The X-Frames are niche guns, designed for hunting and DG protection.
I do not believe this is true. Not even close, not ever. The 500 was designed to be the "largest". It is a great money maker, ie popular for another reason. All the criticism should keep in mind, that makes a lot of people getting subtle insulted. These guns are 99% purchased for fun and novelty. Some might call it braggin rights. Those who carry 500 for any purpose are a minisule minority. I would like one someday. I make no pretense for use. I just want one.
There is no reason to invent some pretend use for the 500. If you happen to own the 500, which is a fun gun. Then sure, you can make animals dead. Might as well. To quote: "why not?" I think anyone on this forum would be hard press to name a gun that cannot take game. Why not? Like M1 Garand, it will take any game in North America. That was never the primary purpose nor was it for the 500 revolver.
Not only has S&W reclaimed the title of most powerful production handgun, they have maxed out the legal bore diameter and at pressure levels that very few revolvers could ever handle.
Smith owns the biggest title. Look at sales or demand for 480 ruger or 475 . Those were all touted as very useful and pretend popular hunting revolvers right up to the 500. Both dead and soon to be burred. The 44 mag and 454 still go strong, even if not close to bragin for biggest. That tells you something about 44 and 45 diameter.
I have never seen a 500 without some type of porting or brake. That is guarantee hearing damage if shot without hearing protection. If blowing out you ear drums is a fair trade for venison, fine? Or buy some of those electrons muffs.