Reloading the S&W 500

[Roudy]

I'm having trouble finding information about which kind of primers to use for reloading the S&W 500 cartridge.  Some data says use a large rifle primer and others say to use a large pistol primer.  Another note that I found says that the case head will be stamped with a "R" or "LR" if it needs a large rifle primer.

My primary concern is for safety, namely the strength of the primer.  From a dimensional point of view both primers 'seem' to be at least similar if not the same.

I'm using Winchester cases and they do not have anything on the head stamp that would indicate the need for a large rifle primer.  The Winchester web site has no information about this case other than a product number and no place to contact Winchester with the question.

Are there any Gurus out there that have any insight about which primer to use??

Roudy

[Grumulkin]

It should be the large rifle primer.

For what it's worth, I load my 500 S&W Encore with Sierra SportsMaster bullets for 1 to 1.5 inch 3 shot groups at 100 yards with a scoped handgun.  The powder I use is H110/Win. 296.

[Roudy]

Thanks for the information.  I'm also using H110 powder, starting with 32.0 grains which is about 1 grain less than maximum according to Hodgdon's loading info.  I have 40 cases with large pistol primers, should I use them or just take them out and replace with large rifle primers?

Roudy

[gray-wolf]

From a dimensional point of view both primers 'seem' to be at least similar if not the same

I don't load that Cal. but the last time I checked some primers, i found large rifle and large pistol are not the same size. Large rifle are taller. If you choose to use large rifle and they stand a little off,
You can use a L/R primer pocket uniformer,not a reamer a uniformer.
 Just trying to help.

GW.

[Grumulkin]

Thanks for the information.  I'm also using H110 powder, starting with 32.0 grains which is about 1 grain less than maximum according to Hodgdon's loading info.  I have 40 cases with large pistol primers, should I use them or just take them out and replace with large rifle primers?

I would probably use them but I don't start load work-up at 1 grain below maximum in cases of that size.  I'm more consertive; I might end up there or higher but I don't start there.

[anweis]

I would probably use them but I don't start load work-up at 1 grain below maximum in cases of that size.  I'm more consertive; I might end up there or higher but I don't start there.

And rightfully so. I also am conservative. I start 0.5 grain above the suggested starting load and stop 1 grain (or less) bellow max.  Starting 1 grain bellow max and experimenting with primers is asking for trouble. I hope that you have a good medical insurance.

[Roudy]

Hodgdon's load recommendations for this cartridge are rather tight.  They list minimum of 31.0 grains of H110 and maximun of 33.0 grains of H110.  I think you are right, I should start with the minimum then gradually increase to 32.0 grains.  I usually stop about 1 grain below maximum as well.

Thanks for the input,
Roudy

[smith85619]

large rifle primers is what I used.

[Catfish]

I use rifle primers because the 454 and 500 runs rifle chamber presures and there is less chamce of blowing them than the softer pistol primers.