GRUMPY WHAT DO I NEED HERE for a 500 S&W reloading

ALLEN said:

Grumpy, my kids and wife got together and amazingly surprised me ,
I got a new 500 S&W pistol for xmas ,that I never expected, but really wanted, I dropped a few hints hoping to get a few gift , credit cards , I never imagined Id get the whole pistol!!
now what do I need to reload for it?
factory ammo sells for $50-65 for a lousy 20 cartridges[/quote]

FIRST OFF CONGRATS ON GETTING A FINE HUNTING REVOLVER!
If your not experienced at reloading for a big powerful revolver Id suggest use of factory ammo while you gain experience and get familiar with the revolver, theres little sense in investing a good deal of cash into setting up for reloading if you don,t intend to shoot regularly, and its been my experience that about 20% of the guys buying a 500 magnum, rapidly decide its way too much gun for their needs so it either sits in the gun-safe as a bragging item or gets sold off, now if your in the 80% who do shoot the revolver occasionally, Id say,do your research carefully, and remember you don,t need to load that revolver to anywhere near max loads to hunt effectively, and Id strongly suggest the 330grain -to-440 grain cast bullet weights and a powder that completely fills the case so any hand load mistake made with a double charged case is VERY OBVIOUS, ID PROBABLY START WITH A LOAD OF H110 of about 38 grains and that 340 grain RCBS cast bullet
OBVIOUSLY YOU'LL WANT TO ALWAYS REFER TO SEVERAL RELOADING BOOKS TO VERIFY SUGGESTED STARTING LOADS, ON ANY CARTRIDGE
Well Im going to assume you have a few of the basics, but I'm going to post a rather detailed list just in case, keep in mind you don,t necessarily need the best available and looking on ebay or craigs list you may find deals on used equipment

youll obviously need a good reload press
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/513567/rcbs-rock-chucker-supreme-single-stage-press

a decent powder scale
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/738259/lyman-pro-1000-magnetic-powder-scale-1005-grain-capacity

a lube sizer
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/65...let-sizer-and-lubricator-with-heater-110-volt

a lead melter
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/267665/lyman-mag-25-digital-melting-furnace-115-volt

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/573247/lyman-big-dipper-furnace-master-casting-kit-110-volt
\ THE TOOLS ABOVE THIS ARE RATHER GENERIC TO LOADING ALMOST ALL HANDGUNS
BELOW ARE 500 S&W SPECIFIC

this cast bullet works great in the 500 mag
https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item/0000690991/double-cavity-mold-c501-440-rf



RCBS 1-Cavity Bullet Mold 5...

don,t forget to order mold handles if you don,t have a spare set
Product #: 117805
Price Each: $64.49
Qty : 1
Lyman Lube and Sizer Die 50...
Product #: 333845
Price Each: $27.49
Qty : 1
RCBS Shellholder #44 (338 M...
Product #: 817490
Price Each: $6.79
Qty : 1
RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set 500 ...
Product #: 888214
Price Each: $44.99
Qty : 1
https://www.starlinebrass.com/brass-cases/500-SandW-Mag-Brass/

https://www.starlinebrass.com/
Starline Brass > 500
500 S&W Mag Brass (Large Rifle primer)
500 Smith & Wesson Brass, 500 S&W Brass, 500 Mag Brass
1.616 - 1.622 O.A.L.

Click to expand...

http://www.handloads.com/misc/linebaugh.penetration.tests.asp?year=all
with any decent quality hunting revolver, youll need a durable functional holster
http://www.opticsplanet.com/desantis-right-hand-black-black-mamba-m40ba05z0.html

while the energy levels produced by most big bore revolvers looks anemic when compared to most deer rifles , don,t be fooled a 44 mag, 454 casull, 445 dwsm , 480 ruger or 500 S&W may not have the energy of a 30/06 Springfield, but in practiced hands with the correct ammo and at reasonable ranges its every bit as lethal, if the hunter knows the games anatomy and understands his range and accuracy limitations (IT TAKES A GREAT DEAL OF PRACTICE FOR MOST PEOPLE TO CONSISTENTLY HIT A 4" CIRCLE PAST 75 YARDS)
recoil on full power loads is stiff but manageable with practice, something that can not be said in my opinion on the higher power 460 and 500 call S&W



YES THE ALLOY its cast from matters, use 95% WW and 5% pure tin this results in a bullet that expands slowly but exits and won,t fragment, and while I'm sure to hear a few different opinions Ive used the same ammo in my marlin 1894 carbine with equally good results
http://www.opticsplanet.com/desantis-right-hand-black-black-mamba-m40ba05z0.html

http://store.smith-wesson.com/webap...4_750001_750051_758006_-1_757844_757837_image

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/6...d-w-x-frame-460-500-8375-barrel-leather-brown

https://www.cheaperthandirt.com/pro...s&refType=&from=fn&ecList=7&ecCategory=198078


now Ill assume you have basic reloading tools listed above and only need the stuff listed below

lets say you buy 500 empty cases for $266 plus those tools listed for $157 or $423
that sounds rather excessive and damn expensive, plus youll need powder and primers so $500 may be closer , so to get into reloading for the big revolver, at first thats about $1 a cartridge

you quoted factory ammo at $50 for 20, or $2.50 a shot, thats $1250 or greater for 500 shots of over the counter ammo probably close to the cost of that revolver

but it gets MUCH BETTER
the second batch of 500 reloads through about the 8th-through the 12th batch of 500 cartridge,s before the brass needs replacing, those batch's of reloaded ammo will cost you about $80-$99, rather than $1250-1500 for over the counter ammo

http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=500 SqqqW Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=

http://handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=500 SqqqW Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source

http://www.loaddata.com/members/search_detail.cfm?MetallicID=7090

http://www.chuckhawks.com/50sw.htm

https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item/0000690991/double-cavity-mold-c501-440-rf

http://handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=500 SqqqW Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source

http://www.mattsbullets.com/index.p...ath=66&zenid=6f2898ae21f86b9d615e7519f99125ba

http://www.vihtavuori.com/en/reloading-data/handgun-reloading/-500-s-w-magnum.html

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

http://www.handloads.org/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=500 SqqqW Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=


http://milpas.cc/rifles/ZFiles/Misc/500 S&W Magnum.html

I don't want to scare anyone off but reloading is more addicting than drugs if you own different calibers you WILL need to get reloading equipment for all of them

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/11...s-and-w-500-diameter-400-grain-semi-wadcutter

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/26...um-501-diameter-440-grain-flat-nose-gas-check



http://www.mattsbullets.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=66

http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=50-403F

http://gaschecks.castpics.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=20
http://www.lasc.us/CheckShankSize.htm

you might want a gas check design, cast bullet, for bigger game than deer, in that 500 S&W pistol to maximize accuracy, where you might want to push velocitys over 1200 fps
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/2...um-501-diameter-440-grain-flat-nose-gas-check




this lee C501-440-RF cast bullet weights close to 479 grains with gas check and lube over 22 grains of blue dot powder and a mag primer shoots through deer and hogs easily

your almost forced to cast and reload for the 500 S&W revolver as ammos absurdly expensive at near $3 or more, a cartridge in factory loads, but you can load your cast reloads for under 60 cents each, saving 80% and giving up zero in lethality
a lighter 400 grain non-gas check design pushed to 1200 fps or less will kill any deer in existence and should be accurate to 50 yards or so very easily,
my 44 mag used 310 grain lee bullets and shoots clean through even elk, pushed at only about 1200 fps

btw if your going to cast bullets wait till the molds clean and hot then lightly spray the mold interior surface with moly spray, as it helps the cast bullets fall easily from the mold and makes casting process faster and more consistent.


http://www.midwayusa.com/product/11...onfirmation-_-OrderConfirmation-_-ProductLink

btw , from testing in thick stacks of soaked wet news paper ,and a few deer hunts,
Ive found the lee 440 grain LEE hard cast gas check, hard alloy bullet and 20 grains of blue dot,
out penetrates the factory hollow point ammo when cast in 95% ww alloy and 5% pure tin
and yes you could easily boost velocity even further using something like 30 -33 grains of
H110 powder, but the 20 grain blue dot load already zips through moderately sized hogs and exits just fine this produces a smidge under 1200fps
if you want a serious hunting load use 31 grains of H110 under that LEE 440 grain hard cast gas check bullet for near 1400 fps
(you don,t need this much power for deer or hogs but for bear and elk its a good idea)

http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/?...&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=

http://handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=500 SqqqW Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source



the 500 S&W revolvers come in about a dozen versions

with any decent quality hunting revolver, youll need a durable functional holster

https://www.sagesoutdoors.com/500-s-w-caliber-gator-gas-checks/

http://www.opticsplanet.com/desantis-right-hand-black-black-mamba-m40ba05z0.html
$77

btw its a tight fit but if you heat the holster with a hair dryer for a bit, and spray the revolver soaking wet with wd40, and then holster the revolver and let it cool in place it quickly custom forms to an exact match

Its going to be very interesting to see how you feel about that large caliber hunting revolver ,
and how well it matches your needs and expectations once you get into hand loading custom ammo for it.
I know its taken you awhile to find and purchase most of the tools and components ,and some of them are still on order.
the huge advantage in having easy access to hand loading tools and components is that you have the ability to load that hand cannon down to significantly lower recoil levels, or fabricate factory load duplicates for under 1/3rd the cost, if thats required to allow you to become proficient with the revolver, rather than beating yourself 3/4 silly with max factory loaded ammo, or depleting your bank balance to shoot the gun, regularly, with factory ammo that can easily cost $60 for 20 cartridges.
I think many guys just assume that if they try factory loads and the recoil or muzzle blast is well above the level they are comfortable with that they may as well take the loss and sell the gun
(this is rather obvious from the constant re-sale I see on the large bore revolvers like 454 cassul, 460 and 500 S&W)
thats really a big shame as you could easily have $2k invested in the revolver plus reloading components and take a $600 plus loss in unloading it on the used market only to find out later that you could have easily custom loaded ammo that matched your tolerance level (which btw tends to change with experience)
I generally handgun hunt Hogs and Deer locally with my friends Mike and Jack, mike is reasonably good with a 357 mag but thinks a 44 mags excessive, Jack has and uses a 454 cassul he bought used for pennies on the dollar when the original owner found its muzzle blast and recoil excessive, ( Jack hand loads that revolver to about the same power lever I load my 445 DWSM, thats a 310 grain bullet at about 1400 fps in my 445 DWSM, and a 340 grain in his 454 at about 1270 fps) neither of us feels the need to max out the calibers potential as they both shoot completely through hogs

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...ing-a-handgun-for-hunting-hogs-deer-elk.1864/

http://handloads.com/loaddata/defau...m&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source

BTW ALLEN just shot hi
you'll need too occasionally buy a new reloading manual simply because the available powder and projectile selection changes over time, and there are occasional mis-prints , cross checking between several manuals will make that rather obvious, you'll always want to cross check any loads listed from at least THREE different sources and start with the starting level loads and work up to what pressure levels your particular gun works best with, and THIS DOES VARY!
if your only loading for a hunting rifle a good single stage press produces very accurate ammo reasonably cheaply

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/513567/rcbs-rock-chucker-supreme-single-stage-press
Its a good Idea to buy projectiles and powder and primers in larger lots or in bulk, so you have enough on hand for several years, of shooting, once you find what a particular gun likes, because the manufacturers have the nasty habit of either discontinuing or changing specs,on projectiles and powders.
once you find a particular combo that shoots consistent one hole hundred yard groups , its really frustrating to find that particular bullet or powders discontinued!
this may sound like it will cost a great deal, but think about it, most guys will seldom shoot a large game hunting rifle more than 100 or so times a year if that, maybe 40-80 over a years time at the range then 4-6 cartridges actually hunting.
if your loading for something like an AR15 buying in bulk lots of 1000 or more lowers the cost of components slightly, and having a decent progressive reloading press makes sense

https://www.dillonprecision.com/customize-reloader.html
https://www.dillonprecision.com/#/content/p/8/pkg_id/9

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/57...tridge-reloading-9th-edition-reloading-manual

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1064217655/lyman-reloading-handbook-49th-edition-reloading-manual

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/537267/speer-reloading-manual-14

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/158738/nosler-reloading-guide-8-reloading-manual

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.c...-Reloading-Manual-2nd-Edition-by-Richard-Lee-

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.c...cluding-Supplements-Number-1-24-By-Ken-Waters

https://www.google.com/webhp?source...nual+reviews&tbm=shop&spd=6195891438066969302


as in most things having accurate reference materials helps a great deal

heres a basic powder burn rate chart, refer to the manuals and always verify in at least three and compare the charge and bullet weights listed

s first wild HOG last week , with his new toy... a 500 S&W revolver,(they are considered VERMIN on some areas in Florida and as such open to hunting year round on most private property).
he used this bullet over 20 grains of BLUE DOT powder
http://handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=500 SqqqW Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...s-and-w-500-diameter-400-grain-semi-wadcutter

he said the hog was hit in the shoulder from about 38-40 yards and the result was a 90 lb hog that went down and only kicked feebly once or twice, and a bullet that punched through and kept on going after it exited,
thats hardly something a good 44 mag revolver could not have also handled well but he is rather pleased with the results

https://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/50...orn-armory-model-89-brush-buster-full-review/

https://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/sw-500-magnum-gel-tests-cylinder-gap-blast-internals-construction/

https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/model-sw500-4

Allen called to tell me he just got his second Hog this year with his 500 S&W revolver,
and that load of 20 grains of blue dot powder and 400 grain cast bullets,
all he mentioned was that the hog dropped on the spot when hit in the neck at about 20 feet as it ran by him!

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/11...s-and-w-500-diameter-400-grain-semi-wadcutter

I had a guy ask me , after reading through several related links on this and other web sites , what would be the advantage of the 500 S&W over the 44 mag since its been repeatedly mentioned that a 240 grain -to-310 grain 44 mag bullet will consistently drop deer and hogs very effectively?
well theres zero doubt at all that the longer 6"-10" barrel 44 mag revolvers loaded with decent high quality cast bullets will get the job done , very effectively on any deer or hog at ranges under 120 yards, as theres been hundreds of thousands of successful hunts using the 44 mag revolvers.
theres no doubt that the lower recoil and significantly lower cost of ammo and much greater availability to find ammo locally,or to purchase hand loading components for the more popular 44 mag
makes it a decent choice, so why would you spend the time and effort to buy and use the larger, heavier and much more expensive 500 S&W revolver?
well lets do a bit of math
Hand loads that push 1350 fps with a hard cast 300 grain bullet out of a 8"-10" barrel 44 mag revolver is what Ive been using for decades, its not a max load but its close , and its consistently accurate

max listed operational pressure for a 44 mag is listed at 36,000 psi
but lets look at your option, you can throw a 300-310 grain bullet at 1200-1350 fps without use of anywhere near max pressure
thus a 300 -310 grain 44 caliber bullet at 1200 fps has 960 ft lbs, at 1350 fps-1250 ft lbs , I've shot completely through a cow elks chest with that 44 mag load.

not my 44 mag revolver but an identical clone

remember shot placement and a good knowledge of the games anatomy is just as important as power on target if you don.t destroy vital organs and break critical bone structure the animal may get away or come over to discuss your ABYSMAL LACK OF PROPER SHOT PLACEMENT SKILLS & failures with his sharp teeth and claws on your hide!
my 29-3 S&W 10 5/8' revolver (identical to this picture.. and yes you need a decent shoulder holster)
has a long record of dropping game with 310 grain hard cast bullets loaded over 21 grains of H110 powder
if you want the best results with a 44 mag revolver Id suggest you stick to 300-320 grain hards cast gas check bullet designs pushed to about the max safe pressures in a 8" or longer barrel.

https://www.diamonddcustomleather.c...hoice-related-products/products/speed-loaders

heres a useful formula
bullet weight x velocity x velocity/450240= muzzle energy
300gr x 1350 fps x 1350 fps /450240=1215 ft lbs
a .430 diameter=.145 sq inches of frontal area

http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=44 Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun

if we take a similar 8"-10" barrel 500 S&W and push a 400 grain bullet of similar shape and length to 1600 fps its also not a max load but its close , and its consistently accurate
heres a useful formula
bullet weight x velocity x velocity/450240= muzzle energy
400gr x 1600 fps x 1600 fps/450240=2274 ft lbs or
roughly 90% greater energy
a .500 diameter=.197 sq inches of frontal area
ROUGHLY 36% more frontal area and 25% more mass

http://handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=500 SqqqW Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source

what your getting with the larger 500 S&W revolver is roughly double the on target energy and certainly noticeably more destructive energy , the question you have to ask yourself is , if the increased cost involved and heavier recoil provides you with any tangible and useful benefits for the larger calibers use,
FOR WHAT YOU INTEND TO DO WITH THE REVOLVER?
keep in mind that PRECISE SHOT PLACEMENT, and a KNOWLEDGE OF THE GAMES ANATOMY IS ALWAYS CRITICAL TO GETTING GOOD RESULTS
and after using both revolvers Id have to make a personal assessment, and base that on its intended use?
obviously only well placed hits and a good knowledge of the games anatomy would count , power without proper bullet placement is useless!
the bullet used does all the work, so be aware that you can,t reasonably compare totally different bullet designs like hollow point jacketed vs hard cast
for deer or hogs I don't see the larger revolver as providing any real advantages,, and certainly I think the smaller 44 mag revolvers noticeably easier to handle and shoot rapidly.
on the other side, If I was going to use any revolver on a target that might decide to instantly want to kill me if I pissed it off, like a larger bear or a lion, the extra energy , bullet mass and potentially deeper destructive punch that cold break bone and punch through more muscle , and keep going would have me strongly consider the larger revolver,
simply because I might only get one or two shots off as I was confronted with lots of very angry teeth and claws, wanting to seek revenge for being stupid enough to think I was going to go, toe-to-toe in a technology vs muscle fight!
yeah! your much better off with a 357 mag you can hit with rapid repeat shots than a 44 mag or 500 mag if the recoil intimidates you , plenty of big moose elk and bears have been killed with a 357 mag and every game animal on the planets (including elephant, lion and cape buffalo,) with a 44 mag, so the power of a 500 mag is extra insurance but its only useful if the guy holding it can consistently and rapidly place shots accurately
you might want to remember that there's a compromise , in the 480 ruger and 445 dan wesson and 454 casull all have power levels between the two
(44 mag and 500 S&W)
http://www.garrettcartridges.com/defensive.html

http://dailycaller.com/2015/08/05/serious-big-bores-beyond-the-44-magnum/

JUST A MINOR FOOT NOTE!
SO FAR THIS COMBO POSTED LOWER, HAS PROVEN TO BE THE MOST ACCURATE AND MOST ECONOMICAL
Id also point out finding a reliable & consistent source of COPPER 50 caliber gas checks is a P.I.T.A. as many places that list them are out of stock constantly
this bullet over 20 grains of BLUE DOT powder
http://handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=500 SqqqW Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...s-and-w-500-diameter-400-grain-semi-wadcutter

http://www.sagesoutdoors.com/500-s-w-caliber-gator-gas-checks/
the the fastest velocity ammo available, may not provide the best accuracy or penetration,
and it may also vary the impact point noticeably from a more accurate load.
or loads using different bullet weights and velocitys.
To hunt effectively you need ammo thats both consistent in its point of impact and provides decent accuracy.
one of my friends owns a 500 S&W revolver, hes got the 7.5" version,
and off a bench he can hold a 3"-4" 100 yard group with some ammo.
I reload for, him, and we tried about a dozen plus different combos.
if your dependent on commercial ammo you have zero control on availability, price or consistency.
one of his goals was to stock up on ammo once he has found a consistently accurate and effective load.
we tried quite a few factory loaded cartridges from available sources.
our goal was max accuracy and deep penetration.
most commercial loads use lighter weight jacketed bullets and they expand too fast for max penetration, in my opinion.
we found that pushing the hard cast gas check LEE 440 grain bullet
https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/dept/reloading/lead-bullet-casting/lee-moulds/-point-501-dia
too much faster than a 20 grain charge of blue dot powder will achive
both reduces long range accuracy and does nothing useful for penetration in stacks of wet magazines.
that load in his revolver produces about 1340 fps.
thats certainly not a max load but its darn effective.
that loads devastating on hogs and we have never recovered a bullet so far as they all exit the far side so far.

BTW THESE GUYS PROVIDE GOOD QUALITY 50 caliber GAS CHECKS< FAST SERVICE AT REASONABLE COST

heres a few sources for 500 cal gas checks
http://www.sagesoutdoors.com/500-s-w-caliber-gator-gas-checks/

http://gaschecks.castpics.net/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=3&zenid=8mo0uj11i2iofjdafonr6kmsr2

for bullets like this
https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item/0000690991/double-cavity-mold-c501-440-rf


just a bit of info on these lee "440 grain" 500 S&W bullet molds ,
with the gas check and lube on these cast bullets,
at least using my 95% WW alloy and 5% tin, mix,
the projectiles actually weigh about 470 grains
they are quite accurate (WITH THE GAS CHECKS)
http://www.sagesoutdoors.com/500-s-w-caliber-gator-gas-checks/
and penetrate extremely well and consistently and can easily be pushed to 1300 -1500fps.
a 440 grain -to-470 grain hard cast gas check, 50 caliber handgun bullet pushed to 1300-1500 fps,
would provide enough penetration to hunt anything walking on the north american continent at ranges under 100 yards


note the similarity in the ratio and shape and length vs diam, too the 310 grain lee 44 caliber bullets, Ive used for decades in my 44 mag revolvers, that has devastated hogs and deer and even a few elk, at 1300 fps
the 500 S&W projectiles weight about 50% more so they should drop game very convincingly with well placed hits when used by someone who knows game anatomy if they can handle the increased recoil


http://www.midwayusa.com/product/51...cf-430-diameter-310-grain-flat-nose-gas-check

https://www.sagesoutdoors.com/500-s-w-caliber-gator-gas-checks/

if you calculate the sectional density
(the ratio of mass to the frontal area)
https://www.beartoothbullets.com/rescources/calculators/php/density.htm
the 50 caliber holds a slight advantage
Sectional density of 0.240 with a bullet weight of 310 grains and diameter of .430".
and about .15 square inches of frontal area

Sectional density of 0.268 with a bullet weight of 470 grains and diameter of .501".
and about .195 square inches of frontal area

just because any animal drops at the REVOLVERS shot does NOT always mean it will remain DOWN!

http://www.bighornarmory.com/catalog/big-horn-armory-products/model-89-carbine-2/

http://www.bighornarmory.com/catalog/big-horn-armory-products/model-89-rifle-500-sandw-1/

https://www.amazon.com/Galco-Kodiak-Shoulder-Holster-Havana/dp/B001U1KMOM



surprisingly expensive but theres no question its a good quality rifle/carbine,
while Id love to own the rifle version, that cost makes it VERY unlikely

while its NOT a 500 S&W a BROWNING BLR in caliber 450 MARLIN would be
1/3rd the cost and provide a bit better ballistics

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog.../products_id/32899/Browning+BLR+81+450+Marlin

http://www.realguns.com/loads/450marlin.htm

http://www.chuckhawks.com/450Marlin.htm

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/the-458-caliber-rifles.4672/#post-68133

http://www.handloads.org/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=500 SqqqW Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=

http://ultimatereloader.com/2017/06/07/second-to-none-reloading-and-shooting-500-sw-magnum/

http://www.realguns.com/loads/500smithandwesson.htm

http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=500 SqqqW Magnum&Weight=All

if you watch the video its obvious that the hard cast bullets easily out penetrate the jacketed hollow points, and the hard cast are much cheaper, and trust me from the results ,the 500 hard cast bullet is every bit or more effective as my 310 grain 44 mag revolver which is already proven for decades too very effective and lethal on hogs and deer.
ALLENS had the time to hunt frequently and hes spent a dozen plus days at the local out door 100 yard,range, Ive generally brought my 44 mag revolver along and had a chance to shoot that 500 mag a few dozen times, its certainly fun, but its in my opinion much more manageable if its loaded to less than the max potential power levels.
As I posted earlier in the thread the 440 grain hard cast, gas check,
bullets cast from 95% WW alloy and 5% pure tin have proven to be very consistently accurate, Allens not loading either bullet to the max pressure or velocity , the 440 grain lee that weights a bit more than the rated 440 grains is being pushed to about 1150- fps, the lighter 375 grain lyman to about 1350 fps
heres a few sources for 500 cal gas checks
yes the 500 revolver can easily be loaded to higher power levels but its still impressively powerful, even slightly down loaded.
http://www.sagesoutdoors.com/500-s-w-caliber-gator-gas-checks/
http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=500 SqqqW Magnum&Weight=All
http://gaschecks.castpics.net/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=3&zenid=8mo0uj11i2iofjdafonr6kmsr2
lyman sells a non-gas check 375 grain mold, these have consistently been marginally less accurate in ALLENS revolver but they also produce noticeably lower recoil,
and the difference in accuracy is not really significant for most uses,
as they were producing 6" 75 yard 5 shot groups of the bench rest,
while the slightly heavier 470 grain gas check cast lee bullets produce ,
a only slightly better 4" 75 yard 5 shot groups of the bench rest, and
keep in mind this is with ALLEN shooting the revolver which is absolutely effected by
ALLENS ability to shoot the revolver,
the 500 S&W comes in the 4", 6", 7.5", 8.375" and 10" versions
for hunting use I can see the three longer barrel lengths making more sense,
if your carrying one in the field for a back-up or back packing bear defense the two shorter barrel length revolvers make more sense ,
but statistically your not going to be using it much,
and a 12 ga riot gun, loaded with slugs, would be more effective,
cheaper and easier to hit with for most people

I'm sure that the revolver and ammo in the hands of a more experienced shot might be more consistent and more accurate.
but keep in mind either hand-load in that 500 revolver, is devastating on hogs and most of the hogs hes shot have been shot at under 40 yards, not a single projectile has failed to exit.
remember that in florida on most private property hogs are considered VERMIN and can be hunted all year long.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...s-and-w-501-diameter-375-grain-semi-wadcutter
for bullets like this lee 500 caliber mold
https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item/0000690991/double-cavity-mold-c501-440-rf


just a bit of info on these lee "440 grain" 500 S&W bullet molds ,
with the gas check and lube on these cast bullets,
at least using my 95% WW alloy and 5% tin, mix,
the projectiles actually weigh about 470 grains
they are quite accurate (WITH THE GAS CHECKS)
http://www.sagesoutdoors.com/500-s-w-caliber-gator-gas-checks/
and penetrate extremely well and consistently and can easily be pushed to 1300 -plus fps.
a 440 grain -to-470 grain hard cast gas check, 50 caliber handgun bullet pushed to 1150 fps,
would provide enough penetration to hunt anything walking on the north american continent at ranges under 100 yards

I originally had the guy purchase a couple boxes of factory loaded ammo so I could use a mic

and published load data
btw 36 grains of H110 provides a bit more velocity but at least in his revolver its just a smidgen less consistent with that lee 440 grain hard cast bullets
you really don,t need more velocity than the about 1300 fps the blue dot provides, the h110 can boost that to about 1450 fps, either load with the hard cast gas check bullets,
zips through a deer or hog like its not there, and neither load is at high pressure, both are well below max factory pressure levels,
yes you could safely boost pressure and velocity, but the projectiles already punch through game and exit easily so whats the point.
http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/?...&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=

I have never shot a S &W .500 Mag handgun Grumpy.
Looks like Fun.

Never conceal carry it Chicago.
Just too Big.

44 Mag perfect out on my Farm.

I spent a couple rather interesting hours with a neighbor over at his local property this afternoon.
he has recently purchased a S&W virtually identical to this picture .
most of the hunting we do in this area with revolvers tends to be at reasonably short range Ive rarely shot local game at over 60 yards, as we generally still hunt thick oak and palmetto clumps, or use climbing tree stands in pine/myrtle thickets

he asked me to load up several dozen hard cast ,gas check revolver cartridges
http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=500 SqqqW Magnum&Weight=All
we had loaded the cases with 27 grains of H110.
personally I found that 31 grains of h110 is a good hotter load

https://www.loaddata.com/Cartridge/...SW-Lyman-Reloading-Handbook-49th-Edition/5466

http://ultimatereloader.com/2017/09/06/taming-the-beast-500-sw-special/

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

with bullets like this


https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item/0000690991/double-cavity-mold-c501-440-rf

just a bit of info on these lee "440 grain" 500 S&W bullet molds ,
with the gas check and lube on these cast bullets,
at least using my 95% WW alloy and 5% tin, mix,
the projectiles actually weigh about 470 grains
they are quite accurate (WITH THE GAS CHECKS)
http://www.sagesoutdoors.com/500-s-w-caliber-gator-gas-checks/
and penetrate extremely well and consistently and can easily be pushed to 1300 -1500fps.
a 440 grain -to-470 grain hard cast gas check, 50 caliber handgun bullet pushed to 1300-1500 fps,
would provide enough penetration to hunt anything walking on the north american continent at ranges under 100 yards

Click to expand...

just like the cartridges I loaded for ALLEN, at the beginning of this thread.
but he has 40 plus acre's and a canal with a raised bank/berm on the edge of his property and on the far bank,
of the canal is thousands of acres of sugar cane farm land, so he can safely and legally fire a revolver on his property.
as a primary safety procedure he had used his front/loader tractor,
he has piled up several large tree trunks and buried the stubbed trunks with dirt on the edge of the raised bank of the canal,
as a substantial back-stop about 12-15 feet wide and 8-9 feet taller than the original canal bank, a couple rail road ties, (about 6) sunk vertically
form a short fence like structure he has nailed several sheets of old plywood too to staple targets on and he has a pick-nick table set at a measured 75 yards away in a location that allows you to be seated under a large old oak tree and shoot the stapled targets very safely in a rather remote from other property section of his 40 acre property.
he had found a carpet store that allowed him to raid the dumpster and he had a dozed 2ft x 2ft x2ft cubic size cardboard packing/moving boxes filled with stacks of old carpet square sections.
as anyone familiar with the local weather, lately knows its rained rather consistently almost daily so the boxes full of carped wer even though stacked rather tightly, water soaked and very heavy.
we placed paper targets on the boxes that were stacked about 3 high and 4 wide and two layers deep, as there was about 30 of those boxes he stated it had taken him, 3 trips over several weeks time to locate, cut load and pack and transport the 30 boxes that were heavy well before he had stacked them in his pick-up bed and transported them to his property to use as a significant addition to his back-stop.
we had set up targets and he was trying to adjust his pistol sights to allow a dead on the site hold and bullet impact, after several shots we went to check the targets and noticed those hard cast gas check projectiles were almost always exiting the back of the second stack of soaking wet tacked carpet boxes, that means those bullets passed through roughly 48" of stacked carpet,
theres zero doubt that 500 S&W revolver loaded with those 470 grain (actual weight) using my 95% WW alloy and 5% tin, mix, would be devastating on game as most of those projectiles had either penetrated the plywood behind the boxes or left a considerable impact dent, and the few we found were not too badly deformed, most looked to be about 60 caliber and only the nose had riveted a bit, the rifling marks were still quite clear.
at 75 yards off the pick-nick table, and sand bag, rest his groups were in the 3"-4" range (not bad as its the first time he had shot the revolver).

It was rather interesting, as I could shoot a bit tighter groups with my 44 mag, off the table and sand bags, but none of the 44 caliber projectiles were exiting the boxes of stacked carpet squares I placed my targets on and I know from decades of experience that I've yet too shoot a deer or hog and not find the 310 grain hard cast bullets loaded over 20 grains of H110, in my long barrel 44 mag, revolver, that did not exit game I shot!
theres zero doubt the 500 S&W loaded with those projectiles will be formidable!
just for giggles he tried a couple shots with his 30/30 carbine and most (all but two) failed to exit the boxes

Allen got a Hog this weekend with his
500 S&W revolver,it looks similar to this picture I found posted else ware

using the LEE nominal 440 grain weight, hard cast,
gas check bullet, loaded over the,
20 grain load of blue dot powder,
Allens been practicing and hes gotten to the point where 2" 25 yard 3 shot groups are reasonably common if hes got a rest like a sitting position or a tree to lean against
the hog, this time, was about 160 lbs live weight,
it was facing him at about 18-20 yards, when he fired.
the single 500 mag slug entered center upper chest and exited the inner lower ham on the left side near the anus.
the 500 mag with hard cast ,gas check bullets is proving to be devastating on hogs

http://handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=500 SqqqW Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source


https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item/0000690991/double-cavity-mold-c501-440-rf


just a bit of info on these lee "440 grain" 500 S&W bullet molds ,
with the gas check and lube on these cast bullets,
at least using my 95% WW alloy and 5% tin, mix,
the projectiles actually weigh about 470 grains
they are quite accurate (WITH THE GAS CHECKS)
20 grains of BLUE DOT POWDER

http://www.sagesoutdoors.com/500-s-w-caliber-gator-gas-checks/
and penetrate extremely well and consistently and can easily be pushed to 1200 -plus fps.

a decent hotter load can be had with the same bullet loaded over 31.6--32 grains of H110 for 1450 fps
https://shootersreference.com/reloadingdata/500-smith-wesson-magnum/

https://ultimatereloader.com/2017/06/07/second-to-none-reloading-and-shooting-500-sw-magnum/