Most powerful revolver cartridge.

[seasterl]

I probably can't add much that hasn't already been presented, but wanted to mention that…

Power = Force x Velocity
Bullet Momentum = Bullet Mass x Velocity
Bullet Energy = 0.5 x Bullet Mass x Velocity^2

While downrange bullet energy and momentum play their part in terminal ballistics, the weight of the gun plays a role, too, in felt recoil energy and recoil velocity. The higher the pressure of the loaded cartridge, the faster the recoil velocity and the snappier it feels. Even a little bit of handgun weight can make a huge difference in felt recoil energy and velocity.

So the big question, IMO, is what's the most effective cartridge for terminal ballistics, and therein lies the great debate (e.g., TKO, etc). I have always felt that the bigger the target, the more important is momentum (since it places more emphasis on bullet weight), and the smaller the target more important is bullet energy (since it places more emphasis on bullet velocity,.. think varmits).

As far as small, lightweight, packable, yet effective revolvers, the Linebaugh philosophy is about using lower pressure to drive a heavy-for-caliber bullet (lots of sectional density) at reasonable velocities to punch holes in the game. Blunt force of a WFN and deep penetration is used for more reliable performance rather than elaborate bullet design at high speed. (Not talking about rifles.). Of course, shot placement is always critical.

Just my $0.10 worth.

 

[Dan in MI]

I shot my first 500 Smith last weekend. Not at all what I expected. The owner had never shot it and wanted me to be the guinea pig. I really wasn't impressed. After I emptied a cylinder he tried it. He was ok with it but it was obvious it was not his cup of tea. His son popped one round and gave up. after that i asked if he'd let me shoot it one handed. You could see he wanted me to, but was afraid for his gun. He still let me do it. And it still didn't impress me. I don't know much about the ammo, just that is was factory Hornady box. I never read what the load was. I will admit before the first round I was a little concerned if age and lack of recent shooting would be an issue. it wasn't.

Personal "worst" was a 50-70 Contender.

 

[chet15]

A good friend of mine at one time owned 1/3 of United Sporting Arms. It happened to be deer season and he had a tag, so while running some loads through one of the .454's he built a stupid deer decided to trot out onto his firing range about 75 yards away. He fired one shot, the deer ran away so he figured he missed it. The neighbor found it dead a 1/4 mile away. Shot placement yes, but that .454 passed clean through the deer and the deer didn't even know it. Fast or powerful doesn't always mean stopping power.
I've never had a deer go more than 10 yards using a 12 gauge with Remington sabot.
Chet15

 

[Don Lovel]

My 335gr gas check 45 Colt load in my Bisley Vaquero will shoot all the way through 2 treated 6x6 wood blocks and 3 gallon jugs of water.
How much more power do you need?

 

[el caminero]

High velocity and small light bullets are for head shots, be it coyote or caribou.
Anywhere else you hit, increasing weight and diameter and terminal bullet performance are increasingly on your side, even if they are slower. And dont overspeed the bullet; they are engineered for selected velocity brackets. keith and taylor and gates favored bigger is often better; we aint all karamojo bell!

 

[Hooverjc]

We have a 460 S&W. It will also shoot 45 Colt and 454. What I like about it is the accuracy. It is more pleasant to shoot than a 4" model 29 w/wood grip.

Have two, a 7" and 10" both fun to shot and accurate1