Looking for a powder for a S&W 500 to make a nice light show.

[Mark1967]

I am looking for a powder that will produce a nice light show, just for kicks. I am loading S&W 500. I currently use H110 exclusively. Lots of bang but not all that much light. It might seam a little silly of a question, but that’s what I’m looking for.

[Mark1967]

I am looking for a powder that will produce a nice light show, just for kicks. I am loading S&W 500. I currently use H110 exclusively. Lots of bang but not all that much light. It might seam a little silly of a question, but that’s what I’m looking for.

[Jeff423]

2400 gives a good flash, but I don't know if it is appropriate for an S&W 500.

Jeff

[runningute]

Try Alliant's Power Pistol. I have never seen a more "flashy" powder. In my .357 it lights up the range.

[TwoPoundPull]

I hesitate to reply to this post because I've never heard of it or seen it done...But...If I can fill a .45 Colt case with Goex FFF black powder to 1/8" above the seating depth of a 250gn Cast RNFP, seat the bullet and compress the charge, load that cartrige in an older Ruger Vaquero, touch it off at the range, create a huge ball of fire, sparks, and smoke that tends to get a whole lot of attention, is there any reason BP should not be used in newer larger caliber handguns...Besides the cleanup.

[ArchAngelCD]

IMO there's no better powder for a "light show" than H110/W296. Along with the light show you also get some good accurate ammo using that powder too. My guess is the barrel on your 500 is long enough to allow all the powder to burn before the bullet exits the barrel. That's probably why you're not getting the light show you're looking for. For the most a 5" barrel or longer will allow a proper burn of the powder.

[Skip Sackett]

Just when you thought you had heard it all!

[John R]

Blue Dot=Big light show, if you can find loading data for the 500 using it.

[Mark1967]

I seam to get a lot of flash and great accuracy using H110 like you mentioned, but I think I remember a long time ago that the Factory Hornady ammo in 500 grain made more flash. That was when I don’t reload the S&W 500. After that range visit paying $50 per box of 20, my next visit was to the local reloader supply store to pick up some dies. $6.00 per box now. Anyway, perhaps the fist few shot from this hand cannon shocked me into thinking there was more things going on, including a huge flash. I have since, somewhat tamed the beast and get 1" groups at full velocity at 7 yards. That's not great, but it is a million times more accurate than 80% of the people who I see shooting at the range. Practice makes better. Thanks for the posts guys/gals.

[musicmanbass]

As Jhn R said, Blue Dot is nice and flashy. I've used it and H110 in my 357s and 44s. I like H110 better for shooting, but the Blue Dot always seemed more flashy to me.

[sunday bill]

TwoPoundPull nailed it IMHO! FFg or Cowboy granulation will do well, also.

The black powder cartridge categories in the CAS games have helped open some eyes as to the usefulness and potential accuracy of BP and its subs in pistol caliber cartridges. I've shot thousands of 45 BPs, not for light show, but in competition, in my Colts and Rugers over the last several years with zero problems.

The most accurate load I've found for my old shooter grade Triple Lock is a 44 Spec. case stuffed with a lightly compressed load of Goex FFg BP. Tried it in my .454 Freedom Arms and the only drawback I can see is that its tight tolerances ain't conducive to chambering rounds for the 2nd cylinderful.

The cleanup is waaay over-poormouthed (hot water)and the desired effect you described will be hard to equal with any smokeless powder.

'Sides that, you AIN'T gonna double charge with BP.

[Smitty500Mag]

45.3 Grs of H110 with a 325 Gr. bullet out of a 4" 500 Mag will give you all the light show you need.

Smitty

[ohiococonut]

Originally posted by Smitty500Mag:
45.3 Grs of H110 with a 325 Gr. bullet out of a 4" 500 Mag will give you all the light show you need.

Smitty

It'll flame cut the hell out of the top strap and forcing cone too
Been there, done that!

[Smitty500Mag]

Originally posted by ohiococonut:

It'll flame cut the hell out of the top strap and forcing cone too
Been there, done that!

Yep, it started to cut my back strap to. But then I cut and bent some thin stainless steel sheet metal and made some small clips that fit above the cylinder gap on the back strap and no more flame cutting except to the little clips now. I dispose of the clips as they wear out. I didn't experience any damage to the forcing cone on mine though?

Since I like my gun shiny instead of the satin finish that came on it from the factory I just have to be careful and not let the clips scratch the sides of the back strap or else it takes a good bit of time to buff the scratches out.

Smitty