I would like to take this opportunity to voice agreement with Marrakai that the .500 is too much gun for enjoyable everyday shooting. It takes concentration and discipline to shoot the .500. In some ways it is like sparring with another man who knows how to use his fists - you know you are going to get belted, but you must accept that in order to get your hit in.

However, the .500 can be made to be very comfortable to shoot. I shoot a 500 grain cast lead bullet (not 570 grain) over 45.0 grains XMP5744 for a very comfortable practice load out of the .500 NE. It's plenty of power for taking ordinary game such as deer, elk, moose, pigs, kangaroos, and donkeys, but is still a lot of fun.

As for weight on a .500, I would not want one over 11 pounds as it gets hard to carry on a long stalk (more than 10 miles).