,000 psi, and often surpasses the 480 ruger on paper, most loadings I see for the 454 are reduced from that. Plus there is a slight diameter bonus to the 480, thus may run heavier bullets. It looks to me most people stop around 400 grains in the 454 Casull. The 480 is right at home with a 420 grain, maybe heavier.

I looked into one, and I too almost went with the 454 Casull for one reason. You can get the 5" Toklat. All other calibers are long barreled hunting guns. Shortening a barrel is not overly expensive, but I'd rather just buy one as I want.

After looking at a 454 vs 480 SRH, as well as a 500 JRH BFR, I realized I can't shoot my 44 magnum RH with proficiency, so I lived with my limitation. So my opinion is worth exactly what you paid for it, with no experience to back it up.

[rintinglen]

I’ve killed as many grizzlies as they have me, so my opinion is merely based on shooting. I would take a .460 in a heart beat over its 500 sibling.

The 460 that I shot was all the power I could handle, the 500 was brutal. A 420 grain Boolit over a wheel barrow full of WW-296 left me with soft tissue injury in my right hand and wrist that took two weeks to heal up. As a result of a cycling accident years ago, my wrists are not what they once were. I can not avail myself to the power of the 500. A 320 grain 460 is the outside of endurable for me. And even that is more than I enjoy. Realistically, the 44 magnum or the Ruger-only 45 Colt is a better choice for me.

[kayala]

I have both, both 7.5” (not like OP wants). Both are very manageable. With 500 you can go all the way to 700gr - that’s half a pound of lead in the cylinder :D. Full disclaimer: mine are just range guns, so I don’t carry them for long. Either one would work for OP purposes, so go with whichever “you need” ;)


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[Gunslinger1911]

Haven't been eaten by a bear, but haven't had to defend against one either. But, I own a beautiful John Ross 500 and a Taurus 454. Please don't start a Taurus bash - I like mine, never any issues.
That said, the 500 is not bad with factory loads (if you can afford $2 + a round) I reload for mine.
Hot reloads with efficient (read heavy) boolets are BRUTAL !
And if you don't practice (a lot) with the carry load, well.......................
If you are going to load a 500 down , you may as well carry a smaller, lighter gun (454)
A 454 with hot loads; reloads or Buffalo Bore, are not so bad to shoot (the grips on the Taurus are fantastic at recoil control). I would guess the Ruger with rubber grips not so bad either.
The 500 is a "nich" gun; it's not for everyone. If you can handle it, with the monster loads - great. Most would be served with a 454, 480, HOT 44, etc. Those, put in the right place, on target will get the job done.
I'll shoot my 454 all day with hot loads; the 500, not so much.
On a lighter note: There are always special circumstances, but to paraphrase ; if you get into a furball with a bear - your tactics suck.
Good luck with your choice, shoot the gun a LOT (with the carry load !!), be comfortable with it, be accurate with it.

[Greg S]

Get a 4 5/8 or 5.5" 44 Mag or 45 Colt Ruger. I mostly carried a FA 4 3/4 454 after having tried a 7.5" 475 and a 6" 500. If you can carry it comfortably on your hip, you'll pack it. My 500 spent more time strapped to my wheeler tank or on the seat of the truck. The 475 wasn't to bad, the barrel was just alittle long for recreational fun.

The 454 is alittle overkill as I'm running Lee 310 about 1250 and trying to work up some MiHec 340s. A 4" DA is about right. Small and easy to carry. Consider the 10mm fire for black bear but the coastal browns deserve some respect. Personally, looking for a 4" 629 or a 44/45 Redhawk. Never really cared for the look of the Super Redhawk. Better trigger but the frame extension looks awful unless it is a 7.5 used as a hunting rig.

[bobthenailer]

Im a avid hand gun hunter with many years experience , IMO get a FA , Ruger or BFR single action revolver in 454 Casull or other caliber there a lot lighter than the X frame S&Ws or Taurus revolvers
Ive have barrel lengths from 10" 7.5" and my favorite a 6".

[Rick B]

Carrying any handgun that is readily capable of dispatching a Brown/Grizzly Bear is a challenge. In a lot of cases close bear encounters occur around water. Wearing hip boots, chest waders or rain gear relegates the carry options. Center of chest type holsters distribute the weight the best and are very accessible. Rain coats and jackets left open at the top allow quick easy access!

In regards to caliber, carry what you can handle competently. Hard cast bullets are a better choice. The standard factory hollow point loadings just don’t penetrate.
Rick
PS More people in Alaska are killed by Black Bears than Brown/Grizzly Bears

[Texas by God]

I'd rather carry a 6 pound 12 gauge pump shorty on a sling than a 5 pound handgun in a shoulder holster.

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[Petander]

I'd rather carry a 6 pound 12 gauge pump shorty on a sling than a 5 pound handgun in a shoulder holster.

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Carrying them both is a good setup. :)

[murf205]

If you are going to Alaska to fish, remember this, your hands will be wet and where I hang out on the Kenai, it normally rains a lot so your chances of dropping a hard kicking 500 are magnified by the wet. I know that a 454 will dispatch a bear because a man in Soldotna had to shoot an old bear that charged him while he and his dog were hiking pretty close to town and he used a 454 SRH Alaskan with the short barrel. Better leave the soft jacketed stuff at home and take solids or 300 gr cast with a good sharp meplat. I am thankful that I have never had to try my 629 on a bear mainly because when it comes to them, I am a devout coward. If they want my fishing spot, they got it! If you want a new gun, I am in your camp brother just remember to pactice--a lot. BTW, the suggestion for the chest rig is a good idea, if you are fishing. Make sure it's a stainless gun, mine has been in the Kenai River twice (along with my clumsy butt)!

[gwpercle]

I might have the opportunity to go to Alaska later in the year, so I am using it as an excuse... I mean, I see a significant need for getting a bear defense gun. [smilie=1:

After looking at a few, I am stuck between two choices. A 5" 460 S&W, and a 6" 500 Mag. The 460 seems more versatile since I can shoot 45 Colt and 454 Casull in it too, but the 500 is the epitome of knockdown power as far as handguns go. 500 Special is also an option for those days that I don't feel like trying to rip my hands off at the wrist. The guns themselves are basically the same. The 6" is a half lug which I will admit is more my style since I love that classic look, but there is nothing wrong with the 5". I don't feel that there would be that much of a advantage/disadvantage to going with the 5" over the 6" or vice versa. They both also have a factory compensator.

I don't know which one I want. At first I thought I wanted the 460 more, but the more I look at the 500, the more I want it instead. What do you guys think?

Splitting hairs ain't cha boss !
Either will do in a pinch...me personally lean to the 460 myself...but that's just me .
Gary

[M-Tecs]

Just my opinion but the two more pertinent questions should be first what is a realistic threat assessment? Second what is a realistic carry method? That will determine what you should carry.

Standing in a river fishing? Doing manual work? Hiking? Camping? Something else?

For me based on my activities hip carry is the most workable. X-frames in my opinion are to heavy for extended hip carry (12+ hours a day for 3 weeks straight). That being said when I go berry picking I borrow my guides friends 338 Win Mag. For bear guiding he uses a 375 H&H after the .338 proved marginal on a couple of client wounded bear charges. He has witnessed hundreds of grizzly bear kills. The two cartridges that is has the most respect for for large bears are the 375 H&H and the 338 Lapua Mag.

[dkf]

I'd haul around an 8" or 10" barreled .458socom AR with a sling before a hand cannon that size. And I'd have 11+1 (420gr big metplat solids) in a standard mag, that is quickly changeable. On top the handgun, for a decent holster like the Diamond D guides choice you are looking at another $200.

[Petander]

I sold my 458 Socom,a 45-70 has more power and it bothered me to shoot the same bullets at too slow speeds.

Recoil is very subjective. I feel a Raging Bull 454 Casull is more punishing than an X-frame 500. Even a hot 44 SBH can hurt. A 500 is more like a push... until you go to +50k psi/ 600 grains. Then it's hilarious.

[Hickory]

A gun built for King Kong, not for a lesser man like Arnold Schwarzenegger or his peers!!!

[Shawlerbrook]

If you are just looking to carry it instead of bear spray for protection I wouldn’t go longer than a 4” barrel. The 44, 454,460, 480 etc. would all fit the bill. I too have been thinking of a purchase for my next Alaskan trip. If you are going to carry a 6 or 8” X frame, I would just go with a short barrel shotgun. Also, look at the Kenai chest holster for whatever you choose. Alaska is great, but bear insurance is a must.

[sparkyv]

Don't bank on the "you can shoot 45C, 454 Casull, 460 SW Mag out of the 460XVR" hype. Yes, it can be done, but the bullet jump from the shorter cartridges in that really long cylinder is significant and not likely to result in decent accuracy. Just try to find info on shooting 454 in the 460...all you'll find is velocity data, but no accuracy data. I just use downloaded 460 rounds rather than shooting 454 in my 460V if I want mouse farts.

[Tatume]

Don't bank on the "you can shoot 45C, 454 Casull, 460 SW Mag out of the 460XVR" hype. Yes, it can be done, but the bullet jump from the shorter cartridges in that really long cylinder is significant and not likely to result in decent accuracy.

The difference in 45 Colt and 460 S&W case length is barely more than 1/2 inch. A heavy 45 caliber bullet will still be supported by the 45 Colt case when it is entering the chamber throat of a 460 S&W. I would expect accuracy to be quite good.

[megasupermagnum]

You won't be breaking any records, but even the Taurus Judge can put out serviceable accuracy. That's something like a 1.7" jump.

[40-82 hiker]

I don't shoot the 460 or 500, but I have spent a fair amount of time around griz and thought I'd bring this into play in this discussion, if it is appropriate.

A bear of this sort can run full out at 50 feet per second, and can cover that from a standing start in probably 2 seconds. The closest I've been to a grizzly was around 100 yards, and that was 2 juveniles fighting over a pocket gopher field. So, I am not an expert here, but followup shots I think would be very limited in a full blown charge, if one even has time to react with a single shot if surprised.

Since I don't fire these hand cannons in question, I would think manageable recoil for an accurate second shot would be a great consideration, the question being how much effective power is traded for such a luxury. Just thinking out loud... YMMV

[lar45]

In a revolver, I would think that a double action would be a better choice just incase you have to shoot it one handed. I have a 4" S&W500 and have shot it double action, not very fast, but I could keep them on the target. I have also shot it one handed, not with the 600-700gn slugs, but with 440s at 1250...
An AR Big Bore Pistol sounds interesting, but it is much more complicated to shoot then a double action revolver, but if you could get it into play before he was on you, you could unleash a pile of lead in a hurry.

[murf205]

"unleash a pile of lead in a hurry", that makes a good case for a 10mm with 200 gr boolits.

[Tatume]

Watched a friend "unleash a pile of lead in a hurry" in the general direction of a deer, which then walked away without a care in the world.

[Petander]

I handled a Ruger Alaskan 454 Casull today.

Might be another option for the OP?

[Jeff Michel]

I'd pick up one of the new Marlin SBL's in 45-70. I wouldn't even consider a pistol as a first choice for rounds on target, under stress. As pointed out earlier, a bear is a whole lot faster than you can believe. They are faster than a horse on flat ground for the first fifty yards. I have a Super Redhawk in .454 and I shoot it alot. It's big/heavy and with the right loads, kicks like my ex wife. An accurate followup shot isn't likely and you won't have the time to see if your first shot did the job. The appeal of a big handgun wears off pretty fast when it gets tangled on every bush you pass and your constantly trying to keep your trousers up somewhere near your waist. Just my opinion.

[am44mag]

Alrighty, I did some more looking and now I think I have narrowed things down. Let me first say that the bear thing was mainly meant to be an excuse to buy a large stupidly powerful gun. I will hopefully be going to Alaska, and I would like to take whatever I get along, but that's a one time deal and I won't be in the woods the whole time I'm there. The gun is not going to be a dedicated bear gun, more so a range toy and a hunting revolver. Keep that in mind.

I am pretty much set on .475 caliber. So much so that I already ordered a mold for it. So, there are two guns I'm looking at. A Ruger SBH in 480 Ruger, or a Magnum Research BFR in 475 Linebaugh. I'm kind of stuck on this. The Ruger is about $400 cheaper, is lighter, and is in what most seem to consider the most powerful round that you can comfortably shoot. The BFR is made to a higher degree of quality, is supposed to be more accurate, and is chambered for a very potent round. It's heavy though, and from what I've seen of the 475, it has some monstrous recoil. You can of course use reduced loads or load it with 480 Ruger instead. With the SBH, I'm stuck with just 480 level loads, but with the BFR, I have the option of loading it to wrist breaking levels. The Ruger would certainly be nicer to my checking account, but I don't have a problem spending more for quality. I'm just questioning if that extra cost is actually worth it to me. I consider myself a decent shot, but I can't shoot 1" groups at 50 yards quite yet.

I don't know which would be a better fit for me.

[Three44s]

I won’t try to offer an opinion between those two revolvers, but I can tell you that I am really fond of the .480 Ruger.

Mine happens to be a 7.5” SRH. I got the bear defense bug back in ‘96 after a Grizzly was claimed to be frequenting for a time where my cattle summered in the high country.

The bear story originated three years earlier but when I met up with the witnesses and they told me their story first hand, I went into full on soul searching.

At that time I thought that handguns were mere boat anchors but as I analyzed my options I realized that no long gun was going to suffice. One way or the other I was going to have to get proficient with an adequate hand gun.

Based on action styles I settled on DA revolvers and though I had allowed the gun magazine writers of the near past to convince me that merely looking at a 44 Mag Handgun would knock teeth loose and shatter my existence I traded off my SW 4506 and came home with a 7.5” Redhawk SS in 44mag.

Factory ammo for a newbie to these high performance cartridges was not good sledding. I started buying new empty brass and downloaded. That and a comparable revolver in 22 rim made all the difference in the world!

In the years since you would never guess that I had ever looked down at hand guns as I now own several. A couple 41’s, three 44s until one, a SRH 9.5” was traded for the .480.

Referring to the begining of this thread I would have recommended the S&W 500 for a defense firearm. The .460 SW is a formidable cartridge and it is certainly in a class by itself for HUNTING. You need a long barrel to go with it for that use.

The 500’s are better in the defense department and with the barrel lengths you were contemplating.

Handloading to suit your physical and mental attitude about recoil bridges the gap in my experience.

Today you are thinking about the 480 vs the 475 and single action. I greatly prefer DA, better follow shots and faster reloads but that eliminates the .475 which is also a fine cartridge (outstanding really).

For me, the “looks” of the SRH series is a non-issue. I own and practice with the gun for effect and if is needed, what the bear thinks about it’s lines are irrelevant.

I am also biased against the SBH because the SRH is stronger and every single 44 Mag SBH I have fired beats the ever liven snot out of the back side of my middle finger on my strong hand. I have not fired a BFR but in handling them I would say it certainly strong enough.

It is a great thing we can chose from so many guns because we are individuals and what works /suits one does not for another.

Good luck with your choice and best regards

Three44s

[str8wal]

45 Colt, loaded to it's full potential, will suffice. And in a package that is easy to carry.

[am44mag]

I won’t try to offer an opinion between those two revolvers, but I can tell you that I am really fond of the .480 Ruger.

Mine happens to be a 7.5” SRH. I got the bear defense bug back in ‘96 after a Grizzly was claimed to be frequenting for a time where my cattle summered in the high country.

The bear story originated three years earlier but when I met up with the witnesses and they told me their story first hand, I went into full on soul searching.

At that time I thought that handguns were mere boat anchors but as I analyzed my options I realized that no long gun was going to suffice. One way or the other I was going to have to get proficient with an adequate hand gun.

Based on action styles I settled on DA revolvers and though I had allowed the gun magazine writers of the near past to convince me that merely looking at a 44 Mag Handgun would knock teeth loose and shatter my existence I traded off my SW 4506 and came home with a 7.5” Redhawk SS in 44mag.

Factory ammo for a newbie to these high performance cartridges was not good sledding. I started buying new empty brass and downloaded. That and a comparable revolver in 22 rim made all the difference in the world!

In the years since you would never guess that I had ever looked down at hand guns as I now own several. A couple 41’s, three 44s until one, a SRH 9.5” was traded for the .480.

Referring to the begining of this thread I would have recommended the S&W 500 for a defense firearm. The .460 SW is a formidable cartridge and it is certainly in a class by itself for HUNTING. You need a long barrel to go with it for that use.

The 500’s are better in the defense department and with the barrel lengths you were contemplating.

Handloading to suit your physical and mental attitude about recoil bridges the gap in my experience.

Today you are thinking about the 480 vs the 475 and single action. I greatly prefer DA, better follow shots and faster reloads but that eliminates the .475 which is also a fine cartridge (outstanding really).

Good luck with your choice and best regards

Three44s

The 44 mag is what really set me off to the world of big bore magnums. I shot a friends Model 29, and got hooked. It wasn't long before I had a 629 of my own. After looking into and learning about the 480, I have a feeling i would really enjoy that round. After doing a little digging on reload data, I was actually surprised to see how close the 480 and 475 are to each other. Hodgdon's website shows them within 50-75 FPS with some loads. I'll have to look in the manuals next time I'm out in the shop and see what they say. With that in mind, I'm actually leaning more towards it in the SBH than the 475 in the BFR. I think it would be a much handier package, especially since it's almost a pound lighter.

I'm primarily a DA shooter, but 99% of the time I shoot them SA. They say that you revert to muscle memory/training when faced with something like a bear charge, so I would likely cock the hammer in that situation, regardless of if it was a DA or a SA. Seeing how this will be a one week thing, I don't feel that completely retraining myself would be a worth wild endeavor. I would be comfortable carrying a SA.

[Three44s]

You are correct, you would single it for sure!

My drop dead favorite is my 629 Mountain Gun.

With respect to the 480 cartridge I load about one grain under max for better extraction. You see the stainless that Ruger uses is certainly strong enough but it is/was springy. At full house factory levels, the cartridge expanded the chamber and the casing grew with it. As the pressure retreats the chamber springs back to original but the casing then sticks.

Ruger discontinued the SRH 480 in six shot, then brought out a five shot version but they may have never distributed them? Then went back to six holes.

Mine is an original six shooter. I get plenty of power from one less than max grains of H110 etc.

I would say that the 475 is a serious step up from the 480 with the above taken into account however.

Three44s

[nhithaca]

Good friend went caribou hunting in around the area of Mt. McKinley in the mid 1990s. Guide insisted that everyone carry a defensive hand gun just in case. He bought an inexpensive SS DA revolver (new) in 44 mag and loaded it with hardcast full power loads. Now I'm not sure where the original poster was going but at the end of the two weeks in state, the SS gun was a mess. Still usable but looked 10 years old. The weather in the Big State is really hard on all hardware and to spend the kind of money that a S&W costs (especially in the X frame) to maybe never use the gun again is a little wasteful. And yes we all like new toys (the bigger the better), but if I were to book the same type of trip, I think I would do the same. Even though I have an AMT 50AE and a DW 375 Supermag both of which would work fine for bear defense. For that matter, I would maybe even use my Gen 1 Glock 20 in 10mm loaded with 15 rounds of CorBond or Buffalo Bore 200 grain+ full power bullets. But most of all, no matter which gun you take it will be just dead weight if you don't practice, practice, practice using the load you will be carrying. For a 460 or a 500 that alone would get expensive real fast.