friz - I'm not trying to throw everyone into the same barrel. You are missing my point. Very few people would carry a 35lb sniper rifle around to shoot 500 yards. The guys that would hunt with one want to shoot game at extreme range, either because they are too lazy to get closer or because they have some type of militaristic fantasies. There are plenty of rifle/cartridge combinations that are suitable for taking game at 500 yards. Although I would contend that 500 yards is beyond the capabilities of the vast majority of hunters.

The .50 BMG is not suitable as a hunting weapon. It is a great military tool, a great long-range target round, and even a pretty neat toy.