Handi Rifle chambered in 500 S&W

[Saxon]

Anybody here own one of these ? just wondering how they are to shoot what I can expect for reliability. I wish to use it as a Short Range Big game stopper.

thanks

S

[PartsMan]

That's a lot of power for the Handi Rifle.
Seems like some of them have shot loose from the pressure.
The 45-70s are great rifles and most of the guys here have at least one.

[quickdtoo]

I've shot the 350gr XTP at 2150fps , 440gr CP 1750fps and 700gr Ranger Rick bullets at 1430fps out of mine with top loads, they all shoot 2" or less with max loads of Lil'gun, but recoil is substantial, and you may choose to shoot lighter loads due to the recoil, there are several members here shooting 1000-1200fps loads that are happy with theirs. But be warned, several members have had them shoot loose, the underlug set back, and had to have the barrels replaced by H&R. I've done an improvement on my 2nd hand barrel that so far has held up to max loads very well, your mileage my vary tho.

As Partsman mentioned, the 45-70 is real popular, I have 3 H&Rs and a 45-120 BC, much nicer to shoot with trapdoor loads, but can be loaded up to exceed the 500S&W with better trajectory for a longer MPBR. They're all a lot more accurate than my 500.

Tim

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,121843.msg1098414742.html#msg1098414742

[Saxon]

thanks Guys, Already have a 45-70.

Just curious about the Handi in that caliber because the gun is so cheap and the factory ammo though expensive its hotter than factory 45-70 (I havent' completed my reloading kit yet).  Some purchases dont' involve 100% logic, sometimes you just want something for the hell of it. Plus I dont' know anybody who has anything chambered in 500 S&W so it will make for good conversation at Deer Camp.

Cheers.

S

[eskimo36]

I can relate...I don't even know anyone local that has a 50 caliber center fire rifle besides me.... I mostly shoot mild stuff (1000 fps) but it still makes a half inch hole in everything I shoot.

[Daniel Laws]

Mine is more fun than getting dirty!  It has been the topic of more conversations than any other gun I've ever owned.  I have only managed to shoot one critter with it, a large bobcat, but I can truthfully say that I've never seen anything dead faster.  I want to use it on a deer this year, just to see how it does on larger stuff.  Old age and creaky bones have kept me off the more powerful loadings, which I now know to be a good thing.  Even the mid-range loads get your attention in a Handi.  I do reload, have never even fired a round of factory fodder.  The lighter loads are great to shoot, and don't make you think the target shot back.