S&w .500

[deacon8]

The only one I have fired was a S&W with a 4" barrel. It was a bit much. And I don't mind the recoil from the .44 mag at all (at least from a full-sized revolver). In fact, my 629 with a 6 1/2" barrel is my favorite revolver. So that should tell you something...I think. So in summary, the .500 that I shot was too much.

I should note however, the recoil that I experienced was not "snappy," like some of the lightweight .357's. Some of those actually hurt my hands. The recoil from the .500, that I experienced, was a brutal type of "shove." It didn't hurt my hand at all, though it did shove my wrist into a fairly uncomfortable position. I have large hands and strong wrists and forearms. For what it's worth...

 

[Big Boomer]

Mine is a Magnum Research with a 10" BBL non ported and it is a BEAST. No where near as recoil friendly as the smiths. That being said I think the MR is overbuilt compared to the SW and that I like! Easily accommodates the 700gr.

That being said the 350's and 440's are PAINFUL. It literally broke my hand. Shot it 7 times first time out. Could not pick up a milk jug for 3 months! Micro fractures in my hand bones. New grip and gloves and now it is tolerable.

I also have a 460SW mag too with the 12" non ported bbl kick is about 2/3 that of the 500. These were HOT loads. I worked up quite a few different batches and have yet to really decide what is my favorite load. Point being though what in the hell are you going to shoot a 440 hardcast with anyhow? It's not like we have rabid moose running around! A grizzly perhaps but I think it would zip through them like butter. The great thing about this round is it's versatility though. What other round can change bullet weights by 400 grains!? 700-300. I think there is even a 285 gr but I would need to go look at my stash in the reloading room.

Get it! It's fun! Reload for it or you will soon find yourself broke.

 

[clancy12]

I think there is even a 285 gr but I would need to go look at my stash in the reloading room.

Rainier Bullets makes all the way down to 275.

 

[BIGGBAY90]

275 gr-- at what fps if you know

 

[jibbs]

The only 275gr bullet I know of is made by Barnes.

You can get factory loadings ranging from 1600-2000 fps.

Heres from Double Taps website.
Caliber : .500 S&W Magnum
Bullet : 275gr Barnes XPB
Ballistics : 1990fps - 2419 ft./lbs. - 8.375" bbl.

All of my hand loaded Hornadys experienced jacket core separation, albeit they where shot into metal objects (washing machines, cast iron plates, microwave?). I recovered them all as they passed through multiple objects and opened up nicely and were not flattened. Barnes is a all copper bullet and something I am going to try on my 45-70 this year, so I wont have to worry about bullet separation, plus they have a mean looking hollow point cavity.

 

[clancy12]

275 gr-- at what fps if you know

Rainier Bullets makes just tips, not loaded ammo. They're copper plated, not FMJ so they recommend to not load above 1500 fps. I mainly use them for cheap, light load target practice. I think I got them for about 18 cents a piece when I bought them in bulk.

 

[BIGGBAY90]

1500-1600 fps sounds normal but up to 200o fps wow, never heard of that