500 S&W ammo

500 S&W ammo is the most powerful production handgun cartridge in the world — a massive .500-inch round built for the Smith & Wesson X-frame revolver and designed to take any game animal on earth. Launched in 2003, the .500 S&W Magnum drives 350- to 500-grain bullets with rifle-like energy, making it a true handgun-hunting and dangerous-game cartridge for those who can manage its substantial recoil. This page covers what it’s for, how it compares, and what to expect.

Tatted Tacticals stocks .500 S&W from Hornady, Federal, Underwood, and Buffalo Bore — hunting hollow points and heavy hard-cast loads, in boxes and bulk.

The Most Powerful Production Revolver Round

The numbers are staggering for a handgun: a 350-grain bullet near 1,975 fps generates over 3,000 ft-lbs of muzzle energy — more than a .30-06 rifle at the muzzle. That power makes the .500 S&W capable on the largest and most dangerous game, from big bears to African plains animals, in a (very large) revolver. The price is recoil that demands proper technique and a heavy gun, which is why it’s a specialist’s cartridge rather than an everyday carry round. Our .500 S&W ballistic data covers the loads.

.500 S&W vs. .44 Magnum and .45-70

The .500 sits at the top of the big-bore handgun ladder. It far outpowers the .44 Magnum — long the big-bore standard — and even the rifle .45-70 in heavy loads, delivering more energy than most hunters will ever need from a handgun. It is not a .50 BMG or anything like a rifle .50 cal; “500” refers to its half-inch bullet diameter. Shooters wanting big-bore revolver power with less recoil step down to the .357 Magnum or .45 Colt. Standards follow SAAMI specifications.

Buying .500 S&W

As a specialty cartridge, .500 S&W is expensive per round and lower in availability, so buy your hunting load ahead. Federal law sets the minimum age for handgun ammunition at 21, and some states restrict online sales; per ATF guidance, confirm federal rules, then review our ammunition shipping rules and state restrictions before ordering.

.500 S&W Ammo — Frequently Asked Questions

What is a .500 Magnum good for?

Hunting the largest game and dangerous-game defense. With over 3,000 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, the .500 S&W cleanly takes big bears, bison, and African plains game from a handgun, and serves as serious bear-country protection. It’s far more than needed for deer or target work — it exists for maximum handgun power on heavy animals.

Is .500 the same as a .50 cal?

It shares the half-inch bullet diameter, but the .500 S&W Magnum is a handgun revolver cartridge, completely different from the rifle .50 BMG used in heavy machine guns and long-range rifles. The .50 BMG is vastly larger and more powerful. Don’t confuse the two — the .500 S&W is a (powerful) handgun round.

Is a .460 more powerful than a .500?

They lead in different ways. The .460 S&W drives lighter bullets faster for a flatter trajectory and higher velocity, while the .500 S&W throws heavier bullets for more momentum and frontal area. The .500 generally produces the higher peak energy with heavy loads; the .460 shoots flatter. Both are top-tier hunting handgun cartridges.

How much does .500 Magnum ammo cost?

It’s among the most expensive handgun cartridges, given its size and low production volume — premium hunting and hard-cast loads command the most. There’s little inexpensive practice ammo, so most shooters fire it sparingly or handload. Buying your chosen hunting load when available is the practical approach.

Can you buy .500 S&W ammo online?

Yes. In most U.S. states you can buy .500 S&W online and have it shipped to your door. You must be at least 21 for handgun ammunition, and some states and municipalities add restrictions or shipping limits, so confirm your state and local laws before ordering.