Chronograph Data for .500 Mag

[The Clever Set]

No, my point isn't invalid. I said: "because the pressures are generally so much lower in the 500." This is true because most reloading manuals list loading data that results in lower pressures in the 500 magnum than in the 460 magnum. That the SAAMI maximum is the same for both rounds doesn't matter, because it's not the maximum most people go by, it's the recommended loadings.

Your point is still invalid. It doesn't matter what Hodgdon has listed. It does matter what the SAAMI spec ratings are. Just because Hodgdon doesn't run the 500 up to the firewall, doesn't mean they couldn't. Both are entered into SAAMI at the same maximum average pressure, which means that both can run at 65,000 PSI with appropriate loads. Therefore they run at the same pressures. By you logic, your 500 runs at less pressure than somebody else's 500 because you don't load it to full potential, and they do. That only holds true for the loads the two of you choose to shoot. It isn't an absolute for the round however, which can run at any safe pressure the 460 can.

 

[The Clever Set]

I'd be interested to hear if your experience is the exception or the norm. Hopefully some owners of both will chime in with their experiences.

In my experience with both the 460 and 500, I noticed significant erosion at 300-400 rounds with my 460, while my 500 shows little sign after 900 rounds. Mostly max loads for both, factory ammo in the 460, mostly Lil'gun in the 500.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

No, my point isn't invalid. I said: "because the pressures are generally so much lower in the 500." This is true because most reloading manuals list loading data that results in lower pressures in the 500 magnum than in the 460 magnum. That the SAAMI maximum is the same for both rounds doesn't matter, because it's not the maximum most people go by, it's the recommended loadings.

That still doesn't matter. Your original argument was that the 500 operates at much lower pressures than the 460. It does not, and that is fact. It can, but the reverse is also true.

You can pick just one source to try to make your argument valid, but that will not change what is fact here.

You need to visit some of the other gun forums. There are always posts by guys who load the 500 up to the top. Just because some of the members here don't go full throttle, doesn't mean that the average 500 owner doesn't.

Arguing that the 500 doesn't operate at the same pressure as the 460 is rediculous. It would be the same as arguing that the .454 doesn't operate at the same pressures either. Most factory loads for the 454 run 10,000 - 15,000 psi below max. That doesn't mean that it can't run higher, nor that handloaders don't run their loads higher. Any load can run at lower pressure than any other round. It just depends on how you load them. It doesn't negate their original operating specs though.

 

[Nygma]

Is the 'Which cartridge is higher pressure?' discussion relevant to the Lil' Gun issue?
Mr. Baker's test was based on a 357 Magnum revolver. He doesn't say what the "heavy" loads were though. Given that it was a Freedom Arms gun, pressures may have been well above SAAMI specs.

The Truth About Lil' Gun...

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Actually, they were on the 454. The 357 was mentioned as further evidence of their findings. If you read a few more of the other threads (not posts in that thread) on that forum, you'll see a few by the guy whose gun Mr. Baker was talking about, and who's barrel Mr. Baker has had to replace repeatedly.

Also, if you noticed, I asked him specifically about my 475, and his anwer was that it would be a problem still. So, yes, I think discussion of pressures in various calibers is directly related. Since high pressure creates more wear in the first place, having high pressures along with using a powder that is now known to cause accelerated wear in high pressure rounds just seems to go hand in hand here. As far as which of the two runs at higher pressure, they are the same, but no, that isn't directly relative to the topic, unless they are using Lil'Gun, which was how this got started about the two in the first place. We were discussing the use of that powder in those rounds, and why some seem to wear faster than others while using it.

 

[The Clever Set]

Here is my original quote, which you apparently didn't read, with the operative phrase highlighted: "I'd guess, and this is certainly an uneducated guess, that forcing cone erosion is actually less of a problem for most loads in the 500 than the 460, because the pressures are generally so much lower in the 500. Of course, your mileage may vary when throwing those 500, 600 or 700 grain bullets."

I'm through arguing with you, because you don't seem to be able to understand my point, which is that in general, the 500 magnum operates at lower pressures than the 460 magnum, which may reduce forcing cone erosion. That's all. Not that it's impossible to load both to the same pressures or that the SAAMI specs are not the same, or that many handloaders load the 500 to 65,000 PSI, or whatever it is that you're arguing.

That still doesn't matter. Your original argument was that the 500 operates at much lower pressures than the 460. It does not, and that is fact. It can, but the reverse is also true.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

I understood perfectly. Apparently you didn't.

No need to be angry with each other, just a difference of opinion. I hold no grudge.

 

[grit]

I like Lil'Gun

I think it smells good.

 

[DonD]

I think it smells good.

A plinking load I have for my .357 actually does smell nice. Think it is the lube burning off. Don

 

[Nygma]

I think it smells good.

Have you tried a dryer sheet in your tumbler?
It makes all your ammo smell pretty.

 

[JD 500]

Drifting...

Except for a couple rifle powders, I think they all smell good (Course I also like the smell of Hoppe's)

Seems like varget has a little ammonia type stink to it, or maybe it's just that the gasses are directed back to the shooter.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

JD 500-

Can you really call anyone that doesn't like the smell of Hoppe's a gunlover?

 

[JD 500]

I've not met that man yet !

 

[The Shooting Kid]

Anyone chronograph S&W 500 in a 4 inch (3 inch + 1 inch comp) for a 440 grain bullet?

I am at loss. I am hoping to get 1500 ft/sec; else I need to purchase a 6.5 inch, the long heavy weight (hard on the side)

 

[DonD]

Anyone chronograph S&W 500 in a 4 inch (3 inch + 1 inch comp) for a 440 grain bullet?

I am at loss. I am hoping to get 1500 ft/sec; else I need to purchase a 6.5 inch, the long heavy weight (hard on the side)

You're not going to get to 1500 fps at least not with commonly published loading data such as Hodgdon's. You're looking at probably 225-250 fps less with the 4" compared to the 8 3/8th in barrel.

Get the 8 3/th " and wear it in a chest holster, you hardly know its there. Don