The author's two Smith & Wesson X-Frame revolvers chambered in .500 S&W Mag. The velocity target was 2,000 f.p.s., and that is easily achieved with 300-grain bullets from the 8 3/8" revolver barrel.

By that standard, the .500 Magnum is easily twice as powerful as the .44 Magnum. At speeds of up to 2,075 feet per second, .500 Magnum is generally faster than .50 Action Express.