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500 special load data? Use 50 AE data?

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keithhagan

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I've not come across load data for 500 S&W Special in any of the reputable manuals. Does anyone here have experience loading for it? Can it be loaded using 50 AE data? Case dimensions are (nearly) identical. Max pressure for 50 AE is 36,000 psi, and 500 Magnum is 60,000. If (as I presume) 500 special brass is constructed similarly to 500 magnum brass, I imagine it should withstand 50 AE loads. Would love someone with experience to confirm, however.

I've seen "factory" loaded 500 special, but it seems to be loaded significantly weaker than 50 AE, and often weaker than 44 mag (eventhough the 500 Special case is the same length as the 44 mag, but wider).

I'd like to load ~50 AE levels, but at minimum hotter than 44 mag/480 ruger (otherwise, what's the point of the 500 special).
 
If you want to try out these types of loads, invest in quickload. You can input the case dimensions and oal and it will give you a good idea of that load. Are you trimming 500 cases?
Very safe imo. The bullet should leave the barrel. Just dont shoot steel if the velocities are too low to fragment the projectile
 
I had a Dessert Eagle in 50 AE. Started loading for it in 1992 and sold it about 8 years ago. The only problem I foresee is your velocities in a revolver will most likely be higher. (not much of a problem) The DE uses an enormous amount of gas to operate the action. The DE also required jacketed bullets, revolvers don't!

Ivan
 
The 500 Special is a SAAMI spec'd cartridge & has a 36K psi (MAP) max. pressure assigned to it.

The 50AE is a SAAMI 35K psi (MAP) max cartridge.

They both have a 1.285" case length, according to SAAMI but they have different max COAL"s.

The 500 Special has straight case walls while the 50AE has a slight taper so it'll hold less.

Sierra VI Reloading Manual has load data for the 500 Special using 350gr & 400gr JHPs.

.
 
I reload for my 500 using the loading info from Hodgen's website for Titegroup as that was the only powder I could find when I started reloading. I use 12-12.2 grains under a 350gr Hornady JHP which gives me approx 1200fps.. I was going for that speed because of how the Winchester 350gr Reduced Recoil performed in my 500. Nice smooth kick with minimum barrel rise...

After a quick check on Wikipedia this is close to the max velocity for the 350gr 500 Special. Here's a link: .500 S&W Special - Wikipedia

I think that Bullseye will get you to a lower muzzle velocity, but I haven't found any to try yet...

BTW, Mine's got the 8-3/8" barrel with the interchangeable Comp...

Have Fun with Her!!!
 
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