theres no question that a 500 mag hits almost twice as hard and delivers massive impact energy,
one has to respect that, and you can,t deny or ignore the physics.
if your confronting something at longer range or an animal that can be violent, theres zero question the 500 mag has serious advantages ,
if the person using the handgun can use it accurately with its weight and significant recoil.
http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/?Caliber=500+SqqqW+Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun& Order=Powder&Source=
I doubt anyone's questioning that or would try to pretend its not a great deal more powerful than the 44 mag.
I'm simply pointing out that for almost 5 decades I've rarely had a bullet from any of my 44 mag or 445 DWSM revolvers,
fail to exit a deer or hog, I've shot regardless of the range or impact point
my 44 mag revolver is the longer barrel version
http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=44%20Magnum&Weight=All&type=Ha ndgun&Order=Powder&Source=
Ive also used and own a 10" dan wesson 445 super mag, this is a serious step up and very accurate,
but both the 44 mag and 445 mag are very lethal and both leave exit wounds
http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=445%20Supermag&Weight=All&type =Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=
that being stated , once you can with your revolver and cartridge of choice,
consistently punch through the intended game at any reasonable range and angle and have consistent bullet exits.
like can be done with a hard cast 300-310 grain, 44 mag on deer and most hogs I don,t see having more power as a big advantage.
now if you step up to Elk, the 445 DWSM has a noticeable range advantage as you gained about 300 fps with the identical bullets.
if I was contemplating going up against something like lion, or large bear, than the S&W 460 or S&W 500 mag, if the correct projectile is used,
is simply a better choice without ANY question
heres a rather interesting video, where a guy filmed his hunts using a ruger 44 mag handgun with 300 grain bullets
it certainly seems to work rather consistently, and while a 500 S&W surely hits harder ,and has twice the power,
I doubt its twice as effective, as with most hunts knowing your games anatomy and being a good consistent shot maters more than power alone