Rune

I am assuming that you are having a hard time finding information on the 500, not the 470. As you well know th e 470 is the most popular caliber in the Big stopping rifles and is made by many people. It is also possible, but not likely, that you can find ammunition on the shelf for it.

The 500 is a better cartridge as a stopping rifle by virtue of it's bigger bullet, 570 grains vs 500 grain, and energy, 5800 vs 5100. It was John Hunters favorite cartridge for a large caliber. Recently it is gaining in popularity due in part, I believe, to shooters wanting something different than the 470.

The down side is a harder recoiling rifle and a heavier rifle to carry. Also you will have to pay allot of money for ammunition if you buy ready made. Both rifles should be handloaded, for expense and fine tuning.

As far as an animal knowing the difference, they are are equal. Only the largest animals will be effected by the increased energy and then only on the marginal shots, not a well placed one.

I do see a problem with rifles in the larger calibers though and that is the balance and handling characteristics. Bigger bullets make for bigger and heavier barrels. To balance a heavier set of barrels you need a heavier stock and this makes for a heavier rifle. This is good in regards to recoil but swinging an 11 or 12 pound rifle around for a snap shot at a dangerous animal can be difficult unless the rifle is perfectly balanced and the shooter strong enough and fresh enough to do it. I haven't seen any of the moderately priced doubles that have this quality. They are all made identically to other calibers and seem barrel heavy to me.

Before you pick a rifle try and see the actual rifle you will buy.

edited for some pretty lousy spelling and grammer.

Good luck,