Undisputed Heavyweight Champion: The .500 Maximum

by
posted on November 16, 2017
_500maximum_lead.jpg

The .500 Maximum is to hunting revolvers what the big Nitro Express cartridges are to hunting rifles. This is the proverbial big hammer. It features a .511-inch bullet and a 1.6-inch-long case.

Because of its length, the .500 Maximum requires a revolver with a longer-than-standard frame that was produced for little more than a year in the 1980s by Ruger, in a new caliber, the .357 Maximum. Essentially, the .357 Maximum is a lengthened .357 Magnum that was designed for metallic-silhouette warfare. It met with some success, but purported problems with top-strap erosion sidelined the .357 Maximum and the long Ruger revolvers that housed the cartridge. According to available records, roughly 16,000 of these extended-frame revolvers made it to gun shops across the nation.

So, that said, there is a finite supply of these special revolvers. While two other revolver manufacturers offered guns in .357 Maximum (also known as the .357 SuperMag), they are infrequently used in this particular big-caliber conversion. This is a custom proposition only; you will likely have to make your own brass by cutting down available .50 Alaskan brass. Yeah, it sounds like a lot of work, but this is the revolver version of the Hammer of Thor. Like all revolver rounds, on paper it looks relatively meek, but paper ballistics aside, this is one mean round on animal flesh.

Want to read more on handgun hunting? Check out Max Prasac’s articles below:

• The Big Hitters of Handgun Hunting
• 
Hardware: Ruger New Model Super Blackhawk
• 
First Look: .480 Ruger and .454 Casull Ruger Super Blackhawks
• 
South African Safari
• 
Magnum Research BFR Review

■ ■ ■

Max Prasac is the author of the Gun Digest Book of Hunting Revolvers. It’s a fresh take on a pastime that has been practiced for generations, and it’s organized into three main concepts: the principles of handgun hunting, the equipment necessary and the capabilities of several caliber offerings among the selection of hunting handguns available today. Anecdotes and pictures throughout the work detail the use of revolvers in hunting camps around the globe from North America to South America and Africa. $25.49; gundigeststore.com.

Latest

Ledehenry SPD HUSH
Ledehenry SPD HUSH

Henry Repeating Arms Launches HUSH Series Optimized for Suppressor Use

Henry Repeating Arms has officially introduced the HUSH Series. This new line of suppressor-optimized lever-action rifle is the debut release from the company’s Special Products Division (SPD), a new R&D initiative focused on forward-thinking innovation.

Member's Hunt: A Tale of Two Treestands

This latest Member's Hunt comes from Erin Prajzner of Glen Rock, Pa.

New for 2025: Zeiss SFL 50 Binocular

Zeiss has presented its all-new SFL 50 binocular, an extension of the company's SFL family of binocular. It combines the optical performance of a 50 mm binocular, with the size and weight category of competitors’ 42mm frame sizes.

New for 2025: Savage AC30 B.O.B. AccuCan Suppressor

Savage introduces the AC30 B.O.B. (Back Over Barrel) suppressor, a great option for those looking to enhance balance and reduce overall firearm length while shooting suppressed.

First Look: Barnes Harvest Collection Ammunition

Barnes has debuted its Harvest Collection line of ammunition, targeted squarely at American whitetail hunters. Topped with the venerable Sierra Tipped GameKing (TGK) bullet, Barnes Harvest Collection is designed for maximal lethality on thin-skinned game, combining near match-grade accuracy with impressive terminal performance.

First Look: BANISH 30-V2

New from Banish Suppressors, the Banish 30-V2 is an upgraded version of the company’s popular Banish 30 suppressor that is shorter, lighter, quieter and more versatile than ever.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.