smith and wesson 500 magnum

[cbrobertson]

In a custom shop 10 1/2 inch 500 I load mostly RCBS 400 grain cast but shoot some 385 Rem. spire points also. The Remington are VERY accurate with a load of 35 grains of H110 in the S&W and the T/C Encore.
I posted a photo on this site of my 30 year old daughter shooting the .500 S&W with the Rem. load. At 25 yards she put 2 in the X and 2 in the 10 ring shooting offhand. The first one I had her shoot into the ground off the concrete. Just did not want to risk a $1,000.00 revolver crashing on concrete. The 4 shots were about 4 inches center to center.

I read somewhere that the .500 'can' reverse auto index. That is, the cylinder latch disengages and the cylinder reverses one chamber under recoil. Please believe me, IT CAN, MINE DID!! Just be aware of that possibility.

 

[75Vette]

I can confirm the "doubleshot". I've had two friends shoot mine and pop off two rds with one pull of the trigger. It'll give you a pucker rating of 11. Try one rd at a time until you feel comfortable with the recoil.

 

[vipermd]

Enjoy- I have found that recoil increases with the length of the barrel, I believe it is due to "all" of the powder burn VS fireball. Bill from ballistic supply did some formal testing a few yrs ago. My testing was with 4,6,7.5, 8 3/8,16.5, very informal.
As for the " reverse auto index"?? I do not know, but I also did not ever have a "double" till I loaded a full cylinder of 600 gr. Wear plugs and muffs, and shoot it outside if you can. I have yet to get rid of the compensators on my guns and I feel they are just increasing the muzzle blast with and not decreasing recoil enough--- only my opinion. Be Safe,

 

[DonD]

Don't be intimidated! I paid to fire a 4" model at the Smith & Wesson range in Springfield a few years ago and it's pretty much a pussycat.

NOTHING like a Scandium j-frame .357--OW!

If you say it's a "pussycat" you were probably firing the relatively weak 275gr Barnes loads. That's the load most demonstration shootings of the .500 Mag used. The 4" with heavy 440 gr loads would never be called a pussycat. Don

 

[jake m29]

until you feel comfortable with shooting it, load only one round at a time to prevent the possible 'doubling' effect.

Just so you know this is kinda hard on the lockup, springs and whatnot. The doubling effect is caused by a loose grip. A firm grip and proper stance should prevent this. Just like having to dig the front sight out of your forehead.

 

[S.B.]

I own a JRC 5" without comp. Have fun!

Steve

 

[cbrobertson]

The doubling effect is caused by a loose grip. A firm grip and proper stance should prevent this. Just like having to dig the front sight out of your forehead.

Now I really take issue with that statement. The grip was NOT loose, I had a firm grip on the weapon, the S&W has never planted the front site in my forehead - or even came close for that matter. AND!! I have been shooting .44 Mag. since the mid 60's, so I know recoil management.
Now the Encore scope DOES come close to the forehead shooting from the bench. But it is at least 25% lighter than the S&W. That thing will beat the daylights outta ya.

 

[jake m29]

Now I really take issue with that statement. The grip was NOT loose, I had a firm grip on the weapon, the S&W has never planted the front site in my forehead - or even came close for that matter. AND!! I have been shooting .44 Mag. since the mid 60's, so I know recoil management.
Now the Encore scope DOES come close to the forehead shooting from the bench. But it is at least 25% lighter than the S&W. That thing will beat the daylights outta ya.

Cb, I'm talking about the double discharge. I don't doubt you about the gun unlocking as I had issues with my John Ross doing the same thing. A few new springs and it hasn't done it since. I wasn't trying to poke your bear with the front site comment either as this I know from experience.. again with my John Ross. After 20 or more HOT loads I got tired and sloppy therefore relaxing my grip some. The front site bit me. Again, it is my opinion and experience a lot of (but certainly not all)the issues folks complain about with the 500 is simply operator error.

 

[S.B.]

Cb, I'm talking about the double discharge. I don't doubt you about the gun unlocking as I had issues with my John Ross doing the same thing. A few new springs and it hasn't done it since. I wasn't trying to poke your bear with the front site comment either as this I know from experience.. again with my John Ross. After 20 or more HOT loads I got tired and sloppy therefore relaxing my grip some. The front site bit me. Again, it is my opinion and experience a lot of (but certainly not all)the issues folks complain about with the 500 is simply operator error.

All this new discussion on unlocking got me to thinking: Didn't the large pistol primers have some play in this? It's hell to get old.
Steve

 

[Chrisj357]

Let me share what happened to me with my .500. I bought the 6.5" barrel standard model. No problems for the first hundred rounds or so. Then, it started what I call unauthorized rotation.

It never double-fired, but what would happen was this...Id shoot three rounds (with 5 loaded) and then "click" like an empty cylinder. After doing this the first time, I wasnt concerned, I figured I had caused it by being too relaxed or something.

So, I concentrated on technique and despite my best efforts it started happening more and more.

OK, to get to the end of the story...I sent it back to S&W and they told me that until they made the X-frame there was only one cylinder release/lock pin spring. They soon found out that this spring was not strong enough for the bigger guns. So, they came up with a stiffer one. Unfortunately they are very hard to visually distinguish and it was possible to accidentally install one of the older springs in an X-Frame once in a while.

Thinking this is what happened to my revolver, they changed that spring......the problem went away.

Yes, I believe you can cause the rotation or a double fire with a relaxed grip. However, there is a mechanical explaination as well.

 

[jake m29]

All this new discussion on unlocking got me to thinking: Didn't the large pistol primers have some play in this? It's hell to get old.
Steve

You know, I don't know Steve. I wouldn't think pistol primers would be a factor as they wouldn't build as much pressures as say a Rifle or even a Magnum Rifle. It would be interesting to experiment however the chance of finding brass made for pistol primers is pretty much gone. I think the Rifle primers do a better job when it comes to ignition. I like LRM primers when I'm filling the case full of H110 or 300-mp.

 

[DonD]

All this new discussion on unlocking got me to thinking: Didn't the large pistol primers have some play in this? It's hell to get old.
Steve

All the data on Hodgdon's website, from Trail Boss to very heavy all for large rifle primers. Don

 

[S.B.]

jake m29 , I haven't read what John Ross(a member here)has printed on his website in some time but, he was instrumental in this change and has done more work with this caliber than anyelse I know of. DonD, of course it does, brass is only made for these, now? There is a difference.
Steve

 

[chuckster57]

wrist brace this time

I stopped by a big box sporting goods store this AM on my way out to the range. I bought a wrist brace with a plastic rod insert. First thing was to cut the insert so it was short enough not to interfere with the grip, but still support my wrist.

What a difference! I put about 15 rounds through it, and had ZERO pain or tingle. I am really starting to enjoy this cannon now. Having a plate and 8 screws holding my wrist together had my first trip to the range questioning my purchase. It seemed like I was more on target too with my shots.

Going out tomorrow again, to make sure the brace is the reason. Then its on to hunters safety school and watch out..this man LOVES bacon, ribs and pork chops.

 

[bcc629]

I own a JRC 5" without comp. Have fun!

Steve

Can you tell us more about this pretty gun??

 

[rossco]

500mag

I have the 4inch version and shoot a 440 grain bullet and let me tell u that's enough for me Seriously.happy shooting and good luck

 

[vipermd]

Can you tell us more about this pretty gun??

Hi: This thread is a year old. You might want to PM SB, or check out John-Ross.net. I believe it is a 5" built by the performance center with John Ross input. There were 250 in black Stainless + 250 in satin stainless. His website could give you much more info. Be Safe,

 

[S.B.]

Can you tell us more about this pretty gun??

Contact John Ross on his website(john-ross.net) or here(is a mamber) he commisioned S&W to make them and has them in stock. I believe the cast boolit site(member there too) had a link to a special on them recently(I don't know if this is still going or not)?
Steve

 

[DonD]

ok so i finally mustered the courage to get on of this. I will pick up today. I will reload probably start around 300gn bullets and work my way up to 500 gn ( in a few months
any suggestions,warnings, words of wisdom ....maybe prayers?
its the 4 inch version with muzzle brake.
thanks in advance

Frankly, don't see any need for you to go up to the 500gr slugs. A 440gr hardcast will break a cape buffalo's shoulder and still nearly penetrate it end to end. How much more do you need and why add the recoil? Don

 

[MTKTM]

On a more serious note, I hear tell that wearing a wrist guard (the ones you skateboard/rollerblade in) helps! Though this is just what I have heard..Have fun though!!!

I think he should wear a full suit of body-armor, maybe a full-face motorcycle helmet.....

Seriously, 500s with full/maximum loads kick a bit to be sure, and the 4" with the brake is pretty flashy as well. Try shooting one after sunset if you want to see what I mean. But I think the recoil has been over-hyped just a tad. There is no doubt when one goes off, that's for sure, but you'll probably not need a trip to the ER.