What Is .500 smith and wesson mag

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Last updated: April 10, 2026

Quick Answer: The .500 S&W Magnum is a large-caliber revolver cartridge introduced by Smith & Wesson in 2003, firing a 500-grain (32.4g) bullet at approximately 1,400 feet per second. It's recognized as one of the most powerful handgun cartridges ever produced, generating over 6,000 foot-pounds of muzzle energy and designed primarily for hunting large game and long-range handgun shooting.

Key Facts

Introduced by Smith & Wesson in 2003 specifically for the S&W 500 revolver
Fires a 500-grain bullet at 1,400 feet per second with 6,048 foot-pounds of muzzle energy
Generates approximately 60-70 pounds of recoil, requiring specialized training and equipment
Used extensively for hunting large game like elk, moose, and dangerous African wildlife
Case length of 1.285 inches with maximum pressure rating of 60,000 PSI

Overview

The .500 S&W Magnum is a centerfire revolver cartridge introduced in 2003 by Smith & Wesson, marking a significant advancement in large-caliber handgun ammunition. This cartridge was specifically developed to maximize the stopping power and long-range effectiveness of the S&W 500 revolver, a firearm designed for hunters and precision shooters who require extraordinary power in a handheld weapon.

As the most powerful handgun cartridge in widespread production, the .500 S&W Magnum delivers exceptional ballistic performance with 6,048 foot-pounds of muzzle energy using standard factory ammunition. The cartridge's design reflects decades of magnum cartridge development, incorporating modern powders and bullet technology to achieve performance levels previously thought impossible in a revolver platform. Its introduction revolutionized long-range handgun hunting, particularly for North American big game and dangerous game applications.

How It Works

The .500 S&W Magnum operates within the specifications of modern revolver design, utilizing a case length of 1.285 inches and a maximum pressure rating of 60,000 PSI. Here's how this powerful cartridge functions:

Bullet Specifications: Standard factory loads fire a 500-grain projectile at approximately 1,400 feet per second, though premium hunting rounds may vary slightly. The bullet diameter measures .500 inches, corresponding to the cartridge's namesake designation.
Powder Charge: The cartridge uses slow-burning powders like H110 or RL-7, which provide consistent pressure curves and optimal velocity for heavy bullet weights. These powders are essential for achieving efficient energy transfer and consistent point-of-impact accuracy.
Case Design: The magnum-length case accommodates larger powder charges than standard revolver cartridges, enabling superior velocity and energy. The robust case construction handles the extreme internal pressures generated during firing without risk of case failure.
Ignition System: A large rifle primer ensures reliable and consistent ignition of the slow-burning powders necessary for optimal performance. The primer design must accommodate the massive pressure spikes characteristic of this cartridge.

Key Comparisons

Understanding how the .500 S&W Magnum compares to other powerful cartridges helps illustrate its unique position in the firearms world:

Cartridge	Bullet Weight	Muzzle Velocity	Muzzle Energy
.500 S&W Magnum	500 grains	1,400 fps	6,048 ft-lbs
.44 Magnum	300 grains	1,150 fps	880 ft-lbs
.454 Casull	300 grains	1,625 fps	1,764 ft-lbs
.45-70 Government	405 grains	1,330 fps	1,590 ft-lbs

The comparison clearly demonstrates the .500 S&W Magnum's superiority in raw power output, nearly seven times the energy of the .44 Magnum. This makes it particularly effective for long-range handgun hunting where other revolver cartridges would be insufficient.

Why It Matters

The .500 S&W Magnum's development and adoption have significantly impacted handgun hunting and long-range shooting sports:

Hunting Applications: The cartridge excels for hunting large North American game such as elk, moose, and bear, as well as dangerous game in Africa. Its power enables ethical one-shot kills at distances where other handguns would be unreliable.
Accuracy Performance: Modern .500 S&W ammunition delivers consistent ballistics that allow skilled shooters to achieve accurate shots to 100-200 yards. This accuracy range expands handgun hunting possibilities previously limited by cartridge limitations.
Recoil Management: The cartridge's substantial recoil, typically 60-70 pounds, requires specialized firearms training and often specialized equipment like recoil reducers. This limits the user base to dedicated long-range handgun enthusiasts.
Legal Hunting Impact: Many jurisdictions now permit handgun hunting during rifle seasons in areas where handgun-legal ammunition like the .500 S&W Magnum is used, expanding hunting opportunities. This has made it the preferred cartridge for handgun hunters in these regions.

Since its introduction in 2003, the .500 S&W Magnum has become the standard for maximum-power revolver ammunition, establishing a benchmark that remains unchallenged in the handgun ammunition market. Its development demonstrated that modern manufacturing and metallurgy could safely handle previously theoretical performance levels, changing the landscape of handgun hunting permanently.