Sabots in a .500 S&W rifle

[Paints-n-cows]

Out of curiosity, has anyone ever tried using a sabot in the .500 S&W with a lighter weight bullet.

I am not talking about loading for a revolver but loading for a single shot rifle or pistols such as the Handi rifles or T/C Contenders?

The diameter of the sabot on the ones that I have measured run right around .501".  They are usable in a muzzleloader that uses smokeless powder such as a Savage so I would say that they would be able to stand the forces exerted by the smokeless powder.

Even there are some aftermarket sabots that allow the use of .30 bullets in a .50.  I just saw a website for a manufacturer of them but there was no further information available.

I was thinking that the lighter bullets with a higher BC might lend itself to a little higher muzzle velocity and possibly a little longer range.

Just something to piddle around with.  I realize that there are rifles that are better for the application but in some states, you can use pistol cartridges for deer.

[R.W.Dale]

 Been there done that and bought the T-shirt. Doesn't work, with even the lightest loads I was blowing out high pressure sabots. I couldn't even get enough accuracy to get a chronograph reading.

I was thinking that the lighter bullets with a higher BC might lend itself to a little higher muzzle velocity and possibly a little longer range.

 Light an higher BC really don't go together even with big bores.

[quickdtoo]

I've pondered that, have some .45 cal PR conicals that might just work in high pressure sabots, haven't tried it yet tho, too many other guns to shoot first!! The .500 seater would need to be modified to prevent tip deformation as on this lead conical, the sabot also takes up a lot of powder space.

Tim

[Lloyd Smale]

I know my buddy was fooling with 357s in sabots out of a 500 linebaugh a long time ago. He had some special sabots someone sold but i dont have a clue where he got them. I dont think he got any spectacular accuracy out of them and gave up because it was impossible to get the sights to get them to point of aim with the stock sights.

[Grumulkin]

I've heard sabots don't give spectacular accuracy as well.

One thing for sure, don't use them in a braked barrel.

[Catfish]

Why would anyone buy a 500 S&W and then try to shoot smaller liter bullet through it when it would be much cheaper to buy a .357 max. or a .444 Marlin? You would get close to the same velocity and  and they would be accurate.