I’ve been diving deep into the world of big bore cartridges lately, and I keep coming across discussions about the .500 Linebaugh and the .500 S&W. Both seem like powerful options, but I’m looking for some insights from fellow enthusiasts here.
Performance Comparison
Velocity:
The .500 S&W is known for its higher velocities compared to the .500 Linebaugh. Some users report velocities around 1,600 fps with the S&W, whereas the Linebaugh tends to be around 1,400 fps. For those who prioritize speed, this might be a crucial factor.
Bullet Diameter:
Both cartridges boast a .500" diameter; however, the bullet design and specifications might differ. I’ve read that the S&W often has a wider variety of factory loads available, which could be a benefit for casual shooters.
Recoil Management:
One thing that seems to be quite subjective is recoil. Many users have shared their thoughts that the Linebaugh might offer a more manageable recoil due to its slower velocity. For those of you who have shot both, how do they compare in terms of comfort?
Practical Applications
Hunting:
I’ve seen the .500 Linebaugh frequently mentioned for hunting purposes, especially for larger game. It seems to have a solid reputation in the field. What has been your experience?
Target Shooting:
The .500 S&W has a plethora of ammunition available, which can make it more appealing for range days. But how does that translate to accuracy? I’d love to hear your thoughts on which one excels more at the range.
Conclusion
I’m eager to hear your experiences and any recommendations regarding these cartridges. What are the pros and cons you’ve noticed? Which one do you prefer and why? Any insights will be greatly appreciated as I weigh my options!
I’ve been looking into the ballistics of the 500 Linebaugh and the 500 S&W. The Linebaugh generally has a heavier bullet with higher sectional density, which can be great for penetration. Anyone tried both?
I’ve used both, and the 500 S&W has a higher velocity, making it great for flatter trajectories. However, I prefer the Linebaugh for big game hunting due to its stopping power.
Both cartridges have impressive energy figures, but the S&W typically offers more muzzle energy than the Linebaugh. It really depends on what you’re hunting.
For self-defense, I’d argue the 500 S&W takes the edge. The higher velocity can be more effective in closer encounters, where quick follow-up shots matter.
That’s a valid point, but the heavy bullet of the Linebaugh can cause significant damage right from the get-go, making it no slouch in defensive situations either.
That’s interesting! I’ve noticed that the Linebaugh’s heavier bullets can absorb more recoil, making it feel less punishing overall during extended shooting sessions.
Let’s not forget about bullet variety. The 500 S&W has a more extensive selection of factory ammo, which is great for customization in both hunting and self-defense contexts.
On the other hand, the 500 Linebaugh is often considered a handloader’s dream. The flexibility and power can be great once you get comfortable with it.
There’s definitely a bit of rivalry here! But seriously, for hunting large game, the Linebaugh has the reputation to back it up, while the S&W excels in more versatile applications.
I’ve been looking into the 500 Linebaugh and 500 S&W, but I’m curious about the types of firearms available for each. Are there more options for one over the other?
Great question! The 500 S&W has a wider variety of revolvers and even a few single-shot rifles, while the 500 Linebaugh generally sticks to custom revolvers and a couple of options in rifles. It really depends on what you like to shoot.
I’ve found that the platforms for the 500 S&W, like the S&W Model 500 revolver, are very popular. They have a nice build quality and can handle the heavy loads well. Linebaughs can be a bit more niche but offer incredible power!
True! But I’ve also seen some impressive performances from the 500 S&W, especially in hunting scenarios. It seems like a balance between power and versatility.
If you’re into custom builds, the 500 Linebaugh has some incredible choices, but you might be waiting a while for a gun to be made. The 500 S&W can be found readily and at better prices too!