500 magnum

[Dfish1247]

My 14" 460 needed a companion, so a 10.5" 500 mag found its way here.

I'm waiting on brass and other bullets to arrive, but I'd like some reloading ideas.

I have 296, imr 4227, 2400, aa9. Only bullets I have are Barnes 325gr xpb right now, Lyman 50th shows plenty of loads for these.

But, I'd like to try Matt's bullets 390gr spires, and up to 460gr round nose, both with gas checks. Load data is scarce from what I'm finding, anyone have a manual with data for something in the neighborhood of these? I'd really like to find something to use 2400 as I have plenty vs the other three.

I found the John Ross data for the real heavy stuff with rifle powder, but nothing under 500gr, I have 3031, h335, tac, and pp varmint if any of those seem feasible for the 460gr stuff.

I can conjure up a plinker using unique, that seems to be relatively easy to accomplish.

 

[Baggy Wrinkle]

The perfect companion for your revolver would be a Big Horn Armory Model 89 lever action rifle in 500 S&W. Patterned after the Winchester Model 1886 it is a real thumper and fun to shoot.

 

[ruggyh]

.......

I have 296, imr 4227, 2400, aa9. Only bullets I have are Barnes 325gr xpb right now, Lyman 50th shows plenty of loads for these.

I would start with 4227 in all bullet ranges. While the faster powders mentioned above will work they typically won't be as accurate with the exception of H110 (296) at least in my testing.

I am hearing that CFE Black is working well in the 500 but have not got around to doing any testing

.......
But, I'd like to try Matt's bullets 390gr spires, and up to 460gr round nose, both with gas checks. Load data is scarce from what I'm finding, anyone have a manual with data for something in the neighborhood of these? I'd really like to find something to use 2400 as I have plenty vs the other three.

I like Accurate 4100 for lead in 400 to 500 grain range

For the 440 grainers (which is all I can recall without looking at my actual data) 36 grains was best load - 37 grain max.

You could look at Accurate's online data for details = they posted loads for 1680, 4100, and 5744 if I remember correctly (these are now part of the Hornady site)

As an aside 100% case fill of N110 will produce suitable results for lead bullets without regard to weight- believe I posted the pressure test velocity data summary here in the past.

I found the John Ross data for the real heavy stuff with rifle powder, but nothing under 500gr, I have 3031, h335, tac, and pp varmint if any of those seem feasible for the 460gr stuff.

I can conjure up a plinker using unique, that seems to be relatively easy to accomplish.

I would suggest you reread Johns information. The use of the slower rifle powders is what John intended to be used for reduced recoil loads as opposed to fast powder like Unique. Fast powders have ended the life of way to many x-frame revolvers.

Remember if you get carried away with weight the bullets, they have a hard time stabilizing at much past 25 yards. The reality is going above 440 grains does not offer any performance gains- just more rainbow to contend with for sighting.

When I return from overseas I will try to remember to post some results for a few more powders.

As John would tell people 3031 won't blow your 500 if you want to shoot powder puffs.

Wish he was still with us.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I agree using 4227 of the powders you list is probably the best place to start with that 375gr XPB bullet.

Of the powders you listed, for the 390gr cast bullet I would give H110/W296 the first try. Lyman Cast Bullet 4th Edition Manual lists it an potentially the most accurate powder for a 400gr cast bullet.

 

[__steve__]

I have used cfeblk for the cartridge. Usually requires compressed levels to achieve stout loads, but good luck compressing it without ruining the bullet. Definitely heavy crimp.

About to test some today once I find the chronograph

 

[Dfish1247]

I would start with 4227 in all bullet ranges. While the faster powders mentioned above will work they typically won't be as accurate with the exception of H110 (296) at least in my testing.

I am hearing that CFE Black is working well in the 500 but have not got around to doing any testing



I like Accurate 4100 for lead in 400 to 500 grain range

For the 440 grainers (which is all I can recall without looking at my actual data) 36 grains was best load - 37 grain max.

You could look at Accurate's online data for details = they posted loads for 1680, 4100, and 5744 if I remember correctly (these are now part of the Hornady site)

As an aside 100% case fill of N110 will produce suitable results for lead bullets without regard to weight- believe I posted the pressure test velocity data summary here in the past.





I would suggest you reread Johns information. The use of the slower rifle powders is what John intended to be used for reduced recoil loads as opposed to fast powder like Unique. Fast powders have ended the life of way to many x-frame revolvers.

Remember if you get carried away with weight the bullets, they have a hard time stabilizing at much past 25 yards. The reality is going above 440 grains does not offer any performance gains- just more rainbow to contend with for sighting.

When I return from overseas I will try to remember to post some results for a few more powders.

As John would tell people 3031 won't blow your 500 if you want to shoot powder puffs.

Wish he was still with us.

Thank you.

I figured the 460gr was pushing it. I'll order 50 each to see what does best.

If his velocity data was any indication, his loads weren't too deep into powder puff territory, but, the velocity of factory ammo in 500 mag is screaming, so 1400-1600fps looks slow. I like the idea though of a full case, but mid range velocity.

 

[Imissedagain]

Have fun with those X Frames OP.

Without fail, the question asked is, " is that a 500?", when on the firing line.
My reply, "no it's a 460".
Most people wait until I put the 460 down but some yell those words while I'm shooting.
So.... I made some T shirts that look similar to the pics below on the back.
Then I made some canvas tote bags for ammo that I hang while shooting.
Made with fabric transfers and an iron but got a quality heat press as bags make for fun product packaging as opposed to throw-a-way cardboard/plastic boxes.
Some early ones as well as a gift for my guitar playing brother.

Have no need for a 500 but if a super great deal on a 500/2.75" happens, who knows.
Super great would be making an offer as the Paramedic removes one from someones face.

Will ask for an OK and make some bags for some Karma fun.

We hunt with fishing rods in South Florida and the other side of the guitar bag....... Him at the helm of the old Whaler around '80.
Catch 'em up.

 

[SMSgt]

This thread makes my wrist hurt.

 

[ruggyh]

Thank you.

I figured the 460gr was pushing it. I'll order 50 each to see what does best.

If his velocity data was any indication, his loads weren't too deep into powder puff territory, but, the velocity of factory ammo in 500 mag is screaming, so 1400-1600fps looks slow. I like the idea though of a full case, but mid range velocity.

I like Matt's 440 WFN best, quality of the stuff from him is very good.

Remember you still have Trailboss and TinStar as powder puff load powders (regardless of caliber).

 

[Dfish1247]

True. I like the moderate to fairly heavy loads in revolvers, I don't like a cylinder full of complete misery, but a 60%-90% power load, I'm happy with. I've never had any luck with a load I can throw a bullet faster than it shoots, same for full tilt nearly blow the gun apart loads.

I ordered the 390gr spire point gc, 440gr wfngc, and 380gr rfngc to try. We'll see what I come up with. As usual, start low and go from there.

 

[Dfish1247]

Still waiting on brass, imagine that,lol.

Anyway, shot the six federal fusion 325's, kicked pretty good, but got on the dirt pile at 100yds. The sights are bottomed out and hitting about 4" too high at 100yds.

Anyway, my lead bullets showed up, and I reloaded the brass with the 440gr wfngc, and win 296. I used a load about 25% over starting, put one shot on an 8" gong at 100yds, said gong flew off the hook. The other five went on a 12" gong at 200yds, raised the sight a few clicks at 200, and got three to touch in the center. A 12" anything is tiny at 200yds and I was struggling to see, I'm destined for glasses.

Six shots reminded me why I like imr 4227 way more than 296, this load is a hard, snappy kicking mule, it borderline hurts to shoot. Only reason I loaded 296 was to see what all the fuss about awful recoil is, I believe it, was not fun. But, it showed some accuracy potential and brass came out clean and easy, no lead issues, and my hand only flinched once using the remote on the tv that evening, so not bad.

If my brass ever comes, I'll get to work with 4227, I really really hope it gives me an accurate load like it does in every other magnum I own.

 

[__steve__]

Here's some JR data for less than 500gr (attached)

In the first image for the 460 gr with h110, 4227 should perform similarly

 

[Dfish1247]

Well, figured I'd update on the 500.

Went this morning and shot 325gr Barnes xpb with win 296, started at 42gr and ended at 44gr, increased in .5 increments. The 44gr load hit tin cans at 100yds every time.

Next load was 440gr wfngc with cfe blk. Started at 42gr went to 46gr in .5 increments. The 45.5gr load is where tin cans were hit repeatedly at 100yds.

Btw, this was with the factory sights, no scope.

My dad and me shot everything I'd loaded and we're done with the 500 for a while. This gun recoils, no way around it. But, I could enjoy about 3-4 cylinders once every couple months, it kicks hard and expensive, even to reload. So, it's a treat every now and then. Now, back to the anemic 357,41, and 44 mags, lol.

 

[venomballistics]

I used to want a 500.
Ultimately I filled it's role with the tried and true 45-70.
With data spanning decades of experimentation and development, it's easier to work with.

 

[Nevada Ed]

I am glad to see a person that is able to handle the really "BIG" revolvers
and enjoy shooting them, for what ever reason.

At my age if I have one, I know that I would only be using
Unique powder !!

Enjoy those revolvers.

 

[Dfish1247]

Handle is about as good as it gets in my case on the 500.

If arthritis ever hits me, I'll cry as I have quite the herd of thunder boomer wheel guns.