Just wondering if there is anything to know or stay away from when experimenting with the S&W 500 loads.

I noticed that the OAL for a cartridge loaded with the 700 grain bullet is around 2.32 (not sure what the bullet length of the 700 is, but it looks like it comes in around 1.4" per the Montain Molds program).

The reason I ask is that I am a fan of the true "driving band" solids (GS Custom and NorthFork Bullets). I have had great success with those bullets in large caliber rifles - seeing standard pressures actually lower than published guidelines for non driving band bullets. With the ability to get greater penetration with lower weight flat or cup point bullets.

Just wondering if anyone has tried one if these in the 500:

.500-450 CPS(50 per box) - Premium Flat/Cup Point Solids - Bullets - Default Store View

Those might work but I envision possible crimp problems. And I don't like paying over $2 per bullet. I can't see the advantage in the S&W .500 revolver over my 510 grain 95% meplat "Sledgehammer" cast bullet.

What is your thinking here?

BTW The longest shank you can put in the .500 case is .700", give or take. More than that and you're getting into thicker case wall section and the bulged round won't chamber. My 725 grain design is 1.395" long with a nose length of .700", for a shank length of .695"

Hope this helps.

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JR, the 500 Specialist

John,

I have used the driving banded bullets in .338 Lapua (which restricts me in the OAL and as a consequence the bullet weight) and some other large caliber rounds (9.3 X 74) with some good results. Lower pressure and improved accuracy being among those. That was back in the day when copper was cheap.

I am not a fan of $2.00 bullets either.

I don't have a whole lot of experience with the X frames, so I don't know if pressure is going to be an issue. Just getting myself educated on loading the 500 S&W. Before I prime one case, I want to be on top of the variables. I want to keep using my right hand!

Anyone make a mold for your 510 grain 95% meplat "Sledgehammer" cast bullet?

Jim

Mountain Molds Cast Bullet Molds One or two cavity molds.

Use their online design page.

Follow the recommendations I give at

Untitled Document

There is a Group Buy of my designs for 2- 3- and 4-cavity molds going on now at http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=138551

I would bet money that cast bullets give less pressure than the $2 all copper drive band bullets of the same weight.

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JR, the 500 Specialist

Outstanding!

Thank you!

I only shoot hard cast gas check bullets and crimp at the crimp groove. I never measure any over all length.

My single shot 500 Handi-rifle is the only 500 I've ever owned.

Cordite, if you want to get educated about the X-frame .500, you could do worse than to read this:

http://john-ross.net/pdfs/maghist.pdf

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JR, the 500 Specialist