I am starting to reload for my h&r single shot 500 s&w rifle, because I can't find any ammo for it. I have reloaded a little in the past. By little I mean, 50 rounds of 308. So I have some what of an idea on how to go about it. But looking for things I should be looking for when reloading for the 500. Also looking for a good place to start when it comes to powder, amounts and what people find the best. I was planning on maybe useing w296 because it's what I have on hand. Any pointer or help will be greatly appreciated.
500 sw- new to reloading pointers
- Thread starter mattgoulding
- Start date
Enjoy! I bought mine second-hand, had lots of fun with it, sold it locally and it was later sold after the third owner had his fun.
W296 (H110) is a good choice for the 500 S&W and Hodgdon has loads published.
I worked up loads with a 440 gr Cast bullet and later with a Castboolits Group Buy 700 gr!
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/538332-500-S-amp-W-Loads-in-the-NEF?
These are some loads I used in my NEF Handi-Rifle in 500 S&W (22" barrel) with the MiHec 700gr:
OAL 2.575"
The 1550 fps load was PAINFUL.
My experience has been that you can use a full case of IMR or H4198 and any powder slower, with bullets up to 700 grs. I wouldn't go any slower than powders in the BLC-(2) - Varget range. I use a magnum primer only with the ball powders.
After a while, you'll grow tired (and sore) from using max loads and will want to "tame it down" - trust me. For that Hodgdon doesn't have loads, you'll need to tinker with smaller amounts of faster pistol powder like Unique and Red Dot. Come back here after you've had some fun with W296.
W296 (H110) is a good choice for the 500 S&W and Hodgdon has loads published.
I worked up loads with a 440 gr Cast bullet and later with a Castboolits Group Buy 700 gr!
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/538332-500-S-amp-W-Loads-in-the-NEF?
These are some loads I used in my NEF Handi-Rifle in 500 S&W (22" barrel) with the MiHec 700gr:
OAL 2.575"
IMR4198 - 40.0 grs (full) - 1450 fps
WC-735 (a Higginsons surplus ball powder a bit faster than H335) magnum primer - 50.0 grs (slightly compressed) - 1550 fps
BLC-(2) magnum primer - 48.0 grs (full) - 1200 fps
WC-735 (a Higginsons surplus ball powder a bit faster than H335) magnum primer - 50.0 grs (slightly compressed) - 1550 fps
BLC-(2) magnum primer - 48.0 grs (full) - 1200 fps
The 1550 fps load was PAINFUL.
My experience has been that you can use a full case of IMR or H4198 and any powder slower, with bullets up to 700 grs. I wouldn't go any slower than powders in the BLC-(2) - Varget range. I use a magnum primer only with the ball powders.
After a while, you'll grow tired (and sore) from using max loads and will want to "tame it down" - trust me. For that Hodgdon doesn't have loads, you'll need to tinker with smaller amounts of faster pistol powder like Unique and Red Dot. Come back here after you've had some fun with W296.
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Thank you for the info. I'm not looking to be shooting a max load always. Just want to stick around factory specs. I am looking for a lighter bullet also. Somw thing in the 325-350 range and more suited to hunting. I have a book that has loading for the 500 in it so I am going to kinda just fallow that and hope for the best. I won't be pushing it by any means. I have put about 120 factory rounds through the rifle already and I enjoy it alot. But the lack of factory ammo in this shortage is killing me haha I need to get out and shoot it again.
Big bore dinosaur
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- NORT OF COW.TOWN.EH
350 campro are cheap to shot.
350 xtp did okay, but there a little light for the twist. Really have to drive them hard , to mediocre groups..
400 and 500 grainers shine in mine.
CFE BLK is king !!!! Love this stuff .h-110 then lilgun, in order.
Follow the book loads.
Flare your cases enought , or the bigger bullets will wrickle your brass.
Have fun. Wish I didnt sell mine off.
350 xtp did okay, but there a little light for the twist. Really have to drive them hard , to mediocre groups..
400 and 500 grainers shine in mine.
CFE BLK is king !!!! Love this stuff .h-110 then lilgun, in order.
Follow the book loads.
Flare your cases enought , or the bigger bullets will wrickle your brass.
Have fun. Wish I didnt sell mine off.
Thank you for that info maybe that's why I am having a hard time getting the rifle sighted in. It always seems to throw a flyer or two in every group and even with out a flyer the groups are never very tight. It might be the light ammo I have been shooting. I might look in to some of the heavier stuff. Thanks
- Location
- Western Manitoba
jetbullets.com - has 400 grain and 710 grain listed for 500 S&W. Else, get the mould and casting stuff and make them yourself??
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langfordbc
CGN Regular
- Location
- On the high line, BC
I started reloading for my 500 last year (8 3/8" revolver). While doing lots of reading on what powder to try, I kept reading about forcing cone erosion with Lil' Gun. I'm not sure how many rounds it takes to accomplish that, but I suppose it is something to consider when selecting a powder. I started with H110 and frankly have not loaded that many rounds so I can't offer a knowledgeable review. 350's, 500's, and 710 grain bullets. I also bought Alliant 2400 but have not tried it yet.
Jessegreenwood
Member
- Location
- Douglas/shilo MB
I have thought that would be the perfect round to play with heavy quiet loads, after reading what some people have done with 45-70.
Heavy bullet going 900 fps, with fast powder. The 700 grain era look cool, but I have seen some 600 with deep hollow point that would also perform well at the lower speed.
Have fun!
Heavy bullet going 900 fps, with fast powder. The 700 grain era look cool, but I have seen some 600 with deep hollow point that would also perform well at the lower speed.
Have fun!
Hey Matt,
If you're looking for some boolits to go with those dies I sold you, I'm sure I can make some time if you want to try casting them. I have the Lee 440gr mold and a few pounds of lead I can spare...
They shoot great in front of H-110 for me, so you're on the right path there...
If you're looking for some boolits to go with those dies I sold you, I'm sure I can make some time if you want to try casting them. I have the Lee 440gr mold and a few pounds of lead I can spare...
They shoot great in front of H-110 for me, so you're on the right path there...
Big bore dinosaur
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- NORT OF COW.TOWN.EH
Pet load Ahlsy??
Buddy has the same mold. Popular
Saw a bunch of bullets instock also matt. P&D and profit come to mind.
Buddy has the same mold. Popular
Saw a bunch of bullets instock also matt. P&D and profit come to mind.
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Off the top of my head I use 36-38gr of H-110 (I'm not near my load records right now).
In the Handi-rifle it spits out those boolits at 1850fps-ish. I've never hunted anything with it, but if it hurts a deer as much as it hurts the shooter, it should work fairly well...
I also load a 'powder puff' load using 10gr of Trailboss. Not so flashy, but a lot nicer to shoot. I was thinking about powder coating those boolits pink...
Not that its necessary in the single shot, but I also use a Lee factory crimp die instead of a roll or taper crimp.
Boolits were gas checked with Hornady gas checks (not sure if they're still available) and Lee alox boolit lube.
In the Handi-rifle it spits out those boolits at 1850fps-ish. I've never hunted anything with it, but if it hurts a deer as much as it hurts the shooter, it should work fairly well...
I also load a 'powder puff' load using 10gr of Trailboss. Not so flashy, but a lot nicer to shoot. I was thinking about powder coating those boolits pink...
Not that its necessary in the single shot, but I also use a Lee factory crimp die instead of a roll or taper crimp.
Boolits were gas checked with Hornady gas checks (not sure if they're still available) and Lee alox boolit lube.
