GunsAmerica

Quick Look

The .500 Magnum cartridge was introduced in the late 20th century as a powerful large-caliber round for big-game hunting and handgun hunting. It prioritizes stopping power and deep penetration, designed for outdoorsmen facing dangerous game. Today, it holds a niche among revolver enthusiasts seeking maximum impact in a handgun caliber.

Why It's a Top Choice

Exceptional stopping power for dangerous game.
High energy round with deep penetration.
Widely chambered in strong, reliable revolvers.
Favored for handgun hunting and defense.
Aftermarket support for custom loads and firearms.

Key Variants

.500 S&W Magnum

The flagship variant designed for semi-automatic pistols and revolvers, ideal for experienced hunters requiring extreme power.

.500 Linebaugh

An earlier .50 caliber magnum variant popular among custom revolver builders for its balanced performance.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	.500 Magnum	.44 Magnum	.454 Casull
MSRP	$30 - $50 per box	$25 - $45 per box	$40 - $60 per box
Capacity/Size	5 rounds typical	6 rounds typical	5 rounds typical
Weight	Heavy due to case size	Moderate	Heavy
Optics-Ready	Generally yes (some revolvers)	Limited	Some models
Trigger Type	Single/double action revolver	Single/double action revolver	Single/double action revolver
Notable Pro	Maximum handgun stopping power	Proven hunting performance	High velocity with manageable recoil
Notable Con	High recoil, heavy firearms	Less power than .500 Magnum	Abrasive recoil, niche ammo

Best Use Cases

Handgun hunting for large or dangerous game
Self-defense in remote areas with wildlife threats
Range practice for experienced shooters
Collecting powerful, rare handgun calibers

FAQs

Can I use .500 Magnum rounds in standard revolvers?

No; .500 Magnum requires revolvers chambered specifically for it due to large cartridge size and pressures.

What is the typical recoil of a .500 Magnum handgun?

Recoil is very strong, often requiring experienced shooters and weightier firearms to manage effectively.

How does the .500 Magnum compare to .44 Magnum in power?

.500 Magnum delivers significantly higher muzzle energy and penetration than .44 Magnum, favored for bigger game.

500 MAGNUM for Sale