Best 500 S&W Mag Ammo - Editor's Choice

What is 500 S&W Magnum ammo?🧐

It is a powerful handgun cartridge developed by Cor-Bon in partnership with Smith & Wesson. It was introduced in 2003 and was the most powerful commercially available handgun cartridge at the time of its release. The cartridge is designed for use in large-frame revolvers, specifically the Smith & Wesson Model 500 revolver.

500 S&W Magnum ammo

Features📝

The .500 S&W Magnum ammunition possesses several notable features that set it apart from other handgun cartridges. Here are some of its key characteristics:

🔷 High Power: It is one of the most powerful handgun cartridges available commercially. It’s massive bullet diameter and large case capacity allow it to generate extremely high muzzle energies, making it suitable for taking down large and dangerous games.

🔷 Stopping Power: Due to its immense power, this ammo delivers exceptional stopping power. It can cause significant tissue damage and penetration, making it effective for self-defense in situations where a handgun is the chosen weapon.

🔷 Heavy Bullet Options: It typically offers a variety of heavy bullet options, ranging from 300 to 700 grains. These heavy bullets contribute to its stopping power and terminal performance.

🔷 Magnum Designation: The “Magnum” designation indicates that this cartridge is a high-pressure, high-performance round. It signifies that the .500 S&W Magnum operates at significantly higher pressures than standard handgun cartridges.

🔷 Hunting Capabilities: It is commonly used for hunting large game at close to moderate distances. It is suitable for hunting animals like bears, boars, and other dangerous game.

Our Top Pick
Federal Premium Centerfire Handgun 500 S&W Magnum Ammo 275 Grain
The first thing that may catch your attention is the innovative monolithic bullet design. This all-copper bullet weighs in at 275 grains, providing a reliable and solid feel. The nickel-plated brass cartridge case adds a touch of class while also enhancing the ammo's durability. The real game-changer here is the 100 percent weight retention. That means the bullet retains its weight after impact, providing deep penetration and consistent performance. It has all the qualities you'd expect from a reputable brand, and it's worth considering for your next hunting adventure.
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If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Benefits💥

The .500 S&W Magnum ammunition offers several benefits, particularly for specific use cases and scenarios. Here are some of the advantages of this powerful cartridge:

✅ While primarily designed for hunting and self-defense, it can also be used for other purposes like target shooting, silhouette shooting, and handgun hunting competitions, catering to a niche group of enthusiasts.

✅ Within its intended range, the .500 S&W Magnum demonstrates excellent accuracy and terminal performance. It is well-suited for short-range engagements where its stopping power can be fully utilized.

✅ For individuals or professionals requiring a powerful for specific purposes, such as bear guides, backcountry explorers, or hunters in dangerous territories, this ammo provides a level of assurance and effectiveness against large predators.

✅ In regions where legal restrictions or practical considerations make it difficult to carry larger firearms like rifles, the .500 S&W Magnum can offer a viable alternative for dealing with potentially dangerous animals or situations.

Benefits of 500 S&W Magnum ammo

How to choose the best ammo?🔍

Determining the “best” .500 S&W Magnum ammunition depends on your specific needs and intended use. There are several factors to consider when choosing the right ammo:

➡️ Purpose: Decide on the primary purpose for which you’ll be using the ammunition. Are you planning to use it for hunting large games, self-defense, target shooting, or competition? Different purposes may require different bullet types and weights.
➡️ Bullet Type: It is available in various bullet types, such as hollow points, soft points, and hard cast lead bullets. Hollow points are often preferred for self-defense due to their controlled expansion and terminal performance. Hard-cast lead bullets may be favored for hunting applications due to their deep penetration capabilities.
➡️ Bullet Weight: This ammo offers a wide range of bullet weights, typically from 300 to 700 grains. Heavier bullets are generally more suitable for hunting large game, while lighter ones may have less recoil and be more manageable for self-defense or target shooting.
➡️ Velocity and Energy: Pay attention to the advertised muzzle velocity and muzzle energy of the ammunition. Higher velocity and energy can provide greater stopping power and better performance at longer ranges.
➡️ Cost: The cost of ammunition can be relatively high compared to standard handgun cartridges. Consider your budget and strike a balance between quality and affordability.
➡️ Local Laws and Regulations: Be aware of local laws and regulations regarding ammunition, as some jurisdictions may have restrictions on certain bullet types or features.

📌 Experimenting with different loads and bullet types may be necessary to find the one that suits you best. Always follow safety guidelines and adhere to proper ammunition compatibility with your specific handgun model.

500 S&W Magnum Ammo Review | Top-7 500 S&W Magnum Ammo

ImageProductBrand
Winchester SUPER-X HANDGUN 500 S&W Magnum Ammo 350 grainWinchesterBUY
Federal Premium Centerfire Handgun 500 S&W Magnum Ammo 325 grainFederal Premium CenterfireBUY
Winchester PLATINUM TIP HOLLOW POINT 500 S&W Magnum Ammo 400 grainWinchesterBUY
Winchester DUAL BOND HANDGUN 500 S&W Magnum Ammo 375 grainWinchesterBUY
Federal Premium Centerfire Handgun 500 S&W Magnum Ammo 275 grainFederal Premium CenterfireBUY
Federal Premium Centerfire Handgun 500 S&W Magnum Ammo 325 grainFederal Premium CenterfireBUY
Hornady Custom 500 S&W Magnum Ammo 300 GrainHornady CustomBUY

1# Winchester Super-X Handgun 500 S&W Magnum Ammo 350 grain

Winchester SUPER-X HANDGUN 500 S&W Magnum Ammo 350 grain

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First things first, love the confidence this ammunition instills in weapons. Rain or shine, obstacles or challenges, Winchester Super-X Handgun 500 S&W Magnum Ammo keeps performing at its full potential. With each shot, you experienced a proven path to impact, ensuring a faster and more effective takedown, making it perfect for deer hunting and even mountain lion hunting. One feature that stood out is the jacketed hollow point (JHP) bullet design. Our research has shown that this 350-grain JHP bullet guarantees consistent wound channel and expansion, delivering reliable knock-down power. Speaking of power, the muzzle velocity of 1350 ft/s and muzzle energy of 1416 ft-lbs is nothing short of impressive. Whether you’re targeting a big game or a small game, this ammo delivers consistent performance and lethality that you can count on.

Pros:
  • Reliable performance
  • Effective impact
  • Jacketed hollow point bullet
  • Knock-down power
Cons:
  • It is specifically designed for large-frame revolvers, limiting its compatibility with certain handguns

 

2# Federal Premium Centerfire Handgun 500 S&W Magnum Ammo 325 grain

Federal Premium Centerfire Handgun 500 S&W Magnum Ammo 325 grain

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Greetings! Today, we’re thrilled to share our experience with the Federal Premium Centerfire Handgun 500 S&W Magnum Ammo. Let’s talk about construction – Federal has taken a page from their centerfire rifle ammo, ensuring these bullets are built for toughness. The 325-grain Soft Point (SP) bullets feature the same construction as their rifle counterparts, ensuring outstanding durability and reliability for medium-game hunting. One of the features is the copper jacket, electro-chemically applied to the core. This results in a perfectly uniform jacket, ensuring consistent performance shot after shot. The skived, pre-programmed nose design is a game-changer, providing reliable expansion on impact, making every shot count. We all know the importance of deep penetration for effective hunting, and it delivers on this front with maximum weight retention. The ammo maintains its weight after impact, ensuring it goes the distance and delivers the desired results in the field. If you’re searching for a reliable and effective choice for whitetail hunting, this ammo won’t disappoint!

Pros:
  • Versatile application
  • Tough construction
  • Consistent expansion
  • Deep penetration
  • Copper jacket technology
Cons:
  • High price tag
  • Limited availability

 

3# Winchester Platinum Tip Hollow Point 500 S&W Magnum Ammo 400 grain

Winchester PLATINUM TIP HOLLOW POINT 500 S&W Magnum Ammo 400 grain

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This ammo combines cutting-edge technology with proven knock-down power and delivers a massive energy deposit – making it an impressive choice for your shooting adventures. The plated heavy wall jacket is designed to maximize penetration, making it ideal for taking on tough games. This ensures that the ammo maintains its momentum and delivers reliable performance in various hunting scenarios. The expansion is unparalleled, resulting in unmatched knock-down power and significant tissue damage. It’s impressive to witness the stopping power this ammo provides when taking down targets. Throughout our testing, we observed consistent and reliable performance with Winchester Platinum Tip Hollow Point 500 S&W Magnum Ammo. The technology behind it is evident, and it performs exactly as advertised. Each shot feels purposeful and effective, making it a valuable asset for our shooting endeavors. Whether you’re an avid hunter or just enjoy precision shooting, this ammo is worth considering for its impressive performance.

Pros:
  • Proven knock-down power
  • Massive energy deposit
  • Controlled expansion
  • Penetration on tough game
Cons:
  • It may not be ideal for general target shooting

 

4# Winchester Dual Bond Handgun 500 S&W Magnum Ammo 375 grain

Winchester DUAL BOND HANDGUN 500 S&W Magnum Ammo 375 grain

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Introducing the Winchester Dual Bond Handgun 500 S&W Magnum Ammo, a product that showcases state-of-the-art “bullet within a bullet” technology. This innovative design features a proprietary construction with a massive hollow point, providing an impressive 12-segment expansion for maximum stopping power and quicker kills. It is its heavy outer jacket, which plays a vital role in protecting the inner bullet during deep driving penetration. This protection ensures optimal energy transfer and knock-down power upon impact, making it lethal at various ranges and impact velocities. As our tests have shown, it consistently delivered impressive results. The lethal stopping performance at different ranges and impact velocities gave us the confidence to take precise shots, knowing the ammunition would perform reliably. From its innovative design to the heavy outer jacket and proprietary bonding process, every aspect of this ammunition is engineered for maximum lethality and effectiveness.

Pros:
  • Cutting-edge technology
  • Massive hollow point
  • Versatile lethality
  • Effective energy transfer
  • Innovative design
Cons:
  • It may generate more recoil
  • The lead content in ammunition may raise environmental concerns

 

5# Federal Premium Centerfire Handgun 500 S&W Magnum Ammo 275 grain

Federal Premium Centerfire Handgun 500 S&W Magnum Ammo 275 grain

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The first thing that stood out is the monolithic bullet design, crafted entirely from copper. This 275-grain bullet is a true performer, and we appreciate the efficiency and quality that Federal Premium has poured into its design and field testing. With a muzzle velocity of 1660 ft/s and muzzle energy of 1682 ft-lbs, this ammunition packs a punch that’s perfectly suited for big game hunting. Its nickel-plated brass cartridge case adds a touch of class while ensuring durability, making it an ideal choice for those challenging hunting trips. Whether it’s the accuracy, the reliable expansion, or the overall performance, Federal Premium Centerfire Handgun 500 S&W Magnum Ammo delivers on every front. It’s a great choice for those seeking a trustworthy and effective option for big game hunting. Stay safe, aim true, and enjoy your time outdoors!

Pros:
  • Nickel-plated brass cartridge
  • Powerful performance
  • 100 percent weight retention
  • All-copper construction
Cons:
  • It may be more expensive compared to standard ammunition

 

6# Federal Premium Centerfire Handgun 500 S&W Magnum Ammo 325 grain

Federal Premium Centerfire Handgun 500 S&W Magnum Ammo 325 grain

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Check out the Federal Premium Centerfire Handgun 500 S&W Magnum Ammo! The semi-spitzer soft point bullets, weighing 325 grains, are a true performer. Based on our observations they deliver an impressive muzzle velocity of 1800 ft/s and muzzle energy of 2338 ft-lbs, making them a force to be reckoned with for big game hunting. One distinguishing feature is the expansion-arresting A-Frame design. The back half of the bullet remains intact, ensuring deep penetration and reliable performance even in tough games. To enhance reliability and durability, Federal uses nickel-plated brass cartridge cases. Not only does this prevent corrosion, but it also aids in smooth extraction, even in challenging conditions. Another highlight is the specially formulated propellant and unique Federal primer. These components work together seamlessly to deliver consistent and accurate performance, making every shot count. Don’t wait any longer – try this ammunition just now!

Pros:
  • Corrosion resistance
  • Consistent expansion
  • Formulated propellant
  • Unique Federal primer
Cons:
  • Limited availability

 

7# Hornady Custom 500 S&W Magnum Ammo 300 Grain

Hornady Custom 500 S&W Magnum Ammo 300 Grain

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The Hornady Custom 500 S&W Magnum Ammo, is a product that truly brings innovation to the world of lever gun ammo. The Spitzer bullets feature safe designs that outshine their predecessors, delivering higher ballistic coefficients for flatter trajectories and increased downrange energy. It has an unbeatable bullet expansion at any range. Shooting with it provides the confidence of consistent and reliable expansion, making it ideal for medium and large game hunting. With a bullet weight of 300 grains, a muzzle velocity of 2075 ft/s, and a muzzle energy of 2868 ft-lbs, this ammunition packs a punch that meets the demands of challenging hunting scenarios. The brass used is specifically selected to ensure reliable feeding, corrosion resistance, proper hardness, and the ability to withstand maximum chamber pressures. Each primer is carefully matched to individual loads to ensure optimal ignition and consistency. Its advanced technology, unbeatable bullet expansion, and optimized performance make it a game-changer in the world of lever gun ammo!

Video review

Pros:
  • Higher ballistic coefficient
  • Unbeatable bullet expansion
  • Quality brass cartridge cases
  • Matched powders and primers
Cons:
  • It may not be ideal for general self-defense

 

How far will it kill?💥

The effective range of a .500 S&W Magnum cartridge largely depends on various factors, including the specific load, bullet type, barrel length, shooter’s skill, and the intended target. The cartridge is extremely powerful and capable of delivering significant energy to the target, making it effective at relatively long distances compared to most other handgun cartridges.

🎯 For self-defense or personal protection against human-sized targets, it is effective at typical handgun engagement distances, which are generally within 25 yards (75 feet) or less. However, its extreme power and recoil make it challenging to shoot accurately at longer distances, and most shooters will have difficulty consistently hitting targets beyond 50 yards (150 feet).

🎯 For hunting large game, the effective range can vary depending on the shooter’s skill level and the specific load used. Some experienced shooters with appropriate equipment and practice may be able to take ethical shots at large game animals like bears or boars at distances of up to 100 yards (300 feet) or slightly beyond.

📌 It’s crucial to understand that handguns, including the .500 S&W Magnum, are generally designed for short-range engagements. While they have potent stopping power, their effective range is limited compared to rifles.

FAQ🤩

500 Special vs .500 S&W Magnum: what difference?

🔷 The .500 S&W Special and the .500 S&W Magnum are two handgun cartridges with some similarities but also significant differences. Let’s compare them:

🛑 .500 S&W Special:

🧩 History: It is a relatively newer cartridge, introduced in 2005 as a shorter, less powerful version of the .500 S&W Magnum.

🧩 Power: While it is less powerful than its Magnum counterpart, the .500 S&W Special still delivers impressive power and recoil.

🧩 Intended Use: The .500 S&W Special is primarily designed for personal protection and hunting medium to large games at closer ranges. It is often used in revolvers with a shorter cylinder length.

🧩 Availability: It is less common than the Magnum version, and there is a narrower selection of ammunition available.

🧩 Recoil: The .500 S&W Special generates substantial recoil but is generally more manageable than the Magnum version due to the slightly reduced power.

🛑 .500 S&W Magnum:

🧩 History: The .500 S&W Magnum is a powerful handgun cartridge introduced in 2003 as the most potent commercial handgun cartridge at that time.

🧩 Power: It is one of the most powerful handgun cartridges ever produced, capable of delivering massive muzzle energy and stopping power.

🧩 Intended Use: The .500 S&W Magnum is primarily designed for hunting large and dangerous games at close to moderate distances. It is used in large-frame revolvers specifically designed to handle its size and power.

🧩 Recoil: It generates significant recoil, which can be challenging for some shooters to manage, especially with the heaviest loads.

👍 The choice between the two depends on the intended use, the firearm’s cylinder length, and the shooter’s ability to manage recoil.

📺 More info in the video:

How to reload such ammo?

✒️ Reloading .500 S&W Magnum ammunition can be a rewarding experience for experienced shooters who want to tailor their loads to specific purposes or achieve cost savings. Here are the general steps for reloading:

💣 Gather Equipment and Components: Ensure you have a reliable reloading press, dies specifically designed for .500 S&W Magnum, appropriate powder measure, priming tool, scale, calipers, and other necessary reloading equipment. Additionally, gather high-quality brass, bullets, primers, and powder suitable for such loads.

💣 Inspect Brass: Before reloading, inspect the brass for signs of damage, defects, or excessive wear. Discard any questionable or damaged cases.

💣 Clean Brass: If the brass is dirty or has residue, clean it thoroughly using a tumbler or another appropriate method.

💣 Resize and Deprime: Use the resizing die to resize the brass to the proper dimensions and remove the spent primer (de-priming).

💣 Priming: Insert new primers into the primer pocket of each resized case using a priming tool.
Powder Charging: Follow the load data from reputable sources to determine the appropriate powder charge weight for the specific bullet and load you are using. Use a reliable powder measure to dispense the correct amount of powder into each case.

💣 Bullet Seating: Carefully seat the bullet to the proper depth, ensuring it is aligned straight with the case mouth.

💣 Crimp: If necessary, apply a slight crimp to secure the bullet in place. Be cautious not to over-crimp, as it can lead to problems during firing.

💣 Double-Check: Double-check every step of the reloading process to ensure that you have followed the correct procedures and that all components are assembled correctly.

💣 Load Development and Testing: Start with conservative loads and gradually work up to higher charges, monitoring for pressure signs and accuracy. It’s essential to test your reloads at the range and make adjustments as needed.

💣 Storage and Labeling: Store your reloads in a cool, dry place, and label them with important information like load data, bullet type, powder type, and date of loading.

📺 More info in the video:

What is a 500 S&W Magnum ammo good for?

💡 It is well-suited for several purposes due to its powerful and versatile characteristics. Here are some common applications:

💥 Big Game Hunting: It is a popular choice for hunting large and dangerous game such as bears, bison, and large wild boars. Its substantial bullet weight and high muzzle energy make it effective for taking down big animals.

💥 Self-Defense: While not a typical choice for concealed carry, the 500 S&W Magnum can be utilized as a powerful self-defense option for those who can handle its recoil. It offers significant stopping power and can be a reliable choice for personal protection in certain situations.

💥 Recreational Shooting: Some shooting enthusiasts enjoy the challenge and excitement of shooting this ammo for recreational purposes. Its potent performance makes it a thrilling choice for target shooting and plinking.

💥 Hunting in Dense Vegetation: The 500 S&W Magnum’s ability to penetrate through thick vegetation and brush can make it advantageous for hunting in dense forests or jungle environments.

💥 Handgun Hunting: For those who prefer handgun hunting, the 500 S&W Magnum offers a viable option, especially for those who are skilled in managing its recoil.

What is the difference between 500 S&W Magnum and Special?

🟣 The 500 S&W Magnum and the 500 S&W Special are two different cartridges that share a similar name but have distinct characteristics and purposes. Here are the main differences between the two:

🔶 Cartridge Size and Power: The 500 S&W Magnum is a high-powered revolver cartridge designed for maximum performance. It is a large, straight-walled cartridge with significant case capacity, capable of producing very high muzzle energy and velocity. The 500 S&W Magnum is one of the most potent handgun cartridges available, suitable for big game hunting and other specialized applications. The 500 S&W Special is a lower-powered version of the 500 S&W Magnum. It is essentially a shortened version of the Magnum cartridge, featuring a slightly shorter case and reduced powder capacity. As a result, it generates lower muzzle energy and velocity than the Magnum counterpart.

🔶 Intended Use: The 500 S&W Magnum is primarily designed for hunting large and dangerous game, such as bears and other heavy-bodied animals. Its high power and deep penetration capabilities make it well-suited for ethical hunting in challenging scenarios. The 500 S&W Special, on the other hand, is intended for less powerful applications, including recreational shooting, plinking, and potentially as a self-defense round for those who can handle its recoil. It may also appeal to shooters who want to experience a cartridge with some similarities to the Magnum but with reduced recoil and more manageable shooting characteristics.

🔶 Recoil: The Magnum cartridge generates substantial recoil due to its high power, making it challenging for many shooters to handle comfortably. Recoil management is crucial when shooting the 500 S&W Magnum. The Special version, being a less powerful load, produces comparatively lower recoil, making it more accessible to a broader range of shooters.

🔶 Availability: The Magnum cartridge is more commonly available than the Special version due to its popularity in big game hunting and specialized handgun applications. The Special variant may be less commonly found on the market, and ammunition choices might be more limited compared to the Magnum.

😉 In summary, the 500 S&W Magnum is a potent and specialized cartridge intended for hunting large game and other specific applications, while the 500 S&W Special is a reduced-power version better suited for recreational shooting and those seeking a cartridge with some similarities to the Magnum but with lower recoil.

What is the pressure on it?

📚 The pressure of the 500 S&W Magnum cartridge can vary depending on the specific load and bullet used.

🔥 The maximum average pressure (MAP) for the standard 500 S&W Magnum load is typically around 60,000 pounds per square inch (psi). However, it’s important to note that pressure levels can differ among various ammunition manufacturers and specific loads.

🛠️ When reloading ammunition or using +P (overpressure) loads, the pressure can exceed the standard MAP, reaching even higher levels. It’s essential to follow safe reloading practices and use data from reputable sources to ensure the cartridges are loaded within safe pressure limits.

❗ Due to the high pressure generated by the 500 S&W Magnum, it is crucial to use firearms specifically designed and rated for this cartridge.

Conclusion🤓

In conclusion, selecting the best 500 S&W Magnum ammo is critical for those seeking top-notch performance in their shooting and hunting endeavors. Throughout this article, we explored a range of ammunition options, each with unique characteristics and strengths. Whether embarking on big game hunting, engaging in target shooting, or exploring the thrill of the lever gun world, choosing the right ammo ensures optimal performance and a rewarding shooting experience. Thanks for reading!🤠👍

Tags: #Best #500 S&W Magnum #Ammo #Review #Remington #Winchester #Self #Homme #Defense #Hornady #Sale #Ballistics

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Hartley White
Hartley White
7 months ago

I’ve recently experimented with working up some .500 S&W Magnum loads using .500 Specials as a starting point. What do you use?

    Aman
    Aman
    7 months ago
    Reply to  Hartley White

    In my experience with my 500 S&W Magnum revolver, I’ve discovered that the best hunting load is achieved using the hard-cast gas check bullet, which is listed as weighing 440 grains. However, with the added lube and gas check, they actually weigh around 478 grains. I cast these bullets from a mix of 95% WW alloy and 5% pure tin. This combination has been truly effective, making it a preferred choice for my hunting needs.

      Dezmuli
      Dezmuli
      7 months ago

      I recently acquired a S&W 500 Magnum, and I’m excited to start handloading for it. So far, I’ve shot 350-grain and 500-grain factory loads, and I’m eagerly waiting for the loading dies to arrive. I’m now on the lookout for good all-around bullets and a reliable deer-hunting round to reload for this powerful revolver. Any suggestions or recommendations from experienced reloaders would be greatly appreciated!

        Cannon Hughes
        Cannon Hughes
        7 months ago
        Reply to  Dezmuli

        I love casting and loading my bullets, ranging from 385gr gas-checked HP to 700gr gas-checked HP/FP for my S&W 500 Magnum. However, if you need some rounds to use just now – Federal Premium Centerfire Handgun 500 S&W Magnum Ammo 275 Grain will be an excellent choice!

          KFC
          KFC
          7 months ago
          Reply to  Dezmuli

          I own an S&W 500 with an 8 3/8″ barrel, and although I haven’t been actively using it for a couple of years, I had the best results with Hodgdon Lil’ Gun powder. Among the various bullet weights, I found the Federal Premium Centerfire Handgun 500 S&W Magnum Ammo 325 Grain to be my favorite. It was a satisfying combination that worked well for my shooting needs.

            Ulrich Stewart
            Ulrich Stewart
            7 months ago

            I’ll be using my handi rifle for shooting the 500 S&W Magnum. I’m seeking advice on your personal experience with loading hot ammo!

              Akape
              Akape
              7 months ago
              Reply to  Ulrich Stewart

              I’m wondering why there’s a desire to hot-rod the .500 S&W Magnum even further. When shooting it out of a rifle like the Handi-rifle, you’re already gaining an additional 300 ft/sec velocity, which should provide impressive performance. The .500 S&W Magnum fired from the Handi-rifle is likely to outperform many “+P” .45-70 Government loads, and it’s already an incredibly powerful round capable of taking down a wide range of games. In fact, there are probably very few things on this planet that can’t be effectively taken down with the .500 S&W Magnum, making it a formidable and versatile choice for hunting and shooting purposes.

                Xenophon Moore
                Xenophon Moore
                7 months ago
                Reply to  Ulrich Stewart

                I find loading hot to be an exhilarating experience. The thrill of more noise, blasts, and recoil makes shooting even more enjoyable for me. In my case, I use 1680 powder and my own custom-designed boolits, weighing 450, 550, and 625 grains. The 450-grain loads consistently provide MOA groups, the 550-grain loads achieve about 2 MOA, and the 625-grain loads achieve about 4 MOA. Interestingly, I’ve noticed that accuracy seems to improve with added velocity, as the boolits become better stabilized. This is especially evident with the 625-grain loads. I’ve been able to achieve velocities of 1700 fps with the 450-grain, 1500 fps with the 550-grain, and 1300 fps with the 625-grain loads, all while maintaining safe pressures. I haven’t observed any significant wear on the gun even after firing hundreds if not thousands, of rounds (though I haven’t kept an exact count).

                  Uday Bryant
                  Uday Bryant
                  7 months ago

                  I’m looking for some recommendations on good and reliable ammo brands and grain weights for the S&W 500 Magnum. I just want to avoid getting duds and would love to try a few different grain weights to see what works best for me. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

                    Brassbelly
                    Brassbelly
                    7 months ago
                    Reply to  Uday Bryant

                    I’ve decided to start with the lowest grain possible, which I believe is 275g. From there, I plan to work my way up to higher grain weights to see how they perform with my S&W 500 Magnum revolver. As a safety precaution, I’ll load only one round the first time I shoot it to ensure I’m comfortable with the recoil and performance before proceeding further. This gradual approach will allow me to gauge which grain weight works best for my shooting preferences and needs. You can also try my method!