i just started reloading for the 500 s&w. i used the speer 325 gr bullets with 43 grs H110. These were also designed for the 50ae i believe. One problem i had was without the canellure (sp?) some shells were hard to load due to the ridge of the case. I had to lighly file the ridge down. i've since quit using bullets without the cannellure. also, with 43 grains, the gun does recoil a fair amount. i don't know your buddy, but lil gun will probably recoil quite a bit.