500 magnum

[John Ross]

Very well then. What little I am aware of in regards to the handloading potential of the 500 is from what I read about here on S&W forum. I'm not a handloader myself, but get my ammo reloaded by an FFL licensed ammo manufacturer and he doesn't do anything beyond established specs with ammo he sells or reloads for customers. I knew they could be close, but did not know they could exceed the 460 ballistics. Thanks for the correction..

Makes me wonder what the 460 is capable with custom loading..

The handloaded .460 isn't much different than factory offerings because factory .460 ammo is already loaded to an OAL that almost fills the cylinder. Factory .500 ammo is not, with the exception of some types of ammo produced by small companies like Ballistic Supply.

The .500 has more case capacity and a bigger bore than the .460, and it operates at almost exactly the same pressure. That means it can do things the .460 can't IF YOU WANT IT TO, such as delivering 35%-40% more muzzle energy than the .460.

 

[John Ross]

For the OP, it would behoove you to read this thread and view the links therein:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...advice-new-would-500-s-w-magnum-shooters.html

The search engine is your friend...

 

[Magnum-Krazy]

Lots of good info regarding the recoil power and brute force of the .500 that new buyers need to know before buying.
Heres the S&W 6 1/2" .500 and the John Ross S&W Performance Center 5" .500.

Both are great shooters and very accurate.
You can shoot all day with either the 325gr & 350gr. Going to 400gr and 440gr isn't too bad either, but the 500gr and up is a bit different story, but still fun to shoot.
If you're used to fireing the .454 Casull, .480 Ruger, .475 Linebaugh and others, then the .500 will be no problem.
Go for it !



Ernie

 

[PA Reb]

I have a S&W 686 6" 6 shot 357magnum, and I love shooting it. I just wondered if I'll notice the difference between the 357 and the 500?

LMAO - That's like comparing a 1974 Chevy Vega to a 2012 Porsche !

 

[MTKTM]

I bought one of the very early 8 3/8" 500s in '02 or 03, right after they came out, and a 4" a couple of years later. I've shot both extensively, handload for them (the only way to go unless you either don't want to shoot much, or are quite wealthy), chronographed them, hunted with them and carried them. Great guns.

If I didn't have these two, I'd be inclined to get the 6 1/2" or the John Ross 5", probably the latter.

I do find that the 4" with the larger interchangeable comp actually recoils less than the 8 3/8" with the integral smaller comp. I imagine one of the newer 8 3/8" guns with the interchangeable comp like the one posted by the OP are even more comfortable to shoot, that style of comp is pretty clearly more effective in reducing recoil IMHO. But the muzzle-blast of the 4" (really a 3" with a 1" comp) is something else with heavy loads. I torched a few off as dusk was coming on one time and was seeing spots for hours afterward.

 

[BigE]

I just bought a 500 last weekend (got a great deal at a gun show). I'm absolutely happy with my purchase, but haven't had the opportunity to shoot it yet. Congrats on your purchase!

 

[mtb1bkr]

My 500 was my first ever revolver!! Probably not the best one to start with, but I have no complaints. I've reloaded everything from 300gr up to 700gr bullits for it and flat out love shooting them all!!

Bill

 

[Wild Tom Hickok]

Just picked it up this morning, and all I have to say is, WOW!!! This is a revolver on "steroids". I have my 686-6" in the photos for comparison, and the size difference is incredible. The case it comes in looks like it belongs to a break-down rifle, LOL. It is even more size contrasting when seeing it for real, in your hand. I used the tips given in this thread to help me out at the GS, and thankfully, there don't appear to be any problems. This gun is simply a "brute". I can't wait to shoot it, as I plan on reloading my own rounds. If any of you have some pet loads, and care to share them, I'd be interested. I load my own 357mags myself and find it rather comfortable when using W296. My 357 really barks when I shoot it, and I'm looking for bigger barks with this gun. Thanks for all the "valuable" info that you folks put into this thread, it really helped me out. I will surely post shooting results when that happens.
Thanks again,
Tom

 

[mtb1bkr]

Wow, I didn't know you could still get the one without the interchangeable compensator. Grats on the new toy, have fun and be safe. Oh, and be prepared for others to want to come over and ogle/shoot it when you are at the range!

 

[2hawk]

Just picked it up this morning, and all I have to say is, WOW!!! ...

Congratulations!
Yep, they are pretty awesome beasts when you first get one in hand. I think you're gonna like it!

 

[Wild Tom Hickok]

Yes, I was aware of that, but I couldn't pass up the deal I got. It was $200 dollars less then the "popular" outlet store near by. I have heard pros and cons to the effectiveness of the other compensator, but would be willing to hear from those who have shot both.
Tom

 

[jake m29]

I had the 8 3/8 and found it to be kinda' big, I was very accurate but just oversized...

I sold it and got the 4" and it is awsome! It cost me 300fps, but that is a small trade-off to have a gun that I can carry and I seem to able to shoot it as well as the 8"...That being said, ANY 500 is better than no 500

Well said! The 500 is a great gun once you get to know it. One of the best handgun purchases I have ever made.

 

[Magnum-Krazy]

I torched a few off as dusk was coming on one time and was seeing spots for hours afterward.

ROFL !
You too -------------------
Total darkness and I could barely see my target, then all I remember seeing were my hands and the cylinder & hammer !
Did kinna make me feel like a movie star with all the bright flash bulbs going off afterwards -------------------

"CONGRATS" Tom on you're new .500 !
QUOTE: My 357 really barks when I shoot it, and I'm looking for bigger barks with this gun.

You now own the Big Dog on the block, the rest will be staying on the porch !

The 8 3/8" one is my next in line to get.



Ernie

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

Nice! I particularly like your side by side pics of the 686 with the 500... And I thought my 629 Classic made my 686 look small! That 5-Hundie really puts it in perspective...

 

[John Ross]

There's not a nickel's worth of difference between the two different comps when comparing 8 3/8" guns.

 

[John Ross]

deer hunt with mine here in indiana. I love it

vic3620

Whose mount is that and is it SS or aluminum?

 

[whoever]

They still make that version?

 

[DonD]

They still make that version?

Yes, last time I looked. Don

 

[vic3620]

scope mount

John, That is a stainless mount from weigand.

Scope Mounts Weaver Style Base Weigand

 

[John Ross]

I have a S&W 686 6" 6 shot 357magnum, and I love shooting it. I just wondered if I'll notice the difference between the 357 and the 500?

You might...