The 475 v 500 Linebaugh discussion is along the same lines as this one but didn't want to hi-jack the other thread.

If someone was considering 1/2" guns, what are the pluses and minuses? I've dug up load info on 500 JRH, 500 Linebaugh - reg and max, 500 S&W, and 500 WY Exp. The JRH, Linebaugh reg, and WE all look very similar. The S&W looks like too much of a good thing. I also think some of these are actually 0.511 vs 0.500 diameter.

My purposes for such a revolver are geared toward hunting. To me, a 6.5" 50 cal would be ideal. BFR is the only outfit I know of making a 'production' gun for any of the 50 cals. I'm watching a 5.5" BFR now but think a 6.5" barrel better. The other option is to convert my Ruger SS Bisley into a 5 shot 50 cal.

If I was to convert my Bisley, which cartridge is the best route for components, dies, shootability, and overall project viability with the Ruger Bisley frame. What I don't want is to build a gun that I can't get brass, have to order custom dies, or conversion costs a fortune because of the limitations of the frame. The most cost effective route is likely the BFR but I'm interested my options. Any/all thoughts encouraged and appreciated.

Thanks.

I too have been leaning twards the BFR. I think the 5.5" barrel would be great for carry-ability. But then again it will be awhile before I buy anymore guns, since I just took posession of a brand new Fredom Arms about a month ago, and can't really afford another toy right now..

To me the .500 JRH makes the most sense from a practicality standpoint: large bullet selection, fits in a "normally sized" revolver, .500 S&W brass can be used to make cases, etc. The .500 Linebagh and Maximum are .511 bore. For me the .500 Smith is too much of a good thing, requiring a whole lot of revolver to house. Yes, my pet cartridge the .500 Maximum also requires a bigger revolver, but at the pressures we run in the Max compared to the S&W lets us get away with use in a Ruger Maximum platform which is just a little bigger (longer) than a standard Blackhawk.

FA offers the .500 WE which is the ballistic twin to the .500 JRH but requires proprietary brass. The BFR can be had for a song and dance -- I just picked one up in .500 JRH.

You get the 5.5 or 7.5" version?

Dies for the JRH - can a guy use 500 S&W dies?

the 500 jrh is what my son ended up buying and imho it's waaay more practical than the 500L, there's really no situation i'd need the 500+ grainers in the 500L and any animal that'd be an advantage on i'd just shoot the barnes buster or a punch bullet out of the jrh and put the advantage squarely back in the jrh's favor.
the smith can be had in a few platforms that just aren't that big imho. the 6.5" barreled 500 is the one i have and it's just not that cumbersome and is miles ahead in comfort to shoot. load the smith to jrh levels and it's a much more comfortable gun to shoot by miles, the jrh more comfortable to carry by a little bit (unless it's one of the long barreled smiths).
i really don't use either a whole bunch b/c i just don't need them but they sure are fun to play with.

let me clarify, need and want are 2 different things and blur the lines and my wants fall into needs which is why i have all of these calibers!

I have RCBS .500 S&W/Special dies and I have a 5 1/2-inch barreled BFR.