Reloading S&W 500

[wbell]

Does anyone have any suggestions on a good load for Smith and Wesson 500 magnum. My books are outdated and don't have any info. Thanks.

[Pete D.]

Given what it is, I'm reluctant to post data. You can find current data in Hodgdon's new magazine style manual for a lot less than the old hard bound books.
I believe that the new Lyman #49 has data (though I am not near mine now to check).
There is data online at the Hodgdon website. http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

Pete

[max384]

I know this is a big bump here, but what the hell.

I just got a S&W 500 yesterday and haven't shot it yet. I am using 335 gr TMJ bullets. They're for the .50 AE I believe, but since they're the same diameter, I don't see how it could be a problem. They were less than half the cost of the 385 gr bullets.

I loaded 10 rounds with 36.0 gr Hodgdon Lil' Gun and 10 rounds with 19.0 gr Alliant Unique for a reduced load. I'll be taking it out to the range today. I'll post the results tonight.

I am using Starline brass and CCI large rifle primers with 2.000" OAL.

[Pete D.]

Li'l Gun is the powder of choice for the 500. I use it with some heavy bullets that I picked up from "Ranger Rick" (Rich Gibson) of Homer, AK. He makes beautifully designed cast bullets up to 700 grains. The heavy ones are thoroughly unpleasant to shoot.
Pete

[max384]

Well, I didn't get to take it out to the range today. My kids were gonna come with me, but they got in trouble and we had to cancel our trip to the range. I guess sometime early next week.

[TeamCORBON]

Originally Posted by max384

I know this is a big bump here, but what the hell.

I just got a S&W 500 yesterday and haven't shot it yet. I am using 335 gr TMJ bullets. They're for the .50 AE I believe, but since they're the same diameter, I don't see how it could be a problem. They were less than half the cost of the 385 gr bullets.

I loaded 10 rounds with 36.0 gr Hodgdon Lil' Gun and 10 rounds with 19.0 gr Alliant Unique for a reduced load. I'll be taking it out to the range today. I'll post the results tonight.

I am using Starline brass and CCI large rifle primers with 2.000" OAL.

There is lots of good reloading info online at most of the powder companies sights.

A word of caution. Using 50 AE bullets can be problematic if you are trying to get even close to full power loads. There usually is no cannelure in the bullet, so it's hard to get a good tight crimp on them. The bullets will often pull out of the cases under the heavy recoil. This will give you erratic performance and could end up tying your cylinder up if it pulls out far enough. If there is a cannelure, it should be a good bullet to use.