The .500 Linebaugh is a powerful, high-caliber handgun cartridge developed by custom gunsmith John Linebaugh in the late 1980s. It is based on a .348 Winchester rifle cartridge case cut down and re-formed to hold a .50 caliber bullet. Typically, the .500 Linebaugh fires heavy bullets weighing between 400 to 525 grains, designed for deep penetration and stopping power.
This cartridge was designed for use in revolvers and is typically utilized in customized, large-frame single-action revolvers. It is particularly popular among handgun hunters for large and dangerous game due to its significant stopping power and penetration capacity. The cartridge is ideal for situations requiring maximum impact and is often used in regions where hunting powerful game like bears, moose, or African big game is common.
The .500 Linebaugh is known for its substantial recoil and noise, given its powerful ballistics. Due to these characteristics, it is less suitable for inexperienced shooters and is primarily favored among enthusiasts and professional hunters who require a potent and reliable cartridge for challenging hunting conditions.