Pyrodex .500 S&W

[watermonger]

Would it be safe to shove as much pyrodex into a .500 S&W case as can physically fit in there, before shoving a bullet in an crimping it before the pressure shoves it back out again? I can't imagine any amount of the stuff that could fit in a .500 S&W case would ever cause pressures to spike past 86k psi (the maximum proof loads listed by SAAMI). Anyone have any experience with black powder and black powder substitute loads for the .500 S&W. I'll also be using corrosive primers if that makes a difference.

 

[earlthegoat2]

It is advised to never overly compress Pyrodex in a cartridge. They call for light compression. I would call it 101-102% of case capacity in a 500.

 

[Jim Watson]

Pyrodex doesn't compress well, maybe 1/8".
Homemade primers?

 

[watermonger]

I would call it 101-102% of case capacity in a 500.

Can I eyeball this or do I need to break out the calculator?

Homemade primers

Yesh

 

[earlthegoat2]

@Jim Watson gives good advice.

Can I eyeball this or do I need to break out the calculator?

Yesh

 

[THEWELSHM]

I reload for the 500, I’m not stuffing anything in anywhere..

Thewelshm

 

[Mark_Mark]

Pyrodex doesn't compress well, maybe 1/8".
Homemade primers?

that’s hilarious! ooooh jezzzzzz

 

[watermonger]

@Jim Watson gives good advice.

Aight so 1/8th inch, ill give that I try. I know you are not supposed to underload black powder, does this also carry over for BP substitutes?

 

[Jim Watson]

Yes, even the fakes are meant for no airspace.

You can drop tube, settle, and compress Real Black a lot more.