500 S&W Light Loads

[cashmann]

I've been trying to find lite loads or loading data. What I would like to find is 200gr wadcutter to 250gr swc 700 to 950FPS.

[Badgersmilk]

Don't know how "light" any of them are, but here's some data.

http://www.handloads.org/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=500%20SqqqW%20Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=

There isn't much on the 500, that I've seen anyway.  Unless I was VERY familiar with the caliber I'd never trust ANY load data that wasn't at least published in a book.  

I don't think there's anyway you can load the 500 as light as your talking about (it's not the .45 ACP your looking for).  But may be wrong!

[Neon Knight Anubis]

From what Michael has said in the past John Ross knows a thing or two about loading the 500, even designed a limited release model.  That could be a source if he puts his load data online, or maybe if Michael sees this he can point you in the right direction.

[TAB]

something to think about, a load that is so light that it does not work with the muzzle brake, may actually recoil harder then a hotter load that does.  you are moving alot of lead with each shot.

[m25operator]

Cashman, that's why I like the .460 over the .500, .45 colt, .454 casull, and .460 S&W.

Some people will get onto me here, but I have been reloading a really long time, with loads not published anywhere for competition. Both lighter and heavier than normal in a given caliber.

I would start with trimming the .500 cases to .45 colt length and then use .45 colt data for the starting loads with the bullet types and weights your talking about, they will be lighter than advertised due to the increased case volume, but I think you can start with the hottest loads. You revolver is rated for 50,000 psi +, 15 to 20k psi ain't going to hurt anything. You will get into trouble using the full length case with reduced powder charges, case density in a case so large is a real problem. Squib loads would be common, and accuracy would suffer a lot.

Start slow, and look for all the signs, primers backing out, not enough pressure, primers flattening, too much pressure. I would start with fast burning powders like red dot, bullseye, ww231 with a standard primer, mag primer might work better but this is developement. I would put a really hard crimp as well.

.500 cases are expensive, so How bad do want to do this? It is no harm in saying this is a bad boy and I really don't like it, in full house mode, trade it for a .460 and you probably won't be out any more money than trimming expensive cases. Just a thought.

[Sponsor]

[GI Joe]

It is a heavy gun designed for big loads, I gotta ask.........Why?

[callithump]

Your major bullet weights are 275, 350 and 400.

With the 400g WFNGC and:

Trailboss  8 grains you are at 740fps

WW231  10 grains you have 870fps

HS6  14 grains and 902fps


Double check these powders and data - and you'll be good to go.

http://www.wetinkpro.com/john/site/sw500.php