Ballistic gelatin test results : .500S&W Magnum Federal 275gr Barnes Expander

[Brass Fetcher]

Brass Fetcher Ballistic Testing

Test # JK 27
Bare gelatin test. (Nominal 10% concentration)

Cartridge : .500S&W Magnum Federal 275gr Barnes Expander (P500XB1)

Block Calibration : 3.0 ± 0.05 inch penetration @ 576 ± 0.5 ft/sec

Block Calibration temperature : 37.1 ± 0.05 Degrees Fahrenheit

Block Core temperature : 37.1 ± 0.05 Degrees Fahrenheit


Bullet Performance:

Impact Velocity : 1626 ± 0.5 feet/second
Deepest Penetration Depth : 18.3 ± 0.05 Inch
Maximum Crack Diameter : 5.7 ± 0.05 Inch

Max Crack Diameter Location : 7.1 ± 0.05 Inch
Cavitation Depth : 0.0-15.0 ± 0.05 Inch

Notes:

Weapon - Smith and Wesson 500, with 9.0" barrel length
Distance - 10.0 feet, muzzle to gelatin impact face
Test site conditions - 45 deg F, 16% relative humidity
Time out of refrigeration prior to shot impact - 4 minutes

Bullet recovered weight - 274.8 ± 0.05gr
Bullet recovered average diameter - 0.782 ± 0.0005"
Bullet recovered length - 0.456 ± 0.0005"

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[twoclones]

Thanks for the interesting post. I hope that if you test a heavier bullet [500-700 grain] you will post that info as well.

 

[Redhawk1]

I would like to see a test with a 440 gr. hard cast bullet, at 1500 or 1600 fps.

I think the 440 gr. hard cast bullet is the best performing bullet in the 500 Mag.

 

[gp911]

He'd better triple up the blocks for the hardcast!

gp911

 

[intheburbs]

Thanks for posting.

Is it me, or does that seem a bit light for a 500 load? Muzzle energy of that load is only 1600 ft-lbs. Hot 500 loads are in the 2500-3000 ft-lb range.

I'd be curious to see something like a 350-grain JHP at 1975 fps. You can push a hardcast 440 around 1700 fps. Both would be interesting tests.

 

[adrenalyn]

Looking at those gelatin tests makes me want to go out in the yard and fire off a few to get my fix......see, i'm not in denial. Just ordered my 700 gr cast bullets. Cant wait to load a few. Omg. I think i'm addicted!