500 magnum loaded in 50AE? Is it stupid?

B

BlackEagleSpeer

Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2020
Messages
51
Location
North Kentucky
IMG_20230523_133910.jpg
325gn JHP Unknown manufacturer
26.3gn IMR 4227
1.615" Coal fits mag
Fed155 LMP
Bullet length .763
Starline case
UNTESTED!!!
Good day, scholars and Bubbas! Gotta know if anyone else has tried 500 magnum bullets in 50ae cases for a desert eagle. Got a deal on some factory 2nds, said no cannelure and that the image might not match the actual product. Thought...ya know, ima just give up thinking, it's not working out. Though I've kinda learned my lesson, i still really want this to work. Have any of you tried this?
I used 31gn IMR 4227 on 325 deepcurls, figure if i reduce load by about 1/5th i can get around the reduced case capacity. The charge is not compressed, but another grain and it started to crunch real nasty. This is the last gun i wanna kaboom, so if you know how to make these work lemme know! I'll eventually find my balls and just go for it at which point I'll report my findings for future generations of Midway sale shoppers (if i have fingers left for typing.)
 
BlackEagleSpeer said:
View attachment 1152950
325gn JHP Unknown manufacturer
26.3gn IMR 4227
1.615" Coal fits mag
Fed155 LMP
Bullet length .763
Starline case
UNTESTED!!!
Good day, scholars and Bubbas! Gotta know if anyone else has tried 500 magnum bullets in 50ae cases for a desert eagle. Got a deal on some factory 2nds, said no cannelure and that the image might not match the actual product. Thought...ya know, ima just give up thinking, it's not working out. Though I've kinda learned my lesson, i still really want this to work. Have any of you tried this?
I used 31gn IMR 4227 on 325 deepcurls, figure if i reduce load by about 1/5th i can get around the reduced case capacity. The charge is not compressed, but another grain and it started to crunch real nasty. This is the last gun i wanna kaboom, so if you know how to make these work lemme know! I'll eventually find my balls and just go for it at which point I'll report my findings for future generations of Midway sale shoppers (if i have fingers left for typing.)
Click to expand...
This is absolutely not a bravado contest, and not something to just do. Have you found any load data close, bought quickloads, or tried grt. Work with something a hail marry is not good enough....
 
I don't load for the .50 AE, but I can't see any reason why this load would be dangerous. Between the nose shape and the crud that low-pressure 4227 is likely to leave behind, the gun might not run very well, though.

<edit> Personally, I wouldn't do it. The bullet should be fine, assuming the gun will digest it, but I think the powder is simply too slow for the application and the result, though probably not dangerous, won't be very good. Why go to the trouble and waste the comments for something that almost certainly won't be satisfactory?
 
Last edited:
I load 50AE & the issue I see is getting the OAL right. The case trim length should be 1.280” & COL should be 1.575” that leaves only .295” of bullet above the case rim. Looks like by the time you get the proper length to be able to even fit a round in the magazine the bullets taper would be below the rim & shrinking the case volume considerably. Personally I wouldn’t try it. Both Berry’s & Xtreme have 300 or 325 plated flat nose bullets that are a cheaper alternative to the Hornady XTPs if you’re looking for “plinking” rounds & don’t need a JHP.
 
Last edited:
AJC1 said:
This is absolutely not a bravado contest, and not something to just do. Have you found any load data close, bought quickloads, or tried grt. Work with something a hail marry is not good enough....
Click to expand...
Only thing close were other 325s of a different shape and length. Hoping the load would be low enough that a squib would be the only risk taken. Only loaded one just so i could see what my limits are on powder capacity, minimum oal, and plunk. This is the only place that might have data, these bullets were made for a different cartridge and the site didn't say
 
Hartkopf said:
Everything I’ve ever seen or read, 4227 can be down loaded to as dirty as you can stand. At least you’re not playing with H110.
Click to expand...
Lol, funny you say that. I almost did!
So it can be lower, i just wanna evaluate the barrel afterward? It's gonna be a while before i shoot it, wanna ask around as much as i can. Just needed to know what i would be able to do. If one recipe works, im just gonna use them for target with that and avoid ambiguous 2nds forever.
 
Nasty Canasta said:
I load 50AE & the issue I see is getting the OAL right. The case trim length should be 1.280” & COL should be 1.575” that leaves only .295” of bullet above the case rim. Looks like by the time you get the proper length to be able to even fit a round in the magazine the bullets taper would be below the rim & shrinking the case volume considerably. Personally I wouldn’t try it. Both Berry’s & Xtreme have 300 or 325 plated flat nose bullets that are a cheaper alternative to the Hornady XTPs if you’re looking for “plinking” rounds & don’t need a JHP.
Click to expand...
As 2nds these were cheaper than plated so i thought i was doing good. Plated has a tendency sometimes to fit weird, like i can hand seat them sometimes. That brass was on load 14, though, so ill go back to them. These don't appear to be Hornady and they won't tie a company to factory 2nds for legal and/or branding reasons.
 
N555 said:
When you put a load in a smaller case you get much higher pressure.
For example if I put a 357mag start load of something that will fit, like unique in a 38spl case it will be much hotter than if I used a 357mag case.
Click to expand...
Correct. Im using less than the start load for 50ae with the same weight. I could possibly cut off the tips (one on the right in the picture) and then i can seat to 1.580 as normal without filling up the case so bad. Just really don't want to use a grinder and toxic up the house and a cooing saw will take the rest of my life.
 
.38 Special said:
I don't load for the .50 AE, but I can't see any reason why this load would be dangerous. Between the nose shape and the crud that low-pressure 4227 is likely to leave behind, the gun not run very well, though.

<edit> Personally, I wouldn't do it. The bullet should be fine, assuming the gun will digest it, but I think the powder is simply too slow for the application and the result, though probably not dangerous, won't be very good. Why go to the trouble and waste the comments for something that almost certainly won't be satisfactory?
Click to expand...
Hahaha, because i cant return the damn things and I'm committed to justifying my expenses. Maybe i can find someone that wants to buy them at cost and i can save hours of my life. Figured there needed to be a post for this anyway, I can't be the only one. This is the 2nd time i bought the discounted factory semi-rejects from Midway. First time the picture looked entirely different, i ended up with flex tip hollow points from hornady. Those are an absolute no go as is. Cutting it to the sam length as the 50ae might work, but better try to sell them first.
Think Kentucky Ballistics will shoot it? I could probably drive down to his place. He loves breaking guns...
 
N555 said:
When you put a load in a smaller case you get much higher pressure.
For example if I put a 357mag start load of something that will fit, like unique in a 38spl case it will be much hotter than if I used a 357mag case.
Click to expand...
This exercise is more akin to putting 460 bullets in a 45c case.
 
BlackEagleSpeer said:
View attachment 1152950
325gn JHP Unknown manufacturer
26.3gn IMR 4227
1.615" Coal fits mag
Fed155 LMP
Bullet length .763
Starline case
UNTESTED!!!
Good day, scholars and Bubbas! Gotta know if anyone else has tried 500 magnum bullets in 50ae cases for a desert eagle. Got a deal on some factory 2nds, said no cannelure and that the image might not match the actual product. Thought...ya know, ima just give up thinking, it's not working out. Though I've kinda learned my lesson, i still really want this to work. Have any of you tried this?
I used 31gn IMR 4227 on 325 deepcurls, figure if i reduce load by about 1/5th i can get around the reduced case capacity. The charge is not compressed, but another grain and it started to crunch real nasty. This is the last gun i wanna kaboom, so if you know how to make these work lemme know! I'll eventually find my balls and just go for it at which point I'll report my findings for future generations of Midway sale shoppers (if i have fingers left for typing.)
Click to expand...
Maybe this is Nature’s way of telling you it’s time to get a 500S&W Magnum?
 
BlackEagleSpeer said:
Lol, funny you say that. I almost did!
So it can be lower, i just wanna evaluate the barrel afterward? It's gonna be a while before i shoot it, wanna ask around as much as i can. Just needed to know what i would be able to do. If one recipe works, im just gonna use them for target with that and avoid ambiguous 2nds forever.
Click to expand...

In 44Spec and 44Mag, 4227 has a WIDE range of published data. You could compare data between the two calibers with the same exact bullet to get some idea of the percentage difference from max high pressure to minimum start loads. Seems like you could start very low, to the point of maybe not completely cycling the slide. For what you are doing, I would stick with 4227.:thumbup:

I would also inspect and measure each bullet. Diameter, length and weight are not the only variables could get you into trouble. There is also bearing surface area, lead hardness, jacket material and hardness to consider (guess and estimate). Hell you might even seat on the lands because of the bullet shape and raise pressure some that way.

I'm not what you would call an expert so understand that I'm guessing and estimating. :) Without published data, you could get into trouble pretty easy.
 
Last edited:
Hartkopf said:
In 44Spec and 44Mag, 4227 has a WIDE range of published data. You could compare data between the two calibers with the same exact bullet to get some idea of the percentage difference from max high pressure to minimum start loads. Seems like you could start very low, to the point of maybe not completely cycling the slide. For what you are doing, I would stick with 4227.:thumbup:

I would also inspect and measure each bullet. Diameter, length and weight are not the only variables could get you into trouble. There is also bearing surface area, lead hardness, jacket material and hardness to consider (guess and estimate). Hell you might even seat on the lands because of the bullet shape and raise pressure some that way.

I'm not what you would call an expert so understand that I'm guessing and estimating. :) Without published data, you could get into trouble pretty easy.
Click to expand...
Right about a lot of that. I put up the pic in part to demonstrate the same (nominal difference) bearing surface if you mean beneath the ogive. Jacket thickness and hardness were NOT taken into consideration, however. Leaning way more towards throwing them in the truck and giving them away now. If there's anyone that would wanna buy them at around what i paid that would be perfect.
 
I have loaded what have turned out to be surplus 500 S&W bullets in 50ae before and they fire just fine but they don't cycle worth a darn. I don't know what other than a Desert Eagle you would be shooting 50ae in? I have a Desert Eagle L5 which is supposed to be more picky about ammo than a full size Desert Eagle so you might have better luck than I did.
 
MikeInOr said:
I have loaded what have turned out to be surplus 500 S&W bullets in 50ae before and they fire just fine but they don't cycle worth a darn. I don't know what other than a Desert Eagle you would be shooting 50ae in? I have a Desert Eagle L5 which is supposed to be more picky about ammo than a full size Desert Eagle so you might have better luck than I did.
Click to expand...
What did you load them with, powder, weight, COAL, and bullet weight? Using a Mark 19 Regular DE with 6" barrel. Well broken in with a few spring changes, she eats everything pretty well. Been awhile since I've had a malfunction even with my light "new customer" loads.
 
MikeInOr said:
I have loaded what have turned out to be surplus 500 S&W bullets in 50ae before and they fire just fine but they don't cycle worth a darn. I don't know what other than a Desert Eagle you would be shooting 50ae in? I have a Desert Eagle L5 which is supposed to be more picky about ammo than a full size Desert Eagle so you might have better luck than I did.
Click to expand...

There were some 50AE revolvers made, Freedom stopped making theirs, I don't think they did well with cast bullets (not a concern for a DE) and have fallen out of favor over the years it seems. I think that is part of the reason Freedom made their own 50cal round (.500 Wyoming Express) to address some of those issues which the revolver guys had with the AE.

If it runs as dirty as people are saying that may make the DE gas system unhappy fast.

Sucks, but I think you would be better served to re-home these to someone with a good use for them. I have also bought bullets (too many times to be honest) which I thought were a "deal" to later find out they were not for me. It happens, best to move on quickly though I think to a better solution.
 
BlackEagleSpeer said:
What did you load them with, powder, weight, COAL, and bullet weight? Using a Mark 19 Regular DE with 6" barrel. Well broken in with a few spring changes, she eats everything pretty well. Been awhile since I've had a malfunction even with my light "new customer" loads.
Click to expand...

I am sorry, I don't remember off the top of my head. I don't even remember the weight of 500S&W bullets I was using. That was about 5 years ago when I purchased my DE L5 (when I turned 50). I played around a good bit with different powder charges (I used W296/H110 powder) and different OAL and finally just went back to the spear bullets everyone recommends. I did use the Lee factory crimp dies that always do a good job for me and I didn't get any set back bullets from recoil. I have been using the Spear bullets ever since. As with any new load start low and work your way up. I found a pretty close to comparable bullet in the reloading manual and started there.
 
MikeInOr said:
I am sorry, I don't remember off the top of my head. I don't even remember the weight of 500S&W bullets I was using. That was about 5 years ago when I purchased my DE L5 (when I turned 50). I played around a good bit with different powder charges (I used W296/H110 powder) and different OAL and finally just went back to the spear bullets everyone recommends. I did use the Lee factory crimp dies that always do a good job for me and I didn't get any set back bullets from recoil. I have been using the Spear bullets ever since. As with any new load start low and work your way up. I found a pretty close to comparable bullet in the reloading manual and started there.
Click to expand...
Just gave me a good idea for a YouTube channel where you send in components and dude builds load data for them. Im not gonna do it, but i wish someone would.
I stopped using the factory crimp when my 10mms started resizing the bullets. It was a plated bullet, but that's mostly what i used. Don't even have one for 50ae, do they really make one? It's a tapered cartridge, i figured they won't be able to make it.
 
Depends on the use...

A friend had one like mine with the 8 3/8th barrel. Took it with him to do some hiking, fishing... in Alaska.

Came back, sold it and bought the 4" version. I asked why, he said if he ever needed to pull it out of his chest rig in an emergency, he'd be dead before the barrel cleared it.

They come in lengths from 2.75" to 10.5", I think the custom shop will do whatever you want.

John Ross (RIP) had his own version, think it had custom rifling for heavier bullets.
 
BlackEagleSpeer said:
View attachment 1152950
325gn JHP Unknown manufacturer
26.3gn IMR 4227
1.615" Coal fits mag
Fed155 LMP
Bullet length .763
Starline case
UNTESTED!!!
Good day, scholars and Bubbas! Gotta know if anyone else has tried 500 magnum bullets in 50ae cases for a desert eagle. Got a deal on some factory 2nds, said no cannelure and that the image might not match the actual product. Thought...ya know, ima just give up thinking, it's not working out. Though I've kinda learned my lesson, i still really want this to work. Have any of you tried this?
I used 31gn IMR 4227 on 325 deepcurls, figure if i reduce load by about 1/5th i can get around the reduced case capacity. The charge is not compressed, but another grain and it started to crunch real nasty. This is the last gun i wanna kaboom, so if you know how to make these work lemme know! I'll eventually find my balls and just go for it at which point I'll report my findings for future generations of Midway sale shoppers (if i have fingers left for typing.)
Click to expand...
I bought a bunch of 275gr hollowpoint bullets when I first got my 500, I didn’t realize that they were for the 50AE. Maybe we can work out a trade?
 
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