All things being equal, which would you pick, a .470 or a .500 and why?

Dave

I don't own a .500, just a .470 & a 450/400 3", but I plan on picking one up in the next year or so. The reason: I'm convinced that the .500 is the ultimate stopping rifle when you consider both energy & penetration. I have on order a Searcy Classic .577, but when you consider the penetration factor, from what I've read (no personal experience, just what others have written), I think if I had it to do again, I'd have picked the .500 over the .577. Let's hear some other opinions.

+1 My pick would be a 500NE as well! I have owned 450/400NE 3", 500/450NE, 470NE, 500NE, and 577NE double rifles,in the above .400 calibers, and the well fitted 500NE is my choice. Right now I'm shooting the 470NE in that class!

500 Nitro any day.

The 470 class guns kill well, but something about the .510 calibre
just has that extra punch over the 470 class when it hits.

Sorry....I'm bucking the trend....I'd go with a 470. Plenty of punch and definitly recoils less than a 500. Also, ammo is more plentiful...albeit not cheap. There's a reason that the 470 is a popular caliber of double.

Gary
DRSS
NRA Lifer
SCI
DSC

500NE. I have a Merkel ejector gun. Yes, it has stout recoil, it is a harsh mistress if you are not paying attention and it takes perseverence and focus to master it. However, all that fades to a trife when you see how it hits like the Hammer of Thor. Read chapter 14 of Hunter
by J.A. Hunter, he is effusive in his praise of the 500NE.

The only time I would pick a 500NE over a 470 is if I hunted Elephant every year.
Other wise the 470NE and its recoil is just fine.

quote:

Originally posted by ozhunter:
The only time I would pick a 500NE over a 470 is if I hunted Elephant every year.
Other wise the 470NE and its recoil is just fine.

X2. The 500NE is well beyond enough for buff.

JPK

Put me down for the .500 NE. Anything you want to hunt with a .470 you can hunt with a .500, plus the .500 has a knock down effect that has to be seen to be believed. The recoil difference is easily managed with a properly weighted rifle.

OK all you big talkers, just a reminder my Merkel .500 is for sale in the classifieds.

never found a need for anything bigger than 470

Unless I was going to hunt elephant professionaly, I would stick with the 470. Although the 500 has more stopping power, the 470 has all the stopping power you will need and then some. The 470 is typicaly built at least one pound lighter and is handier than the 500 and that can be important on long walks in the hot sun.

465H&H

quote:

Originally posted by butchloc:
never found a need for anything bigger than 470

Since when did need come into the equation

If need came into our thinking, why do we all own multiple double rifles ?

Well, fellows, as the 'ld man gets older the lighter weight looks attractive. I know there are light weight .500s out there, but a properly weighted 5oo is just heavier, or a light one kicks more. I find myself leaving the .500 at home, as much as I like it, and taking the H&H .500/450 which is just a version of the .470.

I have shoot several .470s and .500s. I own a Merkel .500NE and would not trade it for two .470s. Just my opinion. You can always load it down for practice. If you can not carry a .500NE because of the weight, you probably need to get to the gym.

Fwiw, anyone interested in a serious study of this subject will get a lot out of obtaining and reading a copy of Taylor's "African Rifles & Cartridges". It contains a detailed, exhaustive treatment and comparison of all commonly known dangerous and non-dangerous game cartridges as of the time it was published. The work is dated now, for instance, the .458 I don't think had been invented then. But the coverage of the famed older cartridges including the .375, .470, and .500 makes it a true classic and more than worthwhile. It's also highly entertaining.

I've owned a 470 and now own a 500. Hands down, the 500 rules. I would own a 450 N.E. before I would own another DR in 470, much more versatle. With a 500 in house I would opt for a 450/400 little brother.

.470 or .500? .500 or .470? Okay, screw it. Problem solved. I am going to buy one of each Probably .470 first.

What the hell, I am not getting any younger and this and motorcycles are my only hobbies.