.500 S&W Ammo
The .500 Smith & Wesson Magnum was introduced in 2003 alongside Smith & Wesson’s massive X-Frame revolver and immediately claimed the title of the world’s most powerful production handgun cartridge — a title it still holds. Firing bullets from 275 to 700 grains at velocities from 1,200 to 1,900 fps, the .500 S&W Magnum produces muzzle energies of 2,600–3,000 ft-lbs — more than most rifle cartridges. It was developed for hunters who want handgun-only hunting capability on any game in the world, and for protection in brown bear and dangerous game country where maximum stopping power from a handgun is required.
Read our .500 S&W Guide ↓
Who Uses .500 S&W Magnum
The .500 S&W has two primary user groups: handgun hunters who want capability on any North American or African game animal, and collectors and enthusiasts who want the most powerful production revolver cartridge available. For handgun hunters, the .500 S&W provides genuine capability on dangerous game — it is a legitimate brown bear, cape buffalo, and elephant cartridge in capable hands. For most buyers, the .500 S&W is a range gun and collector’s item — the S&W Model 500’s 4.5-pound weight and thunderous recoil make it impractical for most defensive or field applications outside extreme dangerous game scenarios.
Ammunition Selection
Buffalo Bore produces the most comprehensive .500 S&W lineup for serious hunting use — 350gr JHP at 1,975 fps for deer-sized game, 400gr hard cast at 1,800 fps for dangerous game, and 500gr hard cast at 1,425 fps for maximum penetration. Hornady Custom 300gr XTP and Federal Fusion 325gr serve hunters who prefer lighter, faster bullets for deer and hogs. Magtech and Sellier & Bellot produce FMJ loads for range use at lower cost than premium hunting ammunition.
Recoil and Practicality
The .500 S&W produces substantial recoil — typically 50–80 ft-lbs of free recoil energy depending on load, compared to 12–15 ft-lbs for .357 Magnum. The S&W Model 500’s compensated barrel reduces muzzle rise, and the heavy frame mass absorbs much of the recoil impulse. Full-power loads are uncomfortable for most shooters to fire in volume. Magtech and lighter commercial loads at reduced velocity are popular for practice to preserve shooting enjoyment while maintaining familiarity with the platform.
Frequently Asked Questions: .500 S&W Magnum
Is the .500 S&W practical for self-defense?
Not for most users. The S&W Model 500 weighs 4.5 pounds unloaded — too heavy and large for practical carry. For bear protection in the field where the revolver is holstered on a belt, the .500 S&W provides maximum stopping capability. For everyday defensive carry, a practical 9mm or .357 Magnum serves far better.
What revolver uses .500 S&W?
The Smith & Wesson Model 500 X-Frame revolver is the primary production firearm chambered in .500 S&W Magnum. Taurus produced a Model 500 variant. The X-Frame is the largest production revolver frame ever made by S&W, purpose-designed for the cartridge.
See Also: Revolvers • Smith & Wesson • .44 Magnum Ammo • Hunting Rifles • All Ammunition