500 S&W Questions?

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Hawk686

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Hey all

I was looking at picking up a 500 just cause I have wanted one since they came out and had to get out of guns for awhile to due some medical issues. I am getting back in the groove and would like to pick one up.

I guess I had a few questions. No store has one local to me at all to test. So I had a few questions. I have a 50AE Desert Eagle thats a beast. I am not sure how much more recoil is involved with the 500 over the 50 AE DE? I have read the heavier the bullet the worse it recoils? Is there any ammo for it that is decent to shoot? Or is it like the DE and all the rounds are full house even if you dont need it? I know on the DE they say they have to be to run the action on it.

I guess I wondered if the longer barrels help with the recoil much? I see that the standard one seems to have a muzzle brake that vents upwards, and the Performance Center models seem to have a 360 brake? Seems like the upwards one would work better? I guess everyone seems to like the trigger on the standard model that I have read reviews on? I am wondering what going with the PC model gets you? Stock SW triggers seem to be phenomenal is the PC that much better or more accurate?

I would just be a range toy for me I dont hunt with handguns fwiw.

I see alot of people with the 4in model but I cant imagine what a handful that is with that kind of round. I would be looking at the 7.5 or 8in most likely to get the most out of the round.

What is the recoil like on the 500? I am probably a strange person but I find 9MM to almost recoil as much as .45 due to its impulse. With 45 the gun climbs more for sure but its a nice slow push where the 9MM is more of a fast sharp snap recoil. Of course there is more recoil overall with .45 but it feels as though its spread out over more time for whatever reason to me. Kinda like shooting 50 BMG its more of a shove then a sharp 30-06 in light hunting rifle kick.

Thanks for any help!
 
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Welcome to the forum. Although I have the 4" and would like to have the John Ross (5" non-comp), I can't offer much as to the heavier loads (700 gr. +).
500 gr. Hornady's are the heaviest to date I've shot with the majority being in the 400 gr. range and lightest at 330 gr. ultramax.
2 things that I have discovered is that I prefer a non-comped (in addition to the 2 factory comps, I also have the blank insert) and the 500 is pretty darn accurate handgun.
Good luck with your search.
 
You need to handload to really enjoy these guns. Then you can produce whatever load you want from Trail Boss "plinking" loads to monsters.

Also saves a ton of money.

Anyone who says that a full house 500 Mag load with slugs in the 375-500gr range doesn't kick is simply lying to you. That's why some guns wind up for sale after the owner shoots half a box.

I love the 500 and have two.

They are more accurate than 99.9% of people can exploit. A good shooter with a scoped 500 can get near 1.5 MOA out of these guns.

My standard models trigger is 95% as good as my Performance Center model. Don
 
Welcome to the Site!! I own the standard 500 with the 8-3/8" barrel with the interchangeable compensator. The recoil is indeed dependent on the bullet/charge size as the 4 different rounds I have fired with mine have their own "Characteristic's"!! :D

First round I shot with mine was a 400gr Winchester Platinum Tip. It had a bit more kick that my Model 29, 8-3/8" barrel, but it was a "smooth kick with not over about 4" of barrel rise.. Next was a 270gr Federal Vital Shok which kicked like a mule!!! Not really that much more of a kick but it was VERY sharp like a really hot .357 round in a Model 19!! The one the gun really seemed to like though was the Winchester 350gr Reduced Recoil round!! No excessive recoil, no excessive barrel rise, Basically a fun round to shoot more than 20 times!!!! ;)

Yes, shooting with over the counter ammo is expensive so like a lot of others I started "rolling my own" so to speak! I load to the low side of the spectrum as far as power with a 350gr bullet: Hornaday XTP JHP's and Berry's Plated Bullet's SN which are loaded to produce about 1200fps. I can shoot 100 of these and be ready for a few more if needed!! That's how light the recoil is!!

I do have some Hornaday 500gr loads just for the heck of it and like the 400gr Platinum Tip's, it's a nice smooth kick just magnified a bit! :eek:

If you want a range toy you can't go wrong with a 500 IMHO!!!! ;) :D :cool:
 
My 500 I reload for. Have tried many different loads.
Even the hottest load does not hurt shooting it but does rise alot.
This is the grandson shooting it when he was 16.
online photo sharing
That was 10 years ago.
He shot my M29 next and said "Papa, this one hurts."

This is me shooting a box I made with 10 3/4' boards and a 2X4 back.
image upload without registration

I had shot 44 magnum, 45 ACP, 357 magnum. none went more then 6 boards. The 500 went through all boards, back 2X4 and in to the tree behind the bench so deep I could not get it out. :)

image upload

Got a small buck with it 10 years ago.

I have put a scope on it 3 years ago but haven't shot it with the scope yet. Too many guns and too little time it seems.

free picture upload

It has a quick release for the Leupold 2x8 variable scope.
 
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Hawk686 said:
I have a 50AE Desert Eagle thats a beast. I am not sure how much more recoil is involved with the 500 over the 50 AE DE?

I see that the standard one seems to have a muzzle brake that vents upwards, and the Performance Center models seem to have a 360 brake?

I am wondering what going with the PC model gets you? Stock SW triggers seem to be phenomenal is the PC that much better or more accurate?
Click to expand...

Welcome to the Forum !

I shot a friends 50AE Desert Eagle & he said it was a handfull. I tried it & thought it was a puddy tat compared to my 500. (I was glad I didn't have mine at the range for him to try.) The auto is definitely easier shooting.

One thing many people dislike about ported or comp barrels is that more of the blast comes back toward your face. No exception for the 500, maybe worse, but you do get the benefit of reduced muzzle flip.

In general, S&W triggers are good. Some a little better, some a little worse. Don't buy a Performance Center model just because you think you'll get better fit & finish, as there's no guarantee either way. Buy for the looks & features you want.

Handloading the 500 IS the best way to go.

You just have to put the muzzle blast & recoil out of your mind to try & shoot the hyper mags good. :D

.

SampW460XVRCarryfireball03a_zps6ccbe5d4.jpg


.
 
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Thanks for all the info! I really appreciate it.

It looks like its pretty manageable with the low recoil stuff then you can use hot stuff if you want. If you are a glutton for punishment ;).

It seems noone is crazy about the comps on them I cant imagine shooting such a thing with no comp at all but I trust you guys.

I only have a turret press I use for rifle stuff I should get something for handgun after all these years. I just dont have tons of free time to reload.

Good to know they are pretty similar between the PC and standard ones I prefer the way the standard ones look. They look more classic revolver to me for sure. I also like the look of the brake more.
 
I own the 8 3/8" barrel 500 Magnum with the High-Vix front sight and interchangeable compensators. Here it is pictured with my little NAA .22 Magnum mini-revolver, lol. The recoil is intense with this gun but it's more of a rearward recoil like a rifle versus the barrel flying up in the air. The hottest rounds I have shot through mine are the Hornady Custom 300 grain FTX rounds that are 2,075 FPS at the muzzle which is INSANE! They kick like a mule and you'll definitely feel it the next day. It's more of just a massive crack/sonic boom than anything else and you can feel the recoil through every nerve in your body. It's truly a unique experience. The first few rounds are rough but after a few trips to the range and about 50 rounds, you feel a lot more comfortable shooting the gun and it's easier to shoot. Like others have said, you can custom load these rounds and get a cartridge that's either low-recoil, or a missile, and everything in between. Best gun purchase I've ever made!
16665605_252415081874185_4986309052013543887_o.jpg
 
One thing I can recommend that makes shooting these guns more enjoyable is wearing double ear protection. Dramatically reduces the noise and that subjectively makes you notice the recoil less.

And of course the obvious benefit of reducing damage to your hearing. Don
 
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I allso have a 50 ae desert eagle and have a 500 s&w and find with 300 gr loads in them the s&w has more recoil but I find S&W haze a more comfortable feel because the grip is softer and seems to to absorb the recoil were as the DE 50AE haze a hard non absorbing grip. I have fired about 20 rounds with the DE and the next morning the web of my hand is a bit tender, but not with the 500 S&W after shooting the same amountof rounds of 300 gr. It is not unpleasant to shoot at all. Have hunted with both and recommend you use ear protection.
 
I know this is the Smith & Wesson Forum, but I prefer my 500 in a smaller package.

Freedom Arms 83 500 Wyoming Express with a 686+.
FA83_SW686.jpg


With a 329.
DSCN13260001.jpg


The 500WE does not give the same power levels as the S&W but the gun is a lot smaller and lighter.
 
i agree with don , hand loading is the way to go, i hand load hornady xtp with hodgdon powder and 0 complaints or problems.i hand load 300,350,and 500 grain hornady and love them all.the 500s are monsters but manageable if you back off the powder a little, and it still packs a punch.i still get my 500s to go about about 1,270 fps out of a 10/1/2 inch barrel with a muzzle brake and i wouldn't change a thing-enjoy
 
I've owned a JRC for several years now and everyone who has shot it end up with rubber deposits in the yoke of their hand. Recently bought a 725 grain mold but, have not cast this, yet. Do shoot custom lead semi wadcutter 500 grainers regularly.
Steve
 
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S.B. said:
I've owned a JRC for several years now and everyone who has shot it end up with rubber deposits in the yoke of their hand. Recently bought a 725 grain mold but, have not cast this, yet. Do shoot custom lead semi wadcutter 500 grainers regularly.
Steve
Click to expand...

If you were to use some depleted uranium for a core, I bet you could get them up to 1200 grains in weight. :D:p
 
Toolguy said:
Might want to consider the .460 as well. It will shoot .45 Long Colt, .454 Casull, and .460 S&W interchangeably.
Click to expand...



I might suggest if you don't handload, and buy a .500, consider looking around for some Magtech "featherweight" loads in 500. If you can find them, they make for some nice plinking rounds and have less felt recoil than most loads.

One big advantage to the .460 over the .500 is cost. S&W .500 rounds average about $50 a box for 20 rounds.

You can often find S&W 460 rounds for $30 to $50 a box.

Lately, I have been shooting S&W 500 ammo bought from precision one which cost about $104 for a box of 50. So if you shop around you can find ammo on sale or at lower prices.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I am on my 2nd 8 3/8" 500, I cast 440 grain bullets and reload with AA#9. The gun recoils level into your hand ( if that's the right term?), shoot first at the range fixes the flinch for all the rest.. 44, 357 etc

thewelshm
 
Hawk686 said:
Hey all

I was looking at picking up a 500 just cause I have wanted one since they came out and had to get out of guns for awhile to due some medical issues. I am getting back in the groove and would like to pick one up.

I guess I had a few questions. No store has one local to me at all to test. So I had a few questions. I have a 50AE Desert Eagle thats a beast. I am not sure how much more recoil is involved with the 500 over the 50 AE DE? I have read the heavier the bullet the worse it recoils? Is there any ammo for it that is decent to shoot? Or is it like the DE and all the rounds are full house even if you dont need it? I know on the DE they say they have to be to run the action on it.

I guess I wondered if the longer barrels help with the recoil much? I see that the standard one seems to have a muzzle brake that vents upwards, and the Performance Center models seem to have a 360 brake? Seems like the upwards one would work better? I guess everyone seems to like the trigger on the standard model that I have read reviews on? I am wondering what going with the PC model gets you? Stock SW triggers seem to be phenomenal is the PC that much better or more accurate?

I would just be a range toy for me I dont hunt with handguns fwiw.

I see alot of people with the 4in model but I cant imagine what a handful that is with that kind of round. I would be looking at the 7.5 or 8in most likely to get the most out of the round.

What is the recoil like on the 500? I am probably a strange person but I find 9MM to almost recoil as much as .45 due to its impulse. With 45 the gun climbs more for sure but its a nice slow push where the 9MM is more of a fast sharp snap recoil. Of course there is more recoil overall with .45 but it feels as though its spread out over more time for whatever reason to me. Kinda like shooting 50 BMG its more of a shove then a sharp 30-06 in light hunting rifle kick.

Thanks for any help!
Click to expand...

I was in your decision shoes a few years ago. I wanted something impulsive and stupid. After much research I went with the 12" 460 XVR. Absolutely love the pistol. Make no mistake they will whack you hard as far as felt recoil but as a mature and responsible big bore handgun shooter you learn how to manage the recoil. The key to success is to learn how not to fight the recoil, but learn how to efficiently "decelerate" the recoil and let the chassis flow up over your head and away from your face. I was already deeply vested into handloading so the heft ammo cost was not a primary concern. Handloading for the 460 is fun as you have a huge selection of .45 cal projectiles. .500 bullets not so much. The main reason I chose the 460 over the 500.
 
Everyone deals with recoil differently...I find that my 8 3/8ths 500 loaded with 700gr ammo...isnt that bad...I shoot it one handed easily
 
Question: I know some here have but, how many responders have actually shot or own a S&W 500?
Steve
 
S.B. said:
Question: I know some here have but, how many responders have actually shot or own a S&W 500?
Steve
Click to expand...
Lots of people on the forum have significant experience with the 500s, some much more than I but I have been shooting them regularly for 13 yrs and nothing has dimmed my pleasure of owning them. Don
 
DonD said:
Lots of people on the forum have significant experience with the 500s, some much more than I but I have been shooting them regularly for 13 yrs and nothing has dimmed my pleasure of owning them. Don
Click to expand...



You must have bought one of the first guns produced. I have seen a lot of opinions and "facts" from people who obviously never owned or shot one. My only complaint is about the cost of ammo, not the quality or characteristics of the gun.

When I go to the range to practice, it's not unusual for me to go through 150 rounds of 45ACP, but I almost never run through more than 20 rounds of .500.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Rivoak said:
You must have bought one of the first guns produced. I have seen a lot of opinions and "facts" from people who obviously never owned or shot one. My only complaint is about the cost of ammo, not the quality or characteristics of the gun.

When I go to the range to practice, it's not unusual for me to go through 150 rounds of 45ACP, but I almost never run through more than 20 rounds of .500.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Ive put well over 3,000 rounds through mine in 3 years, and yes it does get expensive... but it's a hobby I enjoy...that's why I reload.

Its nothing for me to shoot 200 to 300 hundred rounds through it on a single "range day".


IMG_20150415_2_zpsvuok65me.png


20170306_173628_zpsxsmcgfzg.jpg
 
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