Need input on new bullet weights for .500 S&W

[Robert Palermo]

I am in the process of developing some new ThunderHead bullets for the .500 S&W and wanted to get some idea of what weight bullets would be the most desired.
I was thinking of something in the 400 range and the 500 range but could possibly even hit into the 600gr. weight range if there
is a demand for anything that heavy. I have a 325 gr. bullet but many have been asking for heavier bullets. So thoughts?

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

Question: Aren't the Thunderhead bullets a bore riding full wadcutter design!

If that is the case, keeping the Driving Band section of the bullet at a minimum length to stabilize the bullet I would think 400 to 435 would be perfect!

Ivan

 

[ruggyh]

I second Ivan's observation.

I don't know of anyone who use anything bigger than 500 grain in the field and most are using 350 grain jacket loads in 500 S&W.

Most of the guys loading the 500 JRH have settled on 440 grain bullet for the field and 400 grain for practice.

As a side note an excess meplat have issues with strait line penetration in my experience.

Be safe
Ruggy

 

[Robert Palermo]

Question: Aren't the Thunderhead bullets a bore riding full wadcutter design!

If that is the case, keeping the Driving Band section of the bullet at a minimum length to stabilize the bullet I would think 400 to 435 would be perfect!

Ivan

Yes the TH designs in the purist sense are bore riders on the front band but I have some other options that I could offer in a large Meplat design bullet.
For example I could do a SWC type design with the nose diameter at .452 or .476 diameter with full diameter rear bands instead of going to a bore rider at .492 on the front shank of the bullet.

I could also offer a rnfp design that runs on the .45 caliber range with a full diameter drive band.
All of these designs will be grooveless coated only bullets.

So far the feed back here and from one customer is something in the 400-450 range.

I know there was someone that made a 700 gr mold up in Alaska which I thought a bit insane but what else is new in this business?
Other info that would help would be length of crimp area to nose would be of some help . I only have the original SAMMI specs on the cartridge to go by for OAL.
All input and help is greatly appreciated.

I am aware of penetration issues with large meplat bullets in some applications. For example the .500 Linebaugh did not show a much of an improvement in penetration over the .475 Linebaugh despite the increased weight of the .500. Which is why I am thinking more along the lines of a .476 front end for this bullet.