Getting into the handgun hunting game. 500 S&W

Bush Buck said:

For someone experienced in handgun shooting but new to handgun hunting I would strongly recommend staying with the 44 magnum and moving to a better hunting platform that will allow you to mount an RMR ( or other red dot ) securely.
The 44 mag allows for lots of practice and is enough for hogs, deer, elk and moose with proper loads at reasonable ranges.
Actual hunting practice at home would be invaluable before heading to Africa.

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You think the 44 has enough horsepower for elk/moose size game? I mean I suppose with the right load it probably does. That 340 grain hard cast +p+ that buffalo bore sells would probably be plenty for most stuff. There are a couple of companies that make direct mount RMR plates.for the redhawk. I plan to get one of those very soon. Staying with the 44 for a while and getting in some practice here at home is not a bad idea. Maybe I should book a hog hunt with it. I plan to use it this deer season as well.

When I say it's enough for elk and moose size game I mean that it's enough for an experienced handgun hunter at bowhunting ranges. This would more likely be the purview of local hunters who know ways to get such shot opportunities. I'm also thinking more of meat hunters than trophy hunters.

I do not think that extreme loads such as 340 +p+ are needed. 300 grain WFN hardcast in the near shoulder will do it.
Swift makes a 280 A-Frame which would work on shoulder or tight behind the shoulder shots. Full power loads with H-110 would do the trick.
I would stick with 240s for deer.

I'll add that if you're a reloader then 454 is also a good choice.
You can get this in FA 83, BFR or Super Redhawk.
I would not buy a 454 if I did not reload - you don't want (or need) to shoot full powered stuff all the time.
As a reloader you can load 454 to 44 mag power level in nice deer hunting loads and still move up to heavier big game loads as needed.
454 is quite versatile when used this way.

I look at the 375 H&H the same way - commonly loading it to 9.3x62 levels.

Bush Buck said:

When I say it's enough for elk and moose size game I mean that it's enough for an experienced handgun hunter at bowhunting ranges. This would more likely be the purview of local hunters who know ways to get such shot opportunities. I'm also thinking more of meat hunters than trophy hunters.

I do not think that extreme loads such as 340 +p+ are needed. 300 grain WFN hardcast in the near shoulder will do it.
Swift makes a 280 A-Frame which would work on shoulder or tight behind the shoulder shots. Full power loads with H-110 would do the trick.
I would stick with 240s for deer.

I'll add that if you're a reloader then 454 is also a good choice.
You can get this in FA 83, BFR or Super Redhawk.
I would not buy a 454 if I did not reload - you don't want (or need) to shoot full powered stuff all the time.
As a reloader you can load 454 to 44 mag power level in nice deer hunting loads and still move up to heavier big game loads as needed.
454 is quite versatile when used this way.

I look at the 375 H&H the same way - commonly loading it to 9.3x62 levels.

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That was my plan exactly. I do handload and I have access to a great local range right down the road from my house, also can shoot in my back yard for load development. So I have all the resources to be able to practice as much as I want. I even load down a lot of 44 rounds just for practice purposes to get in plenty of trigger time without creating bad habits. I use a light/medium charge of unique with 255 gr Keith style bullets. Running 240 XTP with a medium high charge of 2400 for hunting rounds. I agree the 280-300 grain would be perfect for heavier stuff at +/- 50 yard ranges. That 280 A Frame I think would be perfect.

As a reloader with plenty of shooting opportunity you are in a perfect position to embrace handgun hunting.
Accuracy under hunting conditions is FAR more important than maximum power.
I've had terrific shooting and hunting success with 240 XTP and 2400 in multiple 44 mags.

I shot 240 SWC over Unique and 240 XTP over 2400 yesterday

Backyardsniper said:

I am making a dedicated move into handgun hunting. I have owned a Redhawk 44 magnum for a long time and I have a lot of experience with it. However, I am looking to get into a more specialized hunting pistol and cartridge.
The questions I have for any of you with experience with this caliber or these particular revolvers are as follows;
Is there any particular difference in performance between the 7.5" and 10" performance center pistols. I will be running this with a trijicon RMR and I like the fact that the pic rail is machined in and sits lower on the 10" so that is the pistol I'm leaning towards.
Is there any reason to look at any of the other revolvers available. The BFR, or Freedom arms?
Would there be any reason to look into another type of specialized pistol for this task, the task being able to handle large game up to bear, elk/moose, and or even large African antelope such as Kudu or Eland, Wildebeest.
I do reload so I can control power level for training purposes. I plan to use the Sierra 400 grain, at least I think that looks like one of the better options. I live about 15 min from a great outdoor range and can also shoot out to 50 yards in my back yard so having the ability to train and practice with it will not be an issue.
I am looking at the 500 because the 500 seems to have a better selection of heavy duty hunting bullets and since I reload I can control the power level, while it is handy that the 460 shoots the 45 and 454 once I buy the brass and bullets for the 500 I can make training rounds with that.
All opinions and suggestion are welcome.
Thanks.

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Just back from range after shooting new 5" bbl Taurus 500 S&W. Very, very pleased. The gun is accurate. It’s design handles big recoil well. Not too much pain, even with heavy loads. I shot:

1. Buffalo Bore 440 gr hardcast Wide Flat Nose Gas Check bullet @ 975 fps (500 S&W Special)
2. HSM “Bear Load” 440 gr hardcast Wide Flat Nose Gas Check bullet at 1260 fps (This load is a little shy of the 1350 fps that the 500 Wyoming Express yields with the same bullet)
3. MagTech 440 gr hardcast Wide Flat Nose Gas Check bullet at 1600 fps. (250 fps faster than max in the 500 WE)
4. MagTech 325 gr jacketed soft point at 1800 fps

There’s a noticeable increase in recoil going from 1) to 3). 4) is easier, but greater recoil impulse. I think 4)’s intended as a deer/elk/blackbear load, where the 440 gr hardcast is a grizzly/brown/moose load. For Rhino, Elephant and Hippo, I’d move up to a 500 gr load, though that will be painful to shoot (Life's hard. It's harder when you're stupid.) I also think that the 440 gr bullet might be loaded somewhat faster staying within pressure limits, but there are said to be extraction problems.

The gun impresses me. The cylinder locks up dead tight, as well as my Freedom Arms revolvers (at about 1/3 the price). It weighs in at about 57 oz, a half pound or a little more than my SuperBlackhawk. Sights are clear and precise. Best, it looks just like it came out of a Dick Tracy comic! So I now have the two-way wrist radio (my Samsung watch) and the gun…

It’s a two hand pistol due to weight, just too much wavering around to shoot accurately with one hand. (But can get minute of bear with it one-handed.) Taurus have ported it to reduce muzzle rise, so it tends to kick straight back more than it would otherwise. The recoil is about as ferocious as my 500 Wyoming Express and not nearly as painful as the unmodified S&W 329 PD (I had mine quadra-ported by Larry Kelly’s shop, which tamed it down considerably). Not nearly as bad as the 500 Linebaugh shooting a 525 gr bullet, which draws blood.

The gun needs the weight it has. Any lighter would start to hurt too much to shoot it. Reviewers complain about the trigger pull. SA, it’s a trifle heavy but it’s clean and crisp. DA is smooth, a bit heavy, though it’s still in my mind a good trigger pull. I’ve worked with grippers for maybe 15 years now – I think my trigger finger is a little stronger than most or I’m more accustomed to using it. To me, it’s a very good trigger.

I’ve handled the S&W X frame. I think the Taurus is a better revolver, due mainly to the dual lock-up and the grip angle. Some would argue with that judgement. But I’d rather have the Taurus, exclusive of price. Mine is all black. Most consider it ugly. I guess ugly is what you want a gun like this to be.

Next, I’ll mount the Trijicon MRO red dot on it and see what I can do with some mild reloads.

I really enjoy handgun hunting. No elk or moose around here though.
Over time I've "evolved" from the heavy, long barreled revolvers like Ruger Super Redhawk to almost exclusively hunting with my S&W L-frame M69 .44 mag. It is remarkably accurate. With reflex sight, shots to 80-100 yards on deer are reasonable with practice. Even with the 4.25" barrel the full house 44 mag loads have plenty of oomph at 100yd. The thing is so compact and light it is a joy to carry and awkward angles and shots from a stand are easier than with a "two-handed" revolver.

Of note on the M69 it seems to be really beefed up in important areas like the top strap and forcing cone, and the ball-detent lockup works slick IMO. I got it when they first came out and shot a lot of heavy loads in it over the years. Eventually it did go out of time, but S&W sent it back good as new with a pretty quick turn around...no charge.

I also have a 329PD. The recoil can be surprising with heavy bullets and I would suggest leather glove to protect the web of your hand. I don't like the ergonomics of the N-frame guns as much though; the L-frame fits my size hand much better.

I think if I were to need something more powerful or longer range, I would opt for a T/C Contender or Encore in a bottleneck rifle cartridge rather than one of the large/x-large revolvers, but then I've always done things a little different than most.

Supposed to come out this week I believe. While I know the FA is a better gun, there is just something about this one that I love. The octagon barrel with those grips. The barrel length not to mention I have already purchased a Rhodesia brush stroke ACRO to go on it. I think this is the one!

Fa is better in some ways but very very slight as far as “tightness” of cylinder movement etc. i have bfr’s that are just as accurate as my fa’s and the bfr bisley grip slaps the knuckle less has a longer cylinder even in the short cylinder guns. It is more forgiving of bullet pull by far. It also loads easier has a free wheeling pawl stock from the factory. In a dangerous game hunt it is more desirable imho. It also has a more robust design and has a much much tougher firing pin. That gun would be a great choice!

here is mine with the Delta Point RedDot. Partial to the FA and they make a nice mout for both the reddot and scope

Jefferry404 said:

here is mine with the Delta Point RedDot. Partial to the FA and they make a nice mout for both the reddot and scope
View attachment 751730

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That's nice!

I absolutely loved mine.

I will own another one.

The 360 Buckhammer makes a nice package as well. I think everyone is doing those in revolvers.

Even though I liked the BFR, I preferred the Smith.

But I think that depends on the individual.

Mostly it came down to speed for me.

I just liked being able to reload faster.

I was wrong. They want $5900 for that pistol. That is quite ridiculous. I might have went up to $3500 and that is more than its worth but. i really like everything about it. $5900 is laughable for a BFR. Looks like I'm in the market for a used or hell maybe new FA. I may just order one like I want from them.

Backyardsniper said:

I was wrong. They want $5900 for that pistol. That is quite ridiculous. I might have went up to $3500 and that is more than its worth but. i really like everything about it. $5900 is laughable for a BFR. Looks like I'm in the market for a used or hell maybe new FA. I may just order one like I want from them.

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If we lived closer you could use my FA to see if that’s what you really want.

I appreciate it man. I need to get my hands on one of those and try it.

FYI, I just saw that Thompson Center is re-introducing their Encore pistol. That in 375 JDJ would be fun!

Backyardsniper said:

I appreciate it man. I need to get my hands on one of those and try it.

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I will try to come up with something. If not maybe we could meet in the middle.

@Backyardsniper
I highly recommend smjsports listings in Guns International for all Freedom Arms revolvers! He is honest, fair prices, fast shipping, large selection and only sells NIB. I have bought all of my FAs from Steve (357 to 475). In discussions with FA, he is one of their largest dealers.

Jefferry404 said:

@Backyardsniper
I highly recommend smjsports listings in Guns International for all Freedom Arms revolvers! He is honest, fair prices, fast shipping, large selection and only sells NIB. I have bought all of my FAs from Steve (357 to 475). In discussions with FA, he is one of their largest dealers.

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Awesome. Thanks man. I will check them out for sure.

Now that I'm back to the drawing board on this I would like to get everyones opinion on caliber and single vs double action. Long barrel short barrel. Why or why not. I have been looking hard at the FA 83 in 454 and also the Lipsey special BFR 45-70 with a 6.5" barrel and rose wood grips. I'm thinking the 454 or 45-70 is the most versatile. I like the 454 because its a bit more compact, but I already have a 45-70 rifle and all the 45-70 reloading equip. Then there is the 500 like I was planning to get in the beginning.

FA 83 454, 7 1/2 barrel, with delta point red dot.
Add the 45 LC cylinder for smaller game. Do note their cylinder length precludes heavy hardcast LFN, I use WFN in my 475.
When I looked at the 45-70 in handgun, it just could not get velocity as needs rifle length barrel. , had high recoil and muzzle blast.