favorite bullets and loads for 500 S&W

[cbourbeau32]

Hello everyone. I will be getting my 500 S&W handi rifle on Monday and wanted to ask what everyones favorite bullets and loads were for the 500 S&W round. I also wanted to ask where you buy your bullets. Any input would be appreciated. Charlie

[Grumulkin]

I get my bullets from Midway.

I'm in the process of working up 500 S&W loads and haven't yet come to final conclusions as to what is best except that H110/Win. 296 is probably the best powder to use.  I'm currently working with the Hornady 500 gr. flat nosed bullets which look promising.

[Redhawk1]

I have load data from 275 gr. to 700 gr. for the 500 Mag. I get my bullets from Ranger Rick and Montana Bullet Works. If you have Excel, I can send you all my load data.

[cbourbeau32]

I do have excel. Please e-mail to deerhunter32@fastmail.fm

What do you shoot? I am going to be shooting a NEF handi rifle.

[Redhawk1]

I have a BFR 500 Mag and a S&W 500 Mag. I will send you an e-mail.

[BNoz01]

I used to have a 500 S&W Encore rifle barrel (by VV).  It kicked so much that I first braked it, and then sold it because it still kicked too much!

As advice, my first load was with the Hornady 350 XTP bullet.  I shot a deer with this load at about 25 yards.  The bullet completely shattered into tiny pieces and barely penetrated.  The deer only took about 2 steps, but the bullet wasn't up to the extra velocity of the rifle length barrel.  I then switched to the Barnes 275 grainer, hoping to get less recoil.

I'd suggest starting with the Barnes 275 grain bullet because of the lesser recoil.  Then if you survive that (I didn't) then try some heavier bullets.

And, to prove I'm not just a complete recoil whimp -- I have no problem with full house (unbraked) 45-70 loads in my Encore.  The 500 S&W is a significant step up from that (recoil wise).

Good luck,

B. Noz.

ps  -- if you want 500 S&W dies (RCBS), brass, and a handful of bullets, then pm me off line.  I'll see what I have left and quote you a price.