Help me out on S&W .500 Mag loads.

[EddieCoyle]

I've been reloading for about 7 months. In that time I've read a ton, experimented a ton (I have a chronograph - How can you do without one?), and loaded over 10,000 rounds of various calibers (all pistol). I've found some loads that my guns really like. Therefore, I'm now addicted to handloading. Lately, I've been messing around with loads for my S&W 500 Mag with a 4" barrel.

All of the load data I've seen has been for 8-3/8" or 10" barrels. I've loaded up over 40 grains of H110 for some loads (I had to put the rifle rotor back into my Hornady powder measure). Judging by the fireball, I'm guessing that I'm wasting a lot of powder. I've also been using Titegroup to work up some loads.

So here's the question....

Should I be concentating on faster powders (like the Titegroup I've been using) or should I keep at it with the big charges of slower burning powders?

 

[dmftoy1]

I think it depends on what you're trying to accomplish with the loads? I've got some loads with Titegroup where i'm using 50 A&E bullets for cheapo "fun" shooting, and then I use the H110 and some nice JHP's and/or 440 grain GC Hardcast bullets when i want to "thump" something. The thing I want to try next (when I get some time) is using trailboss for plinking loads. I tend to lean more towards "plinking" with this gun and then bring out a box of the heavy stuff at the end of the session. (I'm loading for a 4-inch as well)

Have a good one,
Dave

 

[EddieCoyle]

Dave,

How do you crimp the .50AE bullets? Did you find some with a cannelure or are you just taper crimping?

 

[dmftoy1]

I'm actually just roll crimping the .50 A&E's but just not as hard as I would on a bullet with a crimping cannelure. I don't know if it's the best approach but it seems to work. With a 4-inch Model 500 I can pretty regularly bang the gong (10 inch) at 100 yards. (assuming I hold really steady. )

Have a good one,
Dave

 

[Sunray]

"...Judging by the fireball..." That's more likely caused by the short barrel. Put up a large sheet of paper and shoot at it from 7 yards or so to see if it gets powder on it. It should tell you if you're not getting all the powder burned in that wee barrel.
Doesn't the .50 AE headspace on the case mouth? A roll crimp will cause headspace issues.

 

[EddieCoyle]

Doesn't the .50 AE headspace on the case mouth? A roll crimp will cause headspace issues

He's talking about using .50 AE bullets in .500 S&W (rimmed) cases.

 

[dmftoy1]

Yup, I don't have a .50 A&E but the rainer plated bullets are really cheap.