.500 S&W

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The .500 S&W is a cartridge made by Smith & Wesson for use in revolvers and introduced in February 2003 at the SHOT trade show. Currently only a handful of models have been introduced that fire this massive caliber, including the X-Frame Model 500 revolver from Smith & Wesson, Magnum Research's "BFR" (Biggest, finest revolver), the Taurus Raging Bull and German Janz JTL-E 500. Each holds only five rounds to allow for thicker cylinder walls to accommodate the pressure generated by such a large and powerful cartridge.

It is the most powerful handgun cartridge commercially manufactured, though some handguns have been chambered in far more powerful ammunition that was originally intended for rifles, including the .50 BMG. The BFR has been chambered in rounds up to the .450 Marlin. In response to this, the Violence Policy Center released a report calling the round a "vest-buster".

The .500 Smith & Wesson Magnum can develop over 2,600 foot-pounds (3.5 kJ) of muzzle energy, nearly three times as much as the 900 ft·lb (1.2 kJ) generated by the .44 Magnum made famous by Clint Eastwood in the Dirty Harry movies. This is a difference of over 600 foot-pounds (0.8 kJ) of energy more than the .454 Casull, the previous commercial record holder.

Despite initial concerns about recoil, professionals who have tested the caliber have stated its recoil to be less than the Ruger Redhawk chamber in .454 Casull. This is achieved through design features of the Smith & Wesson Model 500, including a muzzle brake, recoil reducing rubber grips, and considerable weight.

Less than one year after its introduction the firearm had been successfully used to take game animals ranging from white tail deer, to Alaskan Brown bear, to African Elephant. Smith & Wesson offers four large frame revolvers chambered in this caliber, including a Hunter and Performance Center Model.

.500 S&W

See also