1/2in holes!
- Thread starter Gibbles
- Start date
Maniacmechanic1
solid fixture here in the forum
Big gun
all those big bore hand guns are fun to plink and hunt with,
Id like to own one of those 50 cal desert eagle pistols
but if I ever had the cash, I think Id have selected a 7.5" or 10" S&W 500 mag, revolver
I've used a 10mm semi auto pistol on hunts, both my glock and 1006 S&W
,I have not a thing against a semi auto, but it rarely leaves exit wounds,
even though its lethal with good shot placement!
but I will point out, that if you hand load you have more options with a revolver.
and yes I've shot the 50 cal desert eagle pistol,
its accurate and fun to shoot, if its like the one a friend owns,
but I'm more familiar with a revolver.
as a personal choice I prefer revolvers.
I've had and used a 445 dan wesson and a 44 mag for several decades
the 500 mags a noticeable step up in power but, In the past ,
I've killed an elk with my 44 mag and one with my 445 DWSM revolvers so added power does not seem to be required.
none of these pistols are instantly lethal game tends to run a bit even with excellent hits.
I've tried a 480 ruger and 500 S&W revolver friends own on several hunts!
the fun thing about hand loading and casting bullets is you can easily custom hand load the ammo,
to any power level your comfortable using and as you gain skill , powers nice to have but it's no substitute for precise shot placement and the skill you need to get in close to game before you shoot, think of handgun hunting as more like archery, in that your better off getting into under 50 yards before taking any shot's
you can increase or decrease the bullet weight and velocity of those hand-loads to match your personal requirements.
this is where Most REVOLVERS really have a good deal more flexibility,
than a semi auto hand-gun.
as it takes a narrow power band to maintain reliably function,with a semi auto pistol.
a semi-auto hand-gun must have, the ammo operate in a specific pressure and recoil range,
while a revolver is generally far less fussy about the ammo
pressure, velocity and bullet weights, it digests.
the 500 S&W has more power potential on the upper end of the power scale,
and yet could be loaded to less than a 44 mag and still function 100% reliably,
if you hand load, and simply swapping ammo allows you to change power,
something that's not nearly as easy with the semi-auto.
Sectional density is easy to calculate because it simply depends on the bullets caliber and weight.
For example, the sectional density of a 175 grain . 308 caliber bullet is: 175/7000/(. 308^2) = 0.264 (the bullet weight is divided by 7000 to convert from grains to pounds).
IN A LARGER BORE HUNTING REVOLVER's, hard cast gas check bullets in the .260-.300 sectional density range generally perform the best on larger game if cast from about 95% WW alloy and 5% pure TIN provided the rifling twist rate stabilizes the bullet (which it generally will)
the 155-180 grain .357, mag,
280-310 grain 44 caliber
and 440-480 grain 50 caliber work well
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/2...um-501-diameter-440-grain-flat-nose-gas-check
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
the best load for accuracy, after a great deal of testing.. 22 grains of blue dot
Its certainly not a max load but its very accurate and it certainly hammers hogs,
keep in mind a load that might be perfectly safe in my revolver,
might run as hot in your handgun,
so work up loads, starting at a couple grains lower, when you start handloading.
while it hits noticeably harder than my 445 DWSM or 44 mag, its no more lethal.
all three produce lethal hits and exit wounds
if you want a good 500 S&W plinking load that same lee 440 grain cast bullet over 12 grains of unique powder is at about 1000 fps
http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=50 AE&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Source=
http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=500 SqqqW Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=
http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...ing-a-handgun-for-hunting-hogs-deer-elk.1864/
http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...ns-power-accuracy-effective-range-cost.13280/
Id like to own one of those 50 cal desert eagle pistols
but if I ever had the cash, I think Id have selected a 7.5" or 10" S&W 500 mag, revolver
I've used a 10mm semi auto pistol on hunts, both my glock and 1006 S&W
,I have not a thing against a semi auto, but it rarely leaves exit wounds,
even though its lethal with good shot placement!
but I will point out, that if you hand load you have more options with a revolver.
and yes I've shot the 50 cal desert eagle pistol,
its accurate and fun to shoot, if its like the one a friend owns,
but I'm more familiar with a revolver.
as a personal choice I prefer revolvers.
I've had and used a 445 dan wesson and a 44 mag for several decades
the 500 mags a noticeable step up in power but, In the past ,
I've killed an elk with my 44 mag and one with my 445 DWSM revolvers so added power does not seem to be required.
none of these pistols are instantly lethal game tends to run a bit even with excellent hits.
I've tried a 480 ruger and 500 S&W revolver friends own on several hunts!
the fun thing about hand loading and casting bullets is you can easily custom hand load the ammo,
to any power level your comfortable using and as you gain skill , powers nice to have but it's no substitute for precise shot placement and the skill you need to get in close to game before you shoot, think of handgun hunting as more like archery, in that your better off getting into under 50 yards before taking any shot's
you can increase or decrease the bullet weight and velocity of those hand-loads to match your personal requirements.
this is where Most REVOLVERS really have a good deal more flexibility,
than a semi auto hand-gun.
as it takes a narrow power band to maintain reliably function,with a semi auto pistol.
a semi-auto hand-gun must have, the ammo operate in a specific pressure and recoil range,
while a revolver is generally far less fussy about the ammo
pressure, velocity and bullet weights, it digests.
the 500 S&W has more power potential on the upper end of the power scale,
and yet could be loaded to less than a 44 mag and still function 100% reliably,
if you hand load, and simply swapping ammo allows you to change power,
something that's not nearly as easy with the semi-auto.
Sectional density is easy to calculate because it simply depends on the bullets caliber and weight.
For example, the sectional density of a 175 grain . 308 caliber bullet is: 175/7000/(. 308^2) = 0.264 (the bullet weight is divided by 7000 to convert from grains to pounds).
IN A LARGER BORE HUNTING REVOLVER's, hard cast gas check bullets in the .260-.300 sectional density range generally perform the best on larger game if cast from about 95% WW alloy and 5% pure TIN provided the rifling twist rate stabilizes the bullet (which it generally will)
the 155-180 grain .357, mag,
280-310 grain 44 caliber
and 440-480 grain 50 caliber work well
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/2...um-501-diameter-440-grain-flat-nose-gas-check
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
the best load for accuracy, after a great deal of testing.. 22 grains of blue dot
Its certainly not a max load but its very accurate and it certainly hammers hogs,
keep in mind a load that might be perfectly safe in my revolver,
might run as hot in your handgun,
so work up loads, starting at a couple grains lower, when you start handloading.
while it hits noticeably harder than my 445 DWSM or 44 mag, its no more lethal.
all three produce lethal hits and exit wounds
if you want a good 500 S&W plinking load that same lee 440 grain cast bullet over 12 grains of unique powder is at about 1000 fps
http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=50 AE&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Source=
http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=500 SqqqW Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=
http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...ing-a-handgun-for-hunting-hogs-deer-elk.1864/
http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...ns-power-accuracy-effective-range-cost.13280/
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Nothing wrong with a big revolver Grumpy but you need to be careful with reduced loads with the DE when I first loaded for it the starting loads from the Hornaday manual wouldn't cycle the slide but would fire OK if you hand cycled it now maybe after the gun is broken in a little they might work. I haven't loaded for it for a while because I ran into a deal for 500 Hornaday factory loads for a hell of a deal
Nothing wrong with a big revolver Grumpy but you need to be careful with reduced loads with the DE when I first loaded for it the starting loads from the Hornaday manual wouldn't cycle the slide but would fire OK if you hand cycled it now maybe after the gun is broken in a little they might work. I haven't loaded for it for a while because I ran into a deal for 500 Hornaday factory loads for a hell of a deal
Gibbles
Clicker of buttons
Every youtube video i watch says the 500 hurts a little, but the DE is somewhat pleasant to shoot.
The 500, most seem to complain about the pain in the web of their palm.
The DE was top on my list, but i still want the 500...
If next year my local gunstore has a sale like they did this year, then the 500 will be following me home for sure!
Around here the 500 runs about $900-$1100.
The DE i bought was already discounted, and then another 30% off bringing it down to about $1200.
A deal i could not walk away from
The 500, most seem to complain about the pain in the web of their palm.
The DE was top on my list, but i still want the 500...
If next year my local gunstore has a sale like they did this year, then the 500 will be following me home for sure!
Around here the 500 runs about $900-$1100.
The DE i bought was already discounted, and then another 30% off bringing it down to about $1200.
A deal i could not walk away from
yeah, the 7.5" is about the most practical,
but the 10" has some real advantages for hunting.
keep in mind most hand gun hunts are conducted at ranges under 100 yards.
a 44mag ,454 casull, 480 ruger,or 460 S&W or 500S&W have enough power to kill almost any big game with a properly selected gas check hard cast bullet,
as a properly designed hard cast projectile,
with shoot as accurately as most hunting rifles inside its designed range,
and easily shoot completely through a deer or elks chest and exit.
https://www.diamonddcustomleather.c...hoice-related-products/products/speed-loaders
http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...do-i-need-here-for-a-500-s-w-reloading.11917/
http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...ing-a-handgun-for-hunting-hogs-deer-elk.1864/
http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...ns-power-accuracy-effective-range-cost.13280/
but the 10" has some real advantages for hunting.
keep in mind most hand gun hunts are conducted at ranges under 100 yards.
a 44mag ,454 casull, 480 ruger,or 460 S&W or 500S&W have enough power to kill almost any big game with a properly selected gas check hard cast bullet,
as a properly designed hard cast projectile,
with shoot as accurately as most hunting rifles inside its designed range,
and easily shoot completely through a deer or elks chest and exit.
https://www.diamonddcustomleather.c...hoice-related-products/products/speed-loaders
http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...do-i-need-here-for-a-500-s-w-reloading.11917/
http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...ing-a-handgun-for-hunting-hogs-deer-elk.1864/
http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...ns-power-accuracy-effective-range-cost.13280/
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Gibbles
Clicker of buttons
Here is my personal favorite profile.
https://www.impactguns.com/Revolver...5-Ported-Half-Lug-Barrel-022188635652-163565/
https://www.impactguns.com/Revolver...5-Ported-Half-Lug-Barrel-022188635652-163565/
Attachments
Considering most self defensive confrontations are at under 20 yards and fewer than 4 shots are fired,
according to FBI data, I always thought that the 3.5" barrel 500 revolver,
with reduced velocity loads, lets say a 320-350 grain semi wad-cutter
at about 900 fps would be a rather interesting self defensive tool.
too large and heavy to be practical,
but it should darn sure get an aggressors attention,
and change is anti social intentions,if it hits center mass,
without posing excessive penetration or recoil,
for an experienced, large bore magnum, pistol shot, that puts it in the same energy level,
as many 10mm loads but with a much larger diameter and heavier projectile moving slower.
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I went to a local pistol range this past week , I was rather amused by watching some guy who obviously was less than skilled trying so shoot a buddies 500 S&W revolver.
I have zero desire to see anyone not enjoy hunting and shooting and I just have a very hard time understanding the reluctance too learn the basics of hand loading.
remember you can rather easily custom load revolver ammo to any power level, and if you find factory ammo abusive,
its a simple change too carefully reduce either the bullet weight and/or powder charges, being used significantly.
a semi-auto pistol requires a minimum pressure and recoil level to function,, not so a revolver
I have zero desire to see anyone not enjoy hunting and shooting and I just have a very hard time understanding the reluctance too learn the basics of hand loading.
remember you can rather easily custom load revolver ammo to any power level, and if you find factory ammo abusive,
its a simple change too carefully reduce either the bullet weight and/or powder charges, being used significantly.
a semi-auto pistol requires a minimum pressure and recoil level to function,, not so a revolver
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Gibbles
Clicker of buttons
I think with the 500 i would need to load it down a little for sure.
And i finally had a chance to shoot that desert eagle!
I have to say I'm surprised how pleasant it was to shoot.
Everything turns orange for a split second when the trigger is pulled, but the recoil is very comfortable!
After a few shots i did start flinching a little, but as long as i thought of something else like sunsets, i could keep on target.
It also ran like a top, 0 failures with the hornady ammo i was running.
It will take some practice with the thing, but i think i can get pretty consistent with it.
I need to pick up some loading dies later, but at $1.50 a shot it's not too bad when i compare to the $1.00 a shot with my .308.
It also put a smile on everyones face that wanted to give it a go.
And i finally had a chance to shoot that desert eagle!
I have to say I'm surprised how pleasant it was to shoot.
Everything turns orange for a split second when the trigger is pulled, but the recoil is very comfortable!
After a few shots i did start flinching a little, but as long as i thought of something else like sunsets, i could keep on target.
It also ran like a top, 0 failures with the hornady ammo i was running.
It will take some practice with the thing, but i think i can get pretty consistent with it.
I need to pick up some loading dies later, but at $1.50 a shot it's not too bad when i compare to the $1.00 a shot with my .308.
It also put a smile on everyones face that wanted to give it a go.
Maniacmechanic1
solid fixture here in the forum
Perfect way to shut up the Demos.
A 500 DE !
A 500 DE !
Gibbles
Clicker of buttons
That would be a sight!
Maybe a 500 auto (rimless cartridge)!
The size of the grip might be an issue, the desert eagle grip is large, but i don't have an issue getting a proper grip.
My hands are also not large, usually a medium sized glove fits me perfectly.
And while i was out with the group others brought some "portable" steel targets with them.
That got me thinking and i ended up picking an ar500 3/8in thick for about $44 shipped.
It's a folding target that's self standing, and bolts together flat and includes a carry handle built in.
The seller sait it will handle the desert eagle, but did suggest the 1/2in thick model as a better alternative...
The stand also has some slots cut into it for some 3/4in pipe for legs.
It's small, but a good starting point!
It came unfinished, but one of my tasks for today is to remove all of the sharp edges, and coat it with something that will prevent long term rust, and to make it more visible...
Maybe a 500 auto (rimless cartridge)!
The size of the grip might be an issue, the desert eagle grip is large, but i don't have an issue getting a proper grip.
My hands are also not large, usually a medium sized glove fits me perfectly.
And while i was out with the group others brought some "portable" steel targets with them.
That got me thinking and i ended up picking an ar500 3/8in thick for about $44 shipped.
It's a folding target that's self standing, and bolts together flat and includes a carry handle built in.
The seller sait it will handle the desert eagle, but did suggest the 1/2in thick model as a better alternative...
The stand also has some slots cut into it for some 3/4in pipe for legs.
It's small, but a good starting point!
It came unfinished, but one of my tasks for today is to remove all of the sharp edges, and coat it with something that will prevent long term rust, and to make it more visible...
Maniacmechanic1
solid fixture here in the forum
Like a Race Car put on the Street.
FUN.
But not always practical.
FUN.
But not always practical.
Gibbles watch reloading for this my starting loads would not cycle the slide until about mid loads from the Hornaday book with Accurate #9 powder. Now this was also fired in a new unfired tight gun I may re try the loads after some rounds are run through it
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012996352/hornady-lock-n-load-ap-progressive-press-ammo-plant
is this the press?
btw dillion introduced the dillion 750 recently
is this the press?
btw dillion introduced the dillion 750 recently
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