500 S&W molds and reload question

[M1Garandfather]

Hello!... I just picked up one of the H&R Handi-rifles in 500 S&W... I'd like to hear if anyone else has some successful reloading experienes with the Handi-rifle in this cal , powder and bulle wise....
Or any good handgun reloads so I have some referance data....

Also , I'm thinking of going the cast bullet route with this , anyone use the RCBS 400 gr FNPB bullet?
I like the look of the Lee 440 gr FPGC bullet , anyone use that mold?

And I'm looking for some components if anyone has some to sell , I need dies for a start...

Thanks

Bob

 

[Paulinski]

500gr Hornady seated to 2.300 with 37grains of 4759 or try 34grain for milder load.

 

[Johnn Peterson]

Most of any info I have is fairly specific toward the S&W handgun and loads for it. From an accuracy standpoint with jacketed bullets, my best results have been with the Hornady 350gr XTP-Mag, the Sierra 350gr JHP and a 'modified' version of the Speer 325gr HP using H110. I didn't get as good a level of accuracy with the Hornady 500gr FP-XTP so I no longer use it. I get all my cast bullets from a local guy and there's primarily four I use, a 350gr FPBB, a 370gr RNFP, a 400gr 'Keith' and a 440gr FPGC. Again, H110 for the heavy loads and Unique for the lighter stuff. My favorite is the 440gr, for light and heavy loads and the accuracy is great.

There are a few sources of info that may be of help to you;
- http://www.reloadammo.com/500sw.htm
- 'S&W Monster Magnum' by #### Metcalf - Shooting Times/April 2003
- http:www.hodgon.com/data/pistol/500swmag.php
- The .500 S&W Magnum Cartridge - by John Taffin
(American Handgunner * January/February 2004)
- http://www.americanhandgunner.com/taffin.html
- .500 S&W Magnum by Scott E. Mayer, American Rifleman May 2003
- S&W's .500 Master-Blaster by John Taffin
(American Handgunner * January/February 2004)
- To Africa With A .500 S&W by Mark Hampton
(www.americanhandgunner.com)

Initially, info and components were somewhat scarce but Lyman, Sierra, Hornady, and others now supply some or both. Some of the earlier production brass was made for large pistol primers and these were somewhat boarderline in supplying the ignition required when using full charges of H110. Starline was the exception as they utilized large rifle primers but now I believe all manufacturers go for this option. Something you may want to keep in mind when buying brass. I've set aside my brass made for large pistol primers and use it for the lighter loads with Unique.

Hope this is of some help but PM me if need be.

 

[tjhaile]

Here is some data, which was developed for cast bullets of the author's own design.

http://john-ross.net/loading.htm