500 mag S&W

[whitey]

Hey all..
Just picked up the 500 S&W and intend on using it for hunting.
What are some hand loads or factory loads you fellas no of or hand load that work best for you.
I will be hand loading myself for hunting and just practice.

What is the maximum distance/ max effective range a person can expect to shoot.

I just bought this gun and then had to leave for Japan so havent had a chance to shoot it.
Thanks for the input.

[TeacherMan]

What barrel? I've got the 8 3/8" and love it! I can hit milk jugs at 75yds with mine. I'm using a 340 gr. bullet, buffalo bore. 

[Helix]

You'll have to find your own max range by shooting.  It should be a fun process if your wrists are up to it.

[Todd_ID]

That round would be pretty darn close to a ballistic equivalent of my .50 Beowulf.  It's a 150-200 yard round at best.  It's got the energy at 300 to take an animal, but it's also got the drop of a stone at that range.  Your using it in a handgun, so I think you'll be limited in range only by your accuracy.  The 350 grain Hornady XTP would be a good choice of bullet as would the Lee 440 grain cast lead bullet if you're into melting lead and saving a ton of money.  My experience is that the 335 and 350 grain bullets produce much, much more kick than the heavier 400, 440, 500 and 600 grain bullets do.  If you're planning on staying at 50 yards or less, then the 500 grain XTP would be a heart stopping penetrator. 

[Biggerhammer]

The 500 S&W puts the .50 Beowulf to shame in speed and terminal range. I used the 325gr Speer hollow points on top of H110. The .50 Beowulf drops like a stone!

[whitey]

TeacherMan
You know it buddy, Go long or stay home.
Anyways, yep 8 3/8".

Thanks Guys for the info.
Im going to work on inside of 100 yards, and lean towards the knock down happening around 50-75 yards.
Keep the info coming.
Oh and what about the "Little Gun" powder I read so much about.
I know its 12:01 in the morning at home and 16:00  here in Japan. So I will catch up tommorrow when I come into work.
Whitey...OUT!!!

[b23]

My 500 has the 4in barrel and it's a fricken blast, literally, to shoot!  They aren't very practical but they sure are fun.

I've shot mostly Corbon 275 DPX Magnums out of mine and they seem to have more recoil than the stuff I've shot with much heavier bullets.

[livnright]

i have about 30 brass you can have if you are around the longview area.

[yorketransport]

Are you going to scope it? With iron sights, 75 yards is about my max. Beyond that I can't make an accurate hold on a 10" target. With a scope or red dot to help with aiming, I'd say that you have an effective 150 yard handgun. It'll kill beyond that range but like others said, trajectory becomes a problem.

I had a 500 S&W for a little while and I only ran cast bullets through it. There's really no need for expansion when your entrance hole is already that big. The 440gr bullets were my favorite.

Andrew

[whitey]

livnright
Thanks for the offer, When I get the heck out of japan in a few weeks I will see if I cant hook up with you on the offer.

yorketransport
More than likely just be shooting Hiviz open sights. So I will put in practice out to 75. I will have a scope to put on it at a later time, in the event I need a little extra leg.
Thanks again fellas for the help.

[livnright]

they will be here

[whitey]

Im trying to find a set of HiViz type iron sights for the 500. Talked to Optic world and they have nothing.

Any ideas who might make a set for the X-frame?
Trying to have this stuff all waiting at home when I leave Japan in my wake. Then its time for a little "Fire In The Hole" action.
Less than 4 weeks left here, then its time for some guns and BBQ.
Thanks Fella's
Whitey..OUT!!

[BoomWhop]

I tried a red dot on mine, a nikon,  after 10 shots the dot looks funny and I don't think it is holding zero.. Love to shoot it but the Ammo  Does anyoe here reload these?