There are a few handguns chambered for the massive .500 caliber - not all are the same.
Smith & Wesson has come out recently with the venerable .500 S&W Magnum, but there are others too. IMI developed the .50 Action Express for their Desert Eagle back in 1988. The rim is rebated so that the basic bolt of the .44 S&W Magnum version could be used without any significant modifications (just like the .41 AE has the same rim diameter as the 9mm PaArabellum). And then there is the absolute top dog of shooter punishment: the .500 Linebaugh - well that WAS the case until the 500 S&W Mag arrived. This cartridge was designed by John Linebaugh for use in modified Ruger revolvers, that can currently be purchased from Bowen arms.
Here is how they stack up:
.50 AE - 325gr JHP -- 1400fps/1414ftlbs
.500 Linebaugh - 500gr SP -- 1200fps/1599ftlbs
.500 S&W Magnum - 440gr HC -- 1625fps/2580ftlbs (from Cor-Bon)
All of them are pretty fairly suited for bear country!
Smith & Wesson has come out recently with the venerable .500 S&W Magnum, but there are others too. IMI developed the .50 Action Express for their Desert Eagle back in 1988. The rim is rebated so that the basic bolt of the .44 S&W Magnum version could be used without any significant modifications (just like the .41 AE has the same rim diameter as the 9mm PaArabellum). And then there is the absolute top dog of shooter punishment: the .500 Linebaugh - well that WAS the case until the 500 S&W Mag arrived. This cartridge was designed by John Linebaugh for use in modified Ruger revolvers, that can currently be purchased from Bowen arms.
Here is how they stack up:
.50 AE - 325gr JHP -- 1400fps/1414ftlbs
.500 Linebaugh - 500gr SP -- 1200fps/1599ftlbs
.500 S&W Magnum - 440gr HC -- 1625fps/2580ftlbs (from Cor-Bon)
All of them are pretty fairly suited for bear country!
