[Greg8098]

I haven't had a chance to take my new .500 to the range yet. Once I do, I really don't know what to expect. Is the recoil really that bad, because I have heard stories of people winding up with the pistol recoiling against their foreheads :eek: . Anybody having any experience with this caliber, especially in the lighter weight handguns?

[EddieCoyle]

I have a 4" S&W .500. My son started shooting it when he was 11. Seriously. The recoil is not bad with lighter (less than 400gr) bullets.

[mmcbeat]

I'm not going to say "its not that bad", but shooting my 500 is much more pleasant than shooting my 340 w/357 mag.

[cobra1414]

Felt about the same, and not quite as ear-piercing as my 44 mag 3" with max loads.

[diesel_furry]

it felt like shooting my 44mag with just alil bit more muzzle flash.

i shoot the 400gr magtech for target , and have shot a few 350gr hp hornady. the hornadys had alil more kick than the magtech but not much

i started doing some reloading over the winter and loaded some 350gr hornady for $12 a box vs $50 for new hornady. so this summer im going to try them out

[Redhawk1]

I don't think it is that bad. I have a 6 inch and a 4 inch, neither are compensated at all. I shoot 370 gr. up to 700 gr. bullets in them all the time.
But then again I am a recoil junkie.

The think to remember is, do not hold on the grip to tight and not to loose. Just get a firm grip, that is all that is required. :D

[cc93crusier]

I've shot my 500 hunter plenty to know that after the 5-6 shoot, my right palm (surprisingly not the wrist) starts feeling kinda sore. I've only shot 400gr however...

[Troutman]

Picture this; violins playing in the background;

When I bought my 500, 4 inch. I was told how badly the recoil would be, beside the noise, and flame. Can't use it for home defense/CH, too powerful. Goes through walls, through people.
I'm saying, to myself: "Where was this gun made. On the planet Krypton. I just want a hunting handgun"! Was told, buy a .38/9mm/357.
So I went out, and bought an NFL approved helmet. Fire-proof suit. Specially made hearing protection.
Went to the range, loaded up (1350 fps, something like that, 325 grainers) and started shooting.
Well, I was so disappointed, went back and told the guy: I'm returning this gun, because it's a lemon. I either want one that works properly or my money back. Because....it did not perform the way you described it would! I want my monies worth!
I, one time called S & W, to ask a question (not about the 500 though) and after telling the CSR, the above story, she starting laughing, at me! Could it be defective?
But, no.....she was very nice, though. Even if she kept laughing at me.

Yes, it does kick (no hard-hat needed)! Yes, it does have a flame (no need for a fire-proof suit, though. Yes, it does have noise to it. Just buy off the shelf hearing protection.
But, if one is capable of handling a .44 magnum or more powerful caliber. One can graduate to the 500. Start with 500 specials or reduced loads, before going to the more powerful ones. And start holding it with two hands, before graduating to one hand. Try single action first, before double action shootin'. The rest is up to you.

p.s. stick with the rubber grip, instead of wood, till you can make the call to go to wood.

[Redhawk1]

Troutman, great story. :D

I have been trying to tell people for over 3 years now that the 500 Mag is not a 50 BMG. I have shot 50 and sometimes 100 rounds a session.:what: I never shoot less than 50 each time I do to the range, yes I reload, so I get to shoot more that way. :D

[EddieCoyle]

My plinking rounds for the .500 are 350 grain plated bullets over 12 grains of Titegroup. Shooting these is no worse than shooting .357 in an L-frame.

[Troutman]

Redhawk 1, EddieCoyle

Would you gentleman care to share your wealth of knowledge on reloading this cartridge, for when I do pull out my reloading equipment from the back of the garage.
We could talk about this in the reloading section over a cup of coffee.

Qusetion: Have you used "accurate" powder for reloading this cartridge?
Any info. you can share on it?

[Redhawk1]

The only powders I will use in any of my big bore guns such as the 460 and 500 Mags is, H110, W296 or Lil' Gun. This is the powder that I found that give me the best performance and accuracy. If you have Excel on your computer, I can send you an E-mail attachment with a ton of load data for the 500 Mag. From 275 gr. to 700 gr.

[EddieCoyle]

I use H110 (which is the same as W296), Lil Gun, and Titegroup. I like Titegroup a lot for light loads. You can't download H110 below the minimum recommended charge, but you can with Titegroup. Titegroup is volume-insensitive - it's designed to work well with small charges in big cases. Since it burns faster than either the H110 or Lil Gun, there's a much smaller fireball out of the 4" gun.

Go to www.hodgdon.com. They have load data for Hodgdon, Winchester, and IMR. Lots of good data for the .500.

[Redhawk1]

I don't down load my 500 Mag, I bought the 500 Mag to shoot heavy loads. If I want something down loaded, I will shot my 460 Mag or 454 Casull. :D

I refuse to use titegroup powder, it is way to easy to double charge a round and have a ka boom. I have seen a S&W 500 mag blown up by a double charged round with titegroup.

[logical]

I not sure I understand the point of having a 500 if you are going to shoot lightweight (relatively speaking) bullets and lowish power loads. If it is only kicking like a small gun then it isn't going to hit like a big gun.

[Redhawk1]

That is my thoughts also. :)

[Troutman]

stealth500magnum@hotmail.com

<<If you have Excel on your computer, I can send you an E-mail attachment with a ton of load data for the 500 Mag. From 275 gr. to 700 gr.>>

Please do. I just set up this e-mail account just for that ton of data. 1G, of space avail...
Yes, I have excel.
Always been the mad scientist kind.


Thanks fellas' for the info.

p.s. To shooters who load their own. Please feel free to send info to the above e-mail. Thanking you for your time and effort.

[Redhawk1]

I sent you an e-mail. PLMK if you got it OK.

[EddieCoyle]

I not sure I understand the point of having a 500 if you are going to shoot lightweight (relatively speaking) bullets and lowish power loads. If it is only kicking like a small gun then it isn't going to hit like a big gun.

Believe me, it still kicks like a big gun. The reduced loads are for when my kids (11 and 13) shoot it.

[Troutman]

<<PLMK if you got it OK.>>

Yes, got it. Thank you.
Those 700s'. Their like, those double whoppers’ w/cheese. Never shot 700 gr., you can't buy them off the shelf (already loaded), I don’t think?
This is why, I like handloading. You have control.

I was using UltraMax, 325 gr. Jhp (off the shelf) and after about 15 rounds, or so. These are reduce loads. The cylinder would not rotate. A lot of un-burnt powder was left behind, preventing that cylinder from turning. Had to open it, to clear it, and took a look. I know they use accurate powder, which number, I don’t know? But using their 330 gr. Lead (not hard cast) had no problem with em’. They do give off a lot of smoke, though….not gas checked?
I thought the tolerance was too tight? Gunsmiths told me not in these exact words. Its fine, don’t mess with the tolerance, their is a lot of pressure happening in that thing.
Heard and read about some others having the same problem, pertaining to the 4 inch model. With Win, Hornady, Corbon, had no problem.
But, I do use UltraMax for shooting paper, cheaper than other brands. For sighting-in, hunting, and those other, recreational festivities’, I’ve been using those other brands.
Thanks for the info, fellas’

[Redhawk1]

You can get the 700 gr. loaded. Here is the note from Ranger Rick, the guy that makes the 700 gr. bullets.

NOTE: 3 IF YOU DO NOT RELOAD AND ARE INTERESTED IN LOADED 700 GRAIN AND OR OTHER WEIGHTS THAT I CARRY PLEASE CONTACT BILL OR LEONA BRAMLETT AT BALLISTIC SUPPLY ( http://www.ballisticsupply.net ) HE CAN GET YOU HOOKED UP WITH MANY DIFFERENT LOADED ROUNDS INCLUDING HIS JACKETED ROUNDS UP TO 500 GRAINS FOR THE LARGE 500 SMITH & WESSON MAGNUM HAND CANNON ,RAGING BULL AND BFR.

Here is Ranger Rick's site.
http://www.lsstuff.com/ranger-rick/

[Bulldog500]

I just went to the Ballistic supply website and was gonna order the 700 grain .500 mag and on the bottom of the release page it says will not ship to NJ.

[Redhawk1]

That sucks. I guess NJ is not a gun friendly State...:scrutiny:

[Onmilo]

I have shot four different .500 magnums and have personally sold maybe nine total in different configurations.
The report of the gun is far worse than the recoil and I think that muzzle brake exacerbates the problem.
Heavy Bullet Cor-Bon loads were the most unpleasant in recoil.
The 275 grain up to 350 grain loads are quite tolerable.

I wouldn't want to shoot 300 rounds at a combat course with the gun but the forty shells most guys shoot when they go out with these things is more than tolerable.

By the way, the nearly identical .460 Smith reminds me of the same type of recoil I experienced when shooting a .45/70 Thompson Center Contender pistol.
The .460 caliber is beginning to find more favor than the .500 with Illinois handgun deer hunters.

[Redhawk1]

Onmilo, I have owned and shot many 500 Mags, I owned two 8 3/8 S&W's that I sold to buddies of mine, I still own a 6 inch BFR that I had customized and I have a 4 inch 500 Mag. I just installed an end cap to do away with the compensator. The comp makes the guns to loud and to much flash. I don't find the recoil bad at all in my 4 inch 500 Mag that has no compensator. I shot 275 gr. bullets to 700 gr. bullets that are loaded hot. The weight of the X-frame is more the reason for the reduced felt recoil. Yes the compensator helps but not much, like I said I have shot them with and with out a compensator.

As for the S&W 460 Mag, I have one also, it is my long distance shooter, but up close (100 yards and less) My 500 Mag get the call, but if I know there is an opportunity for a 150 or 200 yard shot the 460 gets the call.

[Greg8098]

I just went to the ballistic supply website today and couldn't believe it. I've always heard that if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. So,.. I wonder whats the catch. How can they sell .500 mags at that low price, without cutting some kind of corners.

[Redhawk1]

You are so use to getting ripped off by the likes of Corbon, that is the problem. The reason they can sell them less expensive is and I am guessing now, no over head like the big companies. They get there bullets from Ranger Rick at a good price and pass it on to the shooter. Why not give them a call and talk to them personally.

[meef]

the hornadys had alil more kick than the magtech but not much:scrutiny:

Alil...... that's the opposite of alot, right?



:banghead:

[Shawn Michael]

Help with a couple questions please!

In the scenario of the infamous imaginary bear hunt would a 700grain hardcast at 1200 with 2200ish energy have more knockdown power than 440 grain at a faster speed that produces 2800 lbs of energy? I thought that for each gun you are trying to find the optimal energy production for that gun and that generally is the "best" knockdown for that gun. Seems like for the
.500 is is 440grain based on looking at factory loads which seem to have the most energy.

Or am I totally off?

I know that you need a certain amount of bullet weight and a hard cast bullet to push through heavy bone without getting knocked off course and out, but isnt there a point where you have enough weight and you just want to go faster to get the highest energy output?

Curiousity, what is the highest muzzle energy factory or charted handload for the .500?

Thanks for info.

I want to start reloading, but tales of blow up guns has me a little nervous (which is probably a good thing)

[Troutman]

Redhawk1 quoted:

<<I just installed an end cap to do away with the compensator >> sniped.

Redhawk1, about that comp. Did you have a gunsmith make you one, or did you make it?
Do you have a picture of it? Can you post it? How much did it cost?

[Redhawk1]

I had it made by a friend. I came up with the idea and he had the equipment. I ordered a 460 End cap from S&W and had it turned down it fit the 500 Mag. They only make the end cap for the 460 Mag. I don't know how to post pic's put you can go to the S&W site and see a pic of it there. Here is a direct link to it. Go to 500 Magnum Nut's post, he posted the pic's and how to do the modification. It is the 5th post from the top.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/530103904/m/3561046791?r=4601074891#4601074891

[Troutman]

Since I got you on line now.
Can he make another one. Depending on how much it will cost. I might be intrested. I would mail out a m.o.
Just took a look. Does look factory.

[Redhawk1]

Here is the end cap you will need to buy, you just need to have a gunsmith follow the directions.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=45914&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=34301&training=

This is how I did it:

Face the back of the compensator off .02 with a lathe. Maintain the shoulder outside step at .04 and the over all length of .905 long.

Bore the inside first shoulder step back .02. The inside diameter is .805 so don’t over cut this dimension as it aligns up on the front of the barrel.

Then bore the hole thru at least to .531 so that big slug can find it’s way out. I made mine a little bigger at .550 inch.

It locks up snug in my revolver and it looks factory but it’s not!

[Troutman]

O.K. That's not bad. Hey! Thanks.

[Redhawk1]

Troutman, my buddy will not make them for anyone else. He does not want to get sued and he is not a gunsmith. A gunsmith has the license to work on guns. All you have to do is buy the 460 End cap and have your gunsmith follow the instructions. E-mail me and I will send you the pics and instructions to give to your gunsmith. Surfish7@aol.com

[Redhawk1]

Also, I have fired 150 rounds down mine 4 inch 500 Mag with the end cap. It is a lot better now in my opinion, a lot less flash and not as noisy. :D

[Troutman]

<<E-mail me >>
Glade you said that. I'm the kind of guy, I don't just e-mail, or quick message without that person offering.

[Redhawk1]

No problem, I am OK with an E-mail :D

[Hawkflyer]

I modified an endcap for my 500 generally following the instruction provided here. The only thing I did different was instead of milling off the end to length, I only milled it until the cap would Almost fit. Then using a large diamond sharpening plate, I flat lapped it to fit. By doing this I have a nice snug fit and there is almost no gap visible to the naked eye at the juncture between the barrel and the cap from the outside. Actually the fit is better than the factory comps that came with the gun.

I did have to bore the end hole out a little larger than I wanted to because the closest bit I had available was .543

I have asked S&W 4 times why they do not offer this cap for the 500, and they say that they have plans for lot of options in this area.

This is a really great mod, and it allows for the use of really solid snake loads. Shot loads with the compensator would be a very bad idea.

Thanks to whoever worked this out, it is a big help. It looks better, it sounds better, and for my purposes it shoots better.

There is a guy selling actual comps for the 500 HERE (http://store.pureresearch.net/cubecart/index.php). But they are not cheap, ($250) and he will not make any end caps or other custom fittings for these pistols. Also they add a lot of length to the barrel.

[Redhawk1]

Hawkflyer, I have been bugging S&W for 2 years to make a end cap, I finally did my home work and found out what need to be done with the 460 comp. I enlisted the help of another person to do the actual machine work and we made it happen. I told S&W what I did and they told me not to shoot it, I told them to late, I have already ran 300 rounds through my 4 inch 500 Mag with the end cap. They last told me that they had no plans to make the end cap for the 500 Mag.

As for that other company making the compensators, I thin they look stupid on the gun. And in my opinion, the comp is not needed even with the 700 gr. T-Rex bullets. Also, my end cap was a very snug fit, no gap at all. It also make the gun look cool. :cool:

[EddieCoyle]

It also make the gun look cool.

How about a pic?

[Redhawk1]

:D I will send you some if you post them for me. :D

[Troutman]

<<There is a guy selling actual comps for the 500 HERE. But they are not cheap, ($250) and he will not make any end caps or other custom fittings for these pistols. Also they add a lot of length to the barrel.>>


One does realize that buying these two comps.(one for lead and one jacketed) total $548.00?! More than half the cost of a 500 (based on the average price of $900.00). The cost of a new handgun for that matter.
If someone has a problem with felt recoil per say, I (speaking for myself) would think that buying these would NOT make a day and night difference on felt recoil. The biggest help would be in the grip and not those comps. You have them already, given by S & W.
I know…..That vendor will state that it does make a night and day difference to the S & W ones…..
Hey! When its races that close, it’s the jockey that’s going to win it!
Hell! I would go with Redhawk1s’ idea, and do you own porting as seen fit.