Need some reassurance - 500 magnum

[Ratbelly]

I recently reloaded some 500 magnums and for whatever reason I'm doubting myself, something that's never bugged me before, like I missed or overlooked something. Here's the load data:

Hornady 500 grain XTP
32 grains H110
CCI LRM primer
COAL 2.065"

452 grain RFNGC
28.5 grains Lil Gun
CCI 200 primer
COAL 2.025"

I've double checked and it seems to be within the safe range but just need some reassurance.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

Lyman #49 list the 500gr XTP max as 31.0gr/H110 @ 49.8K psi, so you're over that, but Hornady #8 lists a max of 32.5gr. using H110.

Your 452gr RFNGC isn't listed so you would have to extrapolate what you thought was close. If you use 500gr jacketed data you're over on Lyman & just under on Hornady's data for Lil'Gun, but it's your call.

Since they are max. loads, you'd be best to work up to them, to be safe.

 

[Ratbelly]

Lyman #49 list the 500gr XTP max as 31.0gr/H110 @ 49.8K psi, so you're over that, but Hornady #8 lists a max of 32.5gr. using H110.

Your 452gr RFNGC isn't listed so you would have to extrapolate what you thought was close. If you use 500gr jacketed data you're over on Lyman & just under on Hornady's data for Lil'Gun, but it's your call.

Since they are max. loads, you'd be best to work up to them, to be safe.

That's one thing that always surprises me. Lyman max is 31, Hornady max is 32.5 and Hodgdon max is 33. Iss there a better way to pull these big bullets without wrecking them? I have a Frankford Arsenal Impact Puller, but it slides the jacket off the bullets maybe 1/16" or so. I'd hate to throw away a whole box of 500 grain Hornady bullets

 

[ozo]

You don't say what you will shoot them in.
I no longer have a MODEL S&W500 PC....because I
really like the .460XVR much better.

Your loads are at MAXIMUM.

If you are shooting these rounds from a homemade
gun, built from straws and paper cups, I would not
begin to chance it.
If you are shooting these rounds from a REAL
S&W500magnum PC......in proper operating shape,
I would have no problem pulling the trigger.

I don't know how any can comment on a question
of this nature with such little information, but it
happens all the time, and it happens all over the www.

Simple things can get you into trouble.
Example: 'How hot can I load a little .38special ?"
Tons of suggestions, including the +P warnings......
then only to find out much later, it's for a gun
someones Grandpa had, and is more than a century old.

I get it ! We want to help. We also want to run our post
count up.....be good participants.....but sometimes we need
to 'use our brain' before we use our fingers.

 

[JD 500]

Hodgdon data says starting load of 31.0 gr and max of 33.0 gr of H110 with the 500 gr bullet. That website does NOT list a primer for some odd reason. I have never personally used magnum primers in my 500 loads, I do use WLR's which I believe are on the hot side of large rifle primers but they are still not as hot as magnum primers.

Same data (Hodgdon) shows start load of 30.0 grs Lil Gun with a 440gr gascheck lead bullet. You are below the starting charge weight at the 28.5 grs you say you have loaded.

I am by no means an expert. There are some on this board who know a lot more than I, and maybe they will chime in. Personally, I do not stray from the data. It bugs me too that data from different sources/brands can be different, but that is another example of why we are always told to start low and work up. Any time you change any variable, you are supposed to start over and work up from there.

You will not be able to use an inertia puller to pull those 500gr bullets. Been there done that, you will separate the lead from the copper jacket. You will get your brass(primed) and powder back but likely the bullets will be toast.

I hate wasting ammo but if you are truly concerned, the ammo is CHEAP compared to ruining a gun or worse injuring yourself or anyone else.

 

[Nemo288]

The collet type bullet pullers are fairly cheap. I use the RCBS system.
Many recommend the Hornady system too.
I have pulled and then reloaded and shot many jacketed 44 bullets.
No experience with the 500 but this has to be better than the hammers.
I won't use those any more.

I do agree that those Hornady loads are at the top in their manual.
Years of experience have taught me that the most accurate loads
are usually a grain or 2 less than max.

===
Nemo

 

[BLUEDOT37]

I'd hate to throw away a whole box of 500 grain Hornady bullets

I don't want to advocate any unsafe practices, but if you have a gun in good condition, & you've already fired max loads (49-50K psi), & you're confident in the quality of the reloads, the 500Mag is a 60K psi SAAMI cartridge/gun. You almost never see any pressure figures over 50K from the main component companies, so there is quit a bit of head room built into the data, & your reloads, as stated. Your choice.

 

[Engineer1911]

I don't load or own a S&W 500, but have made a lot of brisk 44 mag and 357 mag loads. Lyman is conservative with their data, Hornaday is optimistis in pursuit of "optimum performance", Hodgdon is middle of the road. Hodgdon starting loads are mild, max loads are max, and your ammo is safe to shoot, but may be surprisingly brisk.

Load one round and pull the trigger. I don't read anything that causes me concern based on almost 40 years of experience. YMMV.

 

[Ratbelly]

I'm shooting them in a Smith & Wesson Model 500 X-frame revolver.

Whats a guy to do when theres no load data for the bullets you have? I've got 452 grain FNGC & 440 grain WFNGC that I cant find anything for.

Is 440 grain the same as any 440 grain when it comes to lead cast bullets?? When loading something like 452 grain do you go with the next size bigger load data or smaller?

I think with the above 452's I went with the 500 grain data.

Is there that much difference in the large pistol vs. large pistol magnum primers? I mean if the loads are within reason but to the high side, will the magnum primers be ebough to push it over the top into an unsafe range?

The whole lack of data and not being 100% sure takes a lot of the fun out of it.

 

[ruggyh]

Whats a guy to do when theres no load data for the bullets you have? use load data from the next largestsimilar bullet and start at the bottom and work up.I've got 452 grain FNGC & 440 grain WFNGC that I cant find anything for.

Is there that much difference in the large pistol vs. large pistol magnum primers? Depends on powder and charge; typically magnum primers will increase peak pressure

I mean if the loads are within reason but to the high side, will the magnum primers be ebough to push it over the top into an unsafe range? Very possible: if you want/need to use magnum primer you should work loads up from the bottom

The whole lack of data and not being 100% sure takes a lot of the fun out of it. Developing loads are fun for those who work at it in safe manner. There are similation tools to get in at a good starting place that is safe and allows you to evaluate the suitability of a powder before it is tried.

When developing "loads"- varing from published data, always start with low and work up Use good tools to validate your work- chrongraph. Guessing and assuming is only going to get you in trouble.

Reloading should be pursued to allow for the individal to get the most acurate result not the highest possible velocity.
If you need more enregy go to a differnt cartridge. My 2 cents.

As always be safe and good luck.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

500 S&W LRPs

Is there that much difference in the large pistol vs. large pistol magnum primers? I mean if the loads are within reason but to the high side, will the magnum primers be ebough to push it over the top into an unsafe range?

The whole lack of data and not being 100% sure takes a lot of the fun out of it.

You should be using large rifle primers in your 500 Mags, especially the max loads, as they are designed to work at higher pressures. That said though, when I load documented reduced loads (ie: Unique, etc.), that show the tested pressure, I do use regular large pistol primers instead. Anything over ~30K psi, or when in doubt, I use a LRP.

When you are loading non-standard components or power levels, that aren't commonly documented, you have to make conservative educated decisions/extrapolations to start your reloads at. Sometime it's a little frustrating, but still fun. That's just the way it is when you have a lot of different variables. Just remember to be safe foremost.

 

[Ratbelly]

Thanks for the help guys, I think I've learned my lesson on this one. I ordered a collet type puller and we'll see how it turns out. If nothing else I still have the brass, powder & primers to save. I tried the hammer type puller on a 440 grain bullet just to see. It worked for one bullet, when the bullet came out it shattered the hammer end and the gas check is still in place keeping the powder sealed and in place.