Nomercy448

Depends what you're really looking for. The difference in weight and size between the .454 and the S&W mags in the BFR is substantial. The 454 BFR is basically a Ruger Super Blackhawk clone, a bit larger, whereas the .45-70, .460 & 500 are stretched frame versions, a pound and a half heavier than an SBH, and a few inches longer for the same bbl length.

I had a BFR in .45-70 many years ago, for what it's worth, I DRASTICALLY favor the Ruger Super Redhawk in .454 Cassull over the .45-70 BFR. Favoring the nicer handling 7.5" Ruger SBH in .44mag and 7.5" SRH in 454 over the bulky BFR.

So if you want something handy and powerful, the .454 is likely the better option. But comparing the 454 to the S&W mags is like comparing the .357mag to the .44mag, or the .44mag to the 454 or .480. Or similar to comparing the .30-30 to the .300win mag. Big jump in power and performance.

Between the 460 and the 500, it depends what you're looking for. I'm doubting that you want to have the coolest toy on the street, so the "It's the 500" appeal won't matter to you. When the .460 came out, it seems like a lot of hunters realized that it superceded its big brother, so guys that buy the big cannons to play at the range still buy the 500's, guys that want to use them want the .460's.

The size of the BFR or the X-frame S&W's is what turns me off from these rounds. If I'm going to carry a 4.5-5lb revolver that's a foot and a half long, I'd rather carry a rifle, or bolt pistol in a flatter shooting round. I like shooting them when I have a chance to, but I'd rather have the portability over the power.

So my first inclination would be the .454Cassull for the portability, but on the other hand if you're looking to get big power, I'd get the .460 over the .500 or the .454, if I were choosing a BFR.