SAAMI Spec for S&W 500?

[nofishbob]

I was wondering if anyone can point me to this information.

The data on the SAAMI web site is dated 1993 and does not include the S&W 500.

I am not interested in loading to the SAAMI maximum, I just wanted to get a real answer.

I have heard that the pressure was as high as 65,000 psi or as low as 52,000 from different, second-hand sources.

Thanks!

Bob

 

[cberge8]

There is definitely some conflicting data out there. My Quickload database shows max 62k PSI.

According to wikipedia: "The .500 S&W Magnum has a maximum working pressure of 60,000 psi (4,100 bar). However, most factory ammunition is limited to 50,000 psi (3,400 bar) to help ease extraction of fired cases. The cylinders of the S&W Model 500 revolver are engineered to be capable of withstanding 50% over pressure. Regular proof-load testing is performed at 20% over pressure."

Also, when I double check most reloading charts against what quickload says, max load is almost always stated at about 45k PSI.

 

[lead slinger]

i always load to max with the 500 what is the point of a light load in a 500.
here is the highest psi i could find for the 500 though hodgdon
385 GR. REM. HP Hodgdon Lil'Gun
.500" 2.150" 38.0 1727 42,700 PSI 41.0 1852 51,100 PSI
red is the max load

 

[Strongbad]

The reason it's confusing is because the spec was revised. It was originally IIRC 52k PSI and was later revised to 65k, the same spec as the 460. I actually emailed Accurate Powder about it a few years back to see if they were going to retest up to the new spec and their response was that the pistol was basically that the existing loads were sufficient and the gun was "too violent at those levels". The 500 S&W forcing cone doesn't get the finish work and polish that the 460 does, so I wouldn't recommend running it maxed out anyway. Otherwise you're going to run into erosion and premature wear.

BUT! If you want to know the real deal, don't take my word for it... email S&W! They'd give it to you straight.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

i always load to max with the 500 what is the point of a light load in a 500.
here is the highest psi i could find for the 500 though hodgdon
385 GR. REM. HP Hodgdon Lil'Gun
.500" 2.150" 38.0 1727 42,700 PSI 41.0 1852 51,100 PSI
red is the max load

Actually there is a listing on the Hodgdon site with a slightly higher pressure. Their load data for a 500gr Hornady SP bullet and W296/H110 lists pressures of 51,900 PSI.

In any case both are much lower than the reported max pressures of ~60,000 PSI or more. (did anyone find out what the SAAMI max is??)

 

[nofishbob]

Thanks for the replies.

Perhaps there is no SAAMI specification for this cartridge?

I just sent an e-mail to S&W.

I could not find a contact at SAAMI yet.

Bob

 

[nofishbob]

I am not expecting a quick reply from S&W.

Could it really be that there is no official SAAMI pressure specification for this cartridge?

I would think that if this is the case, that it is a very unusual situation.

Bob

 

[nofishbob]

I got the info from Mike at Corbon this morning. (great customer service here!)

He told me that the official SAAMI pressure is 60,000 psi, but most loading data are limited to about 50,000 psi.

Thanks for all that replied!

Bob

 

[bluetopper]

I'd like to know what John Ross had to say about this.

The only 500 I've ever shot is my 500 Handi-Rifle and loads at 52k psi are really all I want......thank you very much!

 

[joneb]

i always load to max with the 500 what is the point of a light load in a 500.

I prefer a load that gives the best accuracy, what is the point of shooting a round that misses its target Unless your intension is to merely sling lead.

 

[BigMag]

Not sure what the pressure was but I've shot the 700gr round with H110 out to about 1200fps. humm, maybe that’s why my arm was killing me on Sunday....

 

[lead slinger]

Jibjab there is a reason I load to max with this gun 1 I can handle it safely. 2 I am a big guy the grips fit my hands very nice 3 I can keep a pretty descent grip with 350/500grain loads

Big mag what length is your barrell ? The last time I check mine with the 500gr was around 1282 ( I think it's early) that was h110 33g. I have the 3 in model the 700grain I find say not for the stubby

 

[bluetopper]

I don't know why people try and find fault with other's comments and think they know better.

Yes, I only load max loads in my 500 (Handi Rifle) also and they are very accurate. Why go to the expense of purchasing a 500 and then download it? I shoot cast lead gas check bullets only.
Especially shooting the 500 out of a handgun, finding the most accurate load is not trial and error like it is out of a high powered rifle.

 

[snuffy]

Here I am shooting the big smith with 700 grain cast lead boolits;



That shot started with a 2 hand hold, it kinda came out of my left hand!

These;



Even with arthritis in my hands, these leave no lasting effects. As for accuracy, we only did standing shots that day, it was a miserable drizzle and cold. But we were keeping all shots on a standard sheet of printer paper.

I've used the data on this website with good results.

http://www.reloadammo.com/500sw.htm

 

[lead slinger]

I don't know why people try and find fault with other's comments and think they know better.

Yes, I only load max loads in my 500 (Handi Rifle) also and they are very accurate. Why go to the expense of purchasing a 500 and then download it? I shoot cast lead gas check bullets only.
Especially shooting the 500 out of a handgun, finding the most accurate load is not trial and error like it is out of a high powered rifle.

I am not sure why people try to find fault in others. I like the 500 I shoot it every time I go to the range