500 Magnum recoil

[steelslaver]

You can buy a L frame 357 for around $700 and fire $400 worth of rounds of combined 38 special and 357 for the $1100 or so you would pay for a 500. Then pay about $2 a round to shoot the 500 as apposed about $.50 or so for 38s or 357. Reloading or buying bulk changes the numbers but doesn't effect the cost ratio much. If you want to learn to really shoot a revolver a 500 is NOT the way to go.

It mightt impress your buddies, butt so will accurate shooting with a 38/357, 44 special/magnum or 45 acp revolver

 

[rpollard01]

Welcome to the forum. Revolvers are reliable and the S & W 500 is the biggest, 350 hornady XTP are nice carry loads. The idea that short barrels have more recoil is not correct. I own and shoot 2 3/4", 4", 7.5", 8 3/8", 18" rifle. Without a doubt the shorter barrels do generate a bigger fireball, but that is secondary to burning powder outside the barrel instead of inside. The more power you create and harness the greater your recoil will be. The 2 3/4 & 4" are fine up to 500 grains, 600,700 start keyholing at around 45 yards, the longer barrel will take them farther. I had no difficulty getting used to the 500 or did my 5'2" wife, BUT we have been shooting snub 357's, 41 mag,44 mag for nearly 35 years, it is a big jump up, and should not be taken lightly. AS HE stated above going to a 357 revolver, an effective carry weapon/ law enforcement/hunting, very versatile and a good starting point. As for stance you find that as you move down the road, a SW500 can be shot in all the stances/holds you mentioned. If you like the 357 mag and want to move up you can carry the 4" ( I am only 6' ) in a Black Hills High Ride Holster. photos for your pleasure. Be Safe,

I do hand load and will get the dies and consumables when I pick it up. I plan on controlling the load until I get use to the weight/balance/recoil. Then, move it on up.

I am 56 years old as of 2 days ago and regularly powerlift, rock climb, mountain bike, snowboard and anything else I can get into. This little adventure is just another notch on the belt. You're advice is solid. However, I am a Toys R Us kid and want the biggest and baddest. I was 46 when I started snowboarding and went through a lot of pain for 3 days. Hopefully, the pain won't be any worse but I'm committed.

Thank you for taking the time to respond!

 

[fdw]

I do hand load and will get the dies and consumables when I pick it up. I plan on controlling the load until I get use to the weight/balance/recoil. Then, move it on up.

I am 56 years old as of 2 days ago and regularly powerlift, rock climb, mountain bike, snowboard and anything else I can get into. This little adventure is just another notch on the belt. You're advice is solid. However, I am a Toys R Us kid and want the biggest and baddest. I was 46 when I started snowboarding and went through a lot of pain for 3 days. Hopefully, the pain won't be any worse but I'm committed.

Thank you for taking the time to respond!

Best wishes, sounds like you will be able to pull it off!

 

[rpollard01]

If you shoot a 500 or 460, or let someone else shoot it, only put one round in to begin with. There are a few cases where people who couldn't hold the recoil ended up shooting themselves in the head. This happens when the gun recoils on the first shot and the recoil allows the trigger to reset. Then as the muzzle flips over the top, the trigger is activated again by the rotation of the gun with the finger on the trigger. It all happens in 1/2 a second.

That is solid advice. I have heard of the story. The one I heard was a boyfriend who thought it would be funny to give his girlfriend the most powerful handgun in the world and not tell her what to expect or coach her on proper hand grip or form.

I plan on starting out with around 12 to 15 gr and keep it between 700 to 1000 fps. One guy who had a video of reloading the 500 used 12 gr and the recoil was no more than my 9mm.
Your point is well taken and will exercise extreme caution by using a tiny (almost dry fire) load and on 1. Then go up from there.

Thanks!

 

[rpollard01]

Best wishes, sounds like you will be able to pull it off!

Thank you! It's not a matter of if, to me it's a matter of how much commitment will it require. Along with some reloading variations that will help build up my confidence.

 

[rpollard01]

You can buy a L frame 357 for around $700 and fire $400 worth of rounds of combined 38 special and 357 for the $1100 or so you would pay for a 500. Then pay about $2 a round to shoot the 500 as apposed about $.50 or so for 38s or 357. Reloading or buying bulk changes the numbers but doesn't effect the cost ratio much. If you want to learn to really shoot a revolver a 500 is NOT the way to go.

It mightt impress your buddies, butt so will accurate shooting with a 38/357, 44 special/magnum or 45 acp revolver

I have shot several revolvers and enjoy the variations from semis they give. My budget (nor my wife) doesn't allow for 2 revolvers. If my ultimate goal is to own the 500, the way I work is go for it and adapt. Even if it breaks my wrist because of stupid things I do. I'll heal and try it again. I'm not a snowflake and love the challenges.

However, if you are correct, and I whimp out and wind up selling it because I can't handle the power, I will respond to this thread and admit you were right. Then, you can say I told you so...
BTW, I don't have buddies to impress and that's not in my nature anyway. I do things to challenge myself. I research, as evidence of my questions in this forum, take it head on and even with injuries, will keep going.

I'll let you know and thanks!

 

[rpollard01]

You need some carry grips like I had on mine.

Nice pic.

I tend to agree. As I research it and watch videos, I see recoil differences from a 2 3/4 to an 8 3/8. The one with 2 3/4 the recoil would pop out of the persons hand and come back almost to their head every time. The same person with a 8 3/8, the recoil took it up about 45 degrees.
Not sure but we'll see.
Thanks!

 

[chuckster57]

My 500 mag is one of my favorites. It came with rubber grips and I left the ported muzzle on. Hornady 350gn jacketed hollow points in front of 22gn of longshot, get me 1250fps and very little recoil. Since I broke my wrist, I do wear a brace now.

 

[bigggbbruce]

Watch the recoil in his arms.
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43yg6AMfp8k[/ame]

 

[chief38]

It's NOT the recoil I am bothered by, it's the NOISE that turns me off. Over the years I have fired about 100+ rounds out of other peoples guns and the loudness is what was a turn off to me.

The other issue with the 500 Mag. is I personally do not handgun hunt, I don't go on Safari, and I don't live in a place like Alaska where I fear large game so I have absolutely no purpose for the caliber. Not something I would ever carry for SD and not something I'd use for target shooting or plinking.

It's fun to shoot a few rounds once in a while but nothing I'd consider owning. IMHO if one does not hunt or live in an area with dangerous game,
there is nothing I can't get done with a .357 Mag or a 45Colt. YMMV.

 

[iouri]

Won't break a wrist for sure. I've got me PC version (7.5" with comp) - very manageable recoil with everything I've tried from 350gr to 500gr.

 

[steelslaver]

Hey, I don't have nothing against a 500. Got one myself. Although it does recoil, its not unmanageable. They are kind of impracticable for most things expensive to shoot and poor guns for the novice.

Information like already reloading and how much experience you have is important when you ask for advice on things like this.

New guys come along all the time wanting something big and bad and want to jump right to the top. Not a good plan.

 

[rpollard01]

Watch the recoil in his arms.
S&W .500 Magnum speed shooting - YouTube

Seen everything he has that I could find. He is amazing.Did you see the one where he shot steel plate 230 yards away. He was using the 8 3/8 one.
Thanks!

 

[rpollard01]

Hey, I don't have nothing against a 500. Got one myself. Although it does recoil, its not unmanageable. They are kind of impracticable for most things expensive to shoot and poor guns for the novice.

Information like already reloading and how much experience you have is important when you ask for advice on things like this.

New guys come along all the time wanting something big and bad and want to jump right to the top. Not a good plan.

I've been reloading for a couple of years. I reload .223 and 9mm. Wouldn't say I'm a novice totally. But, am inexperienced with S&W 500s. Not new to shooting a variety of weapons. I'm not jumping to the top all the way. But can control the amount of recoil by reloading light at first then working the loads up.
As far as jumping to the top, the top to me would be the 2 3/4 with a max charge in a 700 gr. round. Not going that far for my first jump.

Thanks!

 

[rpollard01]

Won't break a wrist for sure. I've got me PC version (7.5" with comp) - very manageable recoil with everything I've tried from 350gr to 500gr.

Good to know and validates what I've seen and read in my research.

 

[rpollard01]

It's NOT the recoil I am bothered by, it's the NOISE that turns me off. Over the years I have fired about 100+ rounds out of other peoples guns and the loudness is what was a turn off to me.

The other issue with the 500 Mag. is I personally do not handgun hunt, I don't go on Safari, and I don't live in a place like Alaska where I fear large game so I have absolutely no purpose for the caliber. Not something I would ever carry for SD and not something I'd use for target shooting or plinking.

It's fun to shoot a few rounds once in a while but nothing I'd consider owning. IMHO if one does not hunt or live in an area with dangerous game,
there is nothing I can't get done with a .357 Mag or a 45Colt. YMMV.

Point taken. I plan on going to places where the game might get a little upset with a 357. I believe in functional purpose as well as fun.

 

[rpollard01]

My 500 mag is one of my favorites. It came with rubber grips and I left the ported muzzle on. Hornady 350gn jacketed hollow points in front of 22gn of longshot, get me 1250fps and very little recoil. Since I broke my wrist, I do wear a brace now.

This is what I'm talking about when I say I can control the recoil by controlling the charge. I know that I can load it with a recoil equivalent to a 9mm as I've seen someone do just that. I figured it would be manageable off the bat up to around 1300 - 1400 fps until I get used to it.
Thanks!

 

[rpollard01]

My 500 mag is one of my favorites. It came with rubber grips and I left the ported muzzle on. Hornady 350gn jacketed hollow points in front of 22gn of longshot, get me 1250fps and very little recoil. Since I broke my wrist, I do wear a brace now.

Just looked up Longshot and looks like a good choice. Also, a suggestion was to start out with S&W 500 Special cases and move up to Magnum. Testing both rounds through the chrono showed the same charge in a Special (shorter case) gained about 50 fps over the Magnum because of the load density in the Special was more. This was a test specifically for the effects of the same charge with different load densities.
Thanks for the tips. Will welcome anymore wisdom you have in reloading 500.
This guy is the one that did the load density tests and says Trail Boss is really good for preventing overcharging especially in 500 Special cases:
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBLN-_f2coY[/ame]

 

[SA1911]

In my studly youth, I couldn't tame recoil of a 6" 629 with .44 Mag rounds.

I've fired a Freedom Arms .454 Casull exactly 3 times. I wouldn't even look at it after firing the third round.

Big bore magnum handguns ain't fun to shoot.

 

[one eye joe]

Hi,

This is my first post to this forum and seems to be quite a few friendly people that are more than willing to help anyway they can.
I have an M&P full size and a Shield both 9mm. Also, bought a Kimber Ultra Carry II 9mm. S&W is way more reliable. They will shoot anything.
Now, I'm looking to jump to the top. I have always been told that I should consider getting a revolver based on the reliability factor alone. Makes sense so I am seriously considering buying a 500 4".
I heard good things and bad things about the recoil but mostly good. You never know if the guys telling you it's no big deal are 6'5 and 340 lbs.
Also, I heard the percussion wave coming out the muzzle is overwhelming. Some say it beats you down after a short amount of time.
I'm 5'6" at 160 lbs. I'm fairly strong as I was a competitive powerlifter but am not near strong as I used to be.
I've heard people having broke wrists from shooting the 500. I'd say that was due to bad form???
My question is, does anyone have advice about the best form to use, best grip to have, best stance (Weaver vs. Isosceles) and any advice about what to expect when the recoil hits the back of my hand, where to place the handle in my hand, etc.
Any advice is much appreciated!

FIRST OFF, WELCOME TO THE FORUM....

I WOULD HAVE TO QUESTION, WHAT YOU INTEND TO DO WITH THIS HAND CANNON. IT IS CERTAINLY NOT A RANGE REVOLVER, OR A SELF DEFENSE OR HOME DEFENSE WEAPON. IT IS APPROPRIATE FOR HUNTING OF, OR PROTECTION FROM, THE MOST DANGEROUS LARGE CARNIVORES, ON THE PANET. ARE YOU AN ALASKAN HUNTING GUIDE, OR A BUSH PILOT ? ? ?

REST ASSURED THAT AFTER SHOOTING YOUR PUNY 9MM, SEMI-AUTOS, YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BE PREPARED FOR THE BLAST, AND RECOIL OF THE 500. NOR ARE YOU GOING TO LIKE THE COST OF THE AMMO---EVEN THOUGH, YOU MAY ONLY STRUGGLE THROUGH ONE BOX, BEFORE YOU DECIDE TO SELL IT......

I'M AN OLD GEEZER, WITH 60 YEARS OF SHOOTING EXPERIENCE--ABOUT 30 OF THEM AS A CERTIFIED NRA INSTRUCTOR. THE BEST ADVICE THAT I CAN GIVE YOU, OR ANY NEW SHOOTER CONTEMPLATING THEIR FIRST REVOLVER IS THE FOLLOWING......

BUY A 4" M686+. IMO--THE M686 IS THE FINEST .357 MAGNUM REVOLVER, IN PRODUCTION. IT IS BUILT LIKE A TANK, AND IS SUPREMELY RELIABLE, WITH A LIFETIME WARRANTY---THEREBY SATISFYING YOUR ONLY STATED REQUIREMENT. IT IS VERY VERSATILE, DIGESTING AMMO FROM .38 SPECIAL TARGET LOADS, TO HEAVY, BONE SMASHING .357 HUNTING LOADS---AND THE RECOIL IS MANAGEABLE......

THE 4" LENGTH IS VERY ACCURATE ON THE RANGE. ITS AT HOME IN THE WOODS, FOR HUNTING OR PROTECTION AGAINST BOTH 2 OR 4 LEGGED THREATS, IN THE LOWER 48. ITS EASILY HOLSTERED, AND CARRIED CONCEALED, AND WILL SERVE YOU WELL, IN THE ROLES OF SELF DEFENSE AND HOME DEFENSE. THE M686+VERSION CARRIES 7 ROUNDS, INSTEAD OF 6. THAT EXTRA ROUND, COULD CONCEIVABLY SAVE YOUR LIFE.....

I THINK THAT THIS REVOLVER WILL GIVE YOU A LIFETIME OF PROBLEM FREE SERVICE, AND ENJOYMENT.........