Shot my new 500 Smith today

[Walks with a gimp]

  Just had time to load one in the chamber and open the dining room window (I live out in the sticks) and touch it off in the snow. Recoil ain't bad, about like a 20 gauge 2 3/4 incher. Can't wait to get a scope on it and get her sighted in

[eskimo36]

One thing for sure is that I don't pinch my fingers seating bullets in the 500 like I do in the 17 Rem.  I am having great fun with my 500 S&W.

[Headspace]

I have had a handi 500 for several months and really enjoy going to the range. I am still trying to work up a accurate handload. I was using a Red Dot scope but am going to try a Bushnell next Saturday.

[ro]

walks with a gimp, i have a handi in 500 its a great shooter, i have a bushnell banner 3x9 scope on it now with matt finish,had to order a ultra base mount from nef to get the scope to clear the hammer, weaver base will not work, gun shoots good i shot about 60 rounds thur it, a buddy is loading 500 for his pistol,i have killed 2 deer with it the season,if you hit them they go down,best factory load i have shot is hornady 350grxtp/mag, good luck with your 500 sw

[Walks with a gimp]

  I did happen to notice that some of the factory ammo is pricy. I have a ton of reloading stuff and hate to get bitten by the reloading bug again but I can see where this little thumper could be fun. Seen some 700 grain bullets on E-bay for sale I was wondering if a guy could load some 50 caliber round balls for bunnies with Unique or red dot? This thing could have potential

[John R.]

I've had my 500 Handi now for a year and a half. When I first got it I was experiencing erractic grouping. I finally figured out that my scope had gone south. I put another scope on it and it has been shooting very consistant. The factory ammo will eat a hole in your wallet in no time. So I added a set of 500 dies to my collection and the load selections are endless. For large hogs I've settled on a 370 gr. LFNGC @ 2160 fps. from Montana Bullet Works (it smokes em). I will play with other loads for deer hunting this spring (I don't need that much power for deer so I'll probably down load that to around 1500 fps.

[eskimo36]

My bullet of choice for the 500 is a 440 grain with a 90% meplat.  I makes a big hole regardless of velocity. I use the same bullet with Unique, Titegroup, and H110.

[rock-steady]

I've been loading the Sierra 400gr JSP with 36gr H110 in my 500SW Handi. I have a cheap 2x shotgun scope on it and can easily shoot 3 shot groups under 2" at 100yds. I haven't shot a deer yet, but I have until Feb.15 to hunt. I don't expect much tracking after the shot. This sucker heaves the lead!

[John R.]

Eskimo36 what's your load with titegroup. I have a good bit of that powder and would like to try some for a reduced load. THANKS 

[Walks with a gimp]

I've had my 500 Handi now for a year and a half. When I first got it I was experiencing erractic grouping. I finally figured out that my scope had gone south. I put another scope on it and it has been shooting very consistant. The factory ammo will eat a hole in your wallet in no time. So I added a set of 500 dies to my collection and the load selections are endless. For large hogs I've settled on a 370 gr. LFNGC @ 2160 fps. from Montana Bullet Works (it smokes em). I will play with other loads for deer hunting this spring (I don't need that much power for deer so I'll probably down load that to around 1500 fps.

 Holy cow,, that figures out to be 3834.12 foot pounds K.E. ...............   Is there anything left but bacon??

[Walks with a gimp]

I've been loading the Sierra 400gr JSP with 36gr H110 in my 500SW Handi. I have a cheap 2x shotgun scope on it and can easily shoot 3 shot groups under 2" at 100yds. I haven't shot a deer yet, but I have until Feb.15 to hunt. I don't expect much tracking after the shot. This sucker heaves the lead!

 That's VERY acceptable accuracy for me, looks like I made the right choice.  Dosen't look like this cartridge is boring

[John R.]

Well, since you don't have any expansion because its a Hard Cast bullet, it puts a nice big 50 cal. hole all the way through the animal. You can literally eat right up to the hole.

[eskimo36]

John R,
I shoot 15 grains of Titegroup for a middle load between 10 grains of Unique and 38 grains of H110.  I have not chrono'ed any of these.