Used 500 S&W with compensator or new without?

[ruggyh]

Unique is not suitable powder for 500 S&W.

Please folks use an appropriate powder for these large cross sectional and large volume cases.

Just because someone posted data on the internet doesn't mean it has been properly formulated.

And before you fast powder guys start saying how it works for you please provide your pressure rise data and peak pressure data. That means if you are just saying it works for you and your gun is still intact it is ok I am saying you don't really know whats going on with the pressure.

If you see pressure signs it means you are already subjecting your gun to pressures above its design.

These a guns are built with a large margin of safety but continual abuse will take its toll.

Good luck and be safe
Ruggy

 

[Mike_Fontenot]

What's the difference between "ported" vs "compensated"?

 

[vipermd]

Thats not much velocity loss at all if thats the case. I like lighter more compact guns. My Ruger Bisley 454 Super blackhawk is very light. I just picked up my S&W model 327 Performance Center 2" 357mag today that i ordered. . That thing is super light.

Welcome to the Forum
The 2 3/4" is very nice, mine will stabilize up to 400 gr rds, have not tried larger. 4" works well up to 500 gr, 700 gr get sideways about 30 yds. I just dislike the muzzle brake on it, wish I could find the solid replacement for the compensator. 61/2, 71/2 ( Magnum Research ), 8 3/8 will handle any weight bullet including the 700 gr for T-Rex. All will provide excellent accuracy, at any distance, provided you do your job. The light loads such as 350 XTP will take anything in the lower 48. Some people who have used the 500 on Brown bear and Grizzly have said that they like 440/500/600 gr hardcast lead. I use plugs and a headset when shooting, trying to save what little hearing I have. I also have a 18" HR that shoots very well. Enjoy. Be Safe,

 

[Dan Christopher]

Unique is fine, for plinking loads. I use 12grs of Unique with 370 grain cast bullets in my 500s.

Recoils like a light 44 Magnum, and is plenty accurate.

For full power 500 Magnum loads, Winchester 296 is my go to powder.

 

[Magnum-Krazy]

I also say, get the one with the interchangeable comp.
Both my .500's do not have that feature, 6 1'2" & 5", but my 8 3/8".460 does.

 

[vipermd]

Supressor, also know as a muffler. They ntly passed a resolution and conformation by AG Bill Schutte on the legality of supressor use for hunting weapons.

OK I thought you were joking. I am a Class 3 dealer and sell suppressors/silencers or "mufflers" as they say across the pond. I have never seen an effective silencer on a revolver. Yes the Nagant 1895 had a unique system that allowed sound suppression, and a few "custom" revolvers have been built, but it will be ineffective if you just plan on screwing it on the end. A Bowers Vers 50 could be effective on a rifle, and for under $1000 for the can it would be a good choice in SS. Check out Silencer Shop, they generally have the best prices, and they have a few reviews of these cans, but not with 460/500 S&W. Be Safe,

 

[BLUEDOT37]

Lyman Handbook #49 & Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook #4 both list reduced load data using Unique in 500 S&W loads.

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[Gunsnwater]

What's the difference between "ported" vs "compensated"?

Nothing, but here they are making a distinction because the one has two interchangeable comps one for lead and the other for jackets. Ported barrels are compensated. Compensators are screw on ports.

 

[classichunter]

Lyman Handbook #49 & Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook #4 both list reduced load data using Unique in 500 S&W loads.

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I use Unique in my reduced loads with 50 AE bullets in my 500 S&W loads. I think he meant Unique is not a powder for full power loads in the 500.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

The Hi Viz sight sounds better to me, but maybe a compensator is more valuable on an S&W 500.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

I use Unique in my reduced loads with 50 AE bullets in my 500 S&W loads. I think he meant Unique is not a powder for full power loads in the 500.

He (Ruggy) said it's "not a suitable powder for 500 S&W".

Lyman's reduced loads using Unique do go as high as 48K psi, the same as with slower/magnum powders.

By my calculations, an accidental double charge of their max. load of Unique would just overflow an empty case (104%). Still worth double checking the case before seating a bullet in reduced loads using fast/medium powders.

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