Big Bore Revolvers

[Slowdive]

Forgetting about cost and acquisition logistics, what are the pros/cons of a revolver chambered in an old school low pressure rifle cartridge like the 45-70 (ala Magnum Research BFR) vs a modern high pressure big bore pistol cartridge like the S&W 460 or 500.

Ballistically they seem similar. It seems the old rifle cartridge has a clear advantage if you already have and load for rifles chambered in 45-70. Or am I missing something?

The biggest difference I can see is that the 45-70 revolvers are offered only in SA, vs the 460/500's are offered in both SA and DA.

 

[nheric]

i was told once that the 45-70 is the way to go if you reload. Because the 500 s&w loads are near max and the the hottest 500 loads have about the same power as a mild 45-70 load . He was also was saying that you have allot more to play with in the 45-70 to build up loads.

I am quoting a friend who owns and reloads for the BFR in both rounds I don't know how true this is, I only load the 45-70 and I load
it to the low end of the scale with trail boss

 

[Slowdive]

I also reload 45-70. The 45-70 generally uses rifle power and the 460/500 uses burning pistol powder, I can see how maybe the smaller cartridge w/ a faster powder may improve short barrel performance. Looking at the big bore Smiths it looks like they come in 4" & 6.5" bbls which I can see not being great for 45-70. Although I have some good 45-70 plinking loads that use Unique & 2400, they might do fine in a short barrel but prob not nearly as good as a factory 500. For long barrels I don't see any advantage for the 460/500.