Which compensator for semi-jacketed ammunition in S&W 500?

[mywytefeet]

Just bought a 4" S&W 500 and love it! I have not shot this new one, but I have shot (rented) this gun at a range to see if I like the round--obviously I fell in love. Anyways, I am aware there are two compensators for the 500--one for lead and one for jacketed ammo. My question is, which compensator do I use for semi-jacketed ammo? Thanks!

 

[mbnatt]

Heck, I can't figure out which one id for lead and which is for jacketed, nothing in my owners manual and they are not marked!

 

[scooter123]

I would expect that the compensator for jacketed ammo is the proper choice for a semi jacketed bullet. I don't have a 500 Magnum and with my wrists being a touch sensitive due to age have zero interest in shooting one.

However, in the 357 Magnum the SJSP bullets commonly have an enclosed base, so no lead vapors are generated that might foul the compensator. I expect that the SJSP bullets for the 500 Magnum will be constructed in a similar manner and even if not it is engaging the rifling with the jacketing.

As for telling the compensators apart, I'll theorize that there should be measureable differences in the compensators. Either a slighty larger bore in the Lead compensator so it won't shave lead from the bullets and clog the ports or larger ports that are easier to clean. However, that is purely theory, if they aren't marked I would suggest a call to Customer Service for a definative answer.

 

[mywytefeet]

Heck, I can't figure out which one id for lead and which is for jacketed, nothing in my owners manual and they are not marked!

The one with holes on top, near the front sight, is for jacketed.

 

[AKMac]

Why not just use the lead comp for everything?

I've shot jacketed from my lead comp with no ill effects thus far. However, this could be a bad idea so I wouldn't recommend it.

 

[seabright60]

Just bought a 4" S&W 500 and love it! I have not shot this new one, but I have shot (rented) this gun at a range to see if I like the round--obviously I fell in love. Anyways, I am aware there are two compensators for the 500--one for lead and one for jacketed ammo. My

Just bought a 4" S&W 500 and love it! I have not shot this new one, but I have shot (rented) this gun at a range to see if I like the round--obviously I fell in love. Anyways, I am aware there are two compensators for the 500--one for lead and one for jacketed ammo. My question is, which compensator do I use for semi-jacketed ammo? Thanks!

I called Smith and Wesson and they told me that you can use the lead compensator for either type of ammo.Just don't use the jacketed compensator for lead

 

[seabright60]

I called Smith and Wesson and they told me that you can use the lead compensator for either type of ammo.Just don't use the jacketed compensator for lead

 

[seabright60]

Why not just use the lead comp for everything?

I've shot jacketed from my lead comp with no ill effects thus far. However, this could be a bad idea so I wouldn't recommend it.

I called smith and weston and they told me it was fine to do with what you're doing you just can't do the opposite

 

[ruggyh]

Heck, I can't figure out which one id for lead and which is for jacketed, nothing in my owners manual and they are not marked!

the longer of the 2 is the comp intended for use with lead

I called Smith and Wesson and they told me that you can use the lead compensator for either type of ammo.Just don't use the jacketed compensator for lead

This is correct

The shorter comp has holes which line up with those in the shroud, and will eventually accumulate lead and
if fired through this comp. If enough lead accumulates it will make removal very difficult to extremely difficult.
The short comp should only be used with jacketed bullet

The longer comp cover the holes in the shroud and moves them forward of the shroud- the reason it is longer.

The lead comp can be used for all bullet construction methods.

Just bought a 4" S&W 500 and love it! I have not shot this new one, but I have shot (rented) this gun at a range to see if I like the round--obviously I fell in love. Anyways, I am aware there are two compensators for the 500--one for lead and one for jacketed ammo. My question is, which compensator do I use for semi-jacketed ammo? Thanks!

You can use either comp as the lead is forward of the bearing surfaces of the barrel and is not exposed pressure.