Author Topic: 500 S&W handi (Read 563 times)

rockrat · « **on:** November 15, 2005, 09:10:15 AM »

Finally got one in after waiting since February. Happened to call a store about 60 Miles away and asked if he had one. He said no, but a salesman had called and asked if he needed one as he has some in stock. He called and said ONE was left, so I nabbed it. Just loaded 15 rounds (3 different bullets) and tried them out(also shot one of each over the Chrony). All I can say is OW, OW, OW :shock: . That lightweight sucker kicks the snot out of me(all 6'4" 320lbs). Shoulder surgery a couple of years ago doesn't help there. Will do some accuracy testing when I get a slip over Limbsaver on it. Had trouble with the Chrony(think I had it set on metric), but converting it to fps I got 1936fps with the Lee 440, 2135fps with the Hornady 350xtp and 2232fps with a Ranier 335gr plated HP. Getting in some Remington 385 Core-loct later, might be a good bullet. All loads using Lil Gun powder, starline nickle cases and ww LR primers.

myarmor · « **Reply #1 on:** November 15, 2005, 10:18:13 AM »

Thanks for the info rockrat, and hey welcome to GreyBeards :agree:
I have yet to shoot a 500 in rifle or pistol, but from what I am hearing they pack a walooop. Take care of that shoulder, and like you said pick up a recoil pad for that beast

-Aaron

bladerunner · « **Reply #2 on:** November 15, 2005, 10:55:40 AM »

For all ya'll who like the BIIG calibers...500 S&W,45-70 and the like just to shoot,not hunting.....more power to ya.....I just can't enjoy shooting something that HURTS

Ditchdigger · « **Reply #3 on:** November 15, 2005, 02:11:12 PM »

I know of 2 guy's that have already sold there's so they may get plentiful before long. It seems they pack quite a wallop. Digger

Stickfigure · « **Reply #4 on:** November 15, 2005, 02:18:08 PM »

When I finally get mine.. sounds like its gonna be time for a dead mule and a limb saver! Especially since I'm a scrawny 5'8 @ 130lbs :lol:

rockrat · « **Reply #5 on:** November 15, 2005, 05:04:39 PM »

All I can say is there is load data for Trail Boss powder and the 440 lead. think I will try that for a plinking load and save the heavy stuff for hunting. That big slug packs a good wallop(both ends!).

grendel · « **Reply #6 on:** November 15, 2005, 06:47:49 PM »

But the real question is. Can it be opened up to 50-70 or even better to the 50-90?
I have a Handi in 45-70 (30-30/357Max/12ga) as well as a Ruger #3 in 45-70. But I don't have anything in a 50.

Grendel

Haywire Haywood · « **Reply #7 on:** November 15, 2005, 10:48:21 PM »

Nope, the 500 is a true 50cal. The groove dia is .500, while the 50-70/90 and the 500 alaskan are .510 I believe.

Ian

John R. · « **Reply #8 on:** November 16, 2005, 05:42:44 AM »

I had my gunsmith put on a limbsaver pad (grind to fit) and it helps a lot. I've shot the Mag-tech 275 Barnes and the 325 JSP. The gun does not like the 325 JSP at all. The 275 Barnes shoots an inch @ 100 yds. I bought some Sierra 350 gr. JHP's and hope to test them soon. I'll let you know how they shoot. :grin:

rockrat · « **Reply #9 on:** November 16, 2005, 09:15:59 AM »

I think the 500 is up there with the Alaskan and 50-70. Have the 50-70 in a #1 and another in a Sharps clone that I am going to convert to 50-90 Sharps. Have the reamer, dies and some brass, just never got around to doing it yet. Think my AR-50 isn't much worse than the 500 in the Handi. Might try some 5744 to tame it down a little. That is what I was shooting in my #1. Might try the Lil-Gun in the Ruger and see what happens. Have a 450gr SWC for it that I need to work on. Get tired of my 500, I will shoot my 357maxi for awhile. Will report later on accuracy test after I get a limbsaver :-)

Mac11700 · « **Reply #10 on:** November 16, 2005, 07:49:31 PM »

Fill the stock with #6 shot...and leave the Limbsaver full size...just grind off the hard plastic...it will make it hurt even less...and get a UncleMikes Neopreane shell holder for the stock...I use some 3/16" Rubatex foam insulation(very very dense closed cell refrigeration insulation) foam under it on my 45-70...takes all the pain out of my heaviest 45-70 loads...and makes it enjoyable to shoot for extended periods...once you've used this..you won't want to be without it for all your rifles,slug guns,or shotguns...

Mac

bajabill · « **Reply #11 on:** November 17, 2005, 05:53:02 AM »

when you fill the stock's bolt hole with lead shot, do you contain the BBs any or just fill it up and be carefull when taking the butt plate off .

Is it not important that the BBs behave like a solid, connected to the gun, rather than behaving independent from the stock and gun, to absorb recoil?