Author Topic: Talk me into keeping S&W 500 (Read 1754 times)

huntall50 · « **on:** November 16, 2011, 10:13:38 AM »

I have this unfired barrel but have posted a wts/wwt add for a 44mag barrel; I like the .44mag option for my son who will be hunting soon(lighter recoil and cheaper ammo), but already have the S&W 500/12ga option with little money invested. I have priced the ammo, a scope and need to find a recoil pad to replace the plastic one. Or should I hold out for someone wanting this trade.

Jason F · « **Reply #1 on:** November 16, 2011, 10:27:10 AM »

Keep it, he can handle the recoil its not to bad,if you reload it not to costly

Dinny · « **Reply #2 on:** November 16, 2011, 11:53:53 AM »

I say "keep it" only if you reload. The 44 Mag is much cheaper to buy factory ammo for and it's more plentiful.

Thanks, Dinny

cwlongshot · « **Reply #3 on:** November 16, 2011, 12:13:07 PM »

I would like to try.. but I did not keep mine, If I don't listen to myself, why should you..

CW

manatee1947 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 16, 2011, 01:32:33 PM »

OK, here we go, take a deep breath and release, feel the thoughts of the 44 fading from your mind, along with the possible throat issues, accuracy questions, etc,etc.

Now. I bought a 500 for my son-in-law (now EX) that lived in Indiana, but he departed before the gun arrived. I was going to sell it, but there was no immediate takers, so I sent to midway for a $19 sizing tool, and the Lee 440gr FNGC mold, also $19, and a $28 set of Lee dies, I bought 100 rounds of brass for $55. So I have about 125$ in reloading stuff. The mold is very easy to use, my wheelweight+ metal comes out at 430 gr from the mold, needs very little sizing actually. I can tumble lube them for my "light load" or with a sizer die and stick lube. I do not use gas checks, they are not needed, and are expensive. I use 2 loads, one is 14.5gr of unique and a magnum large pistol primer, the other 21 gr of Blue Dot and a std lg rifle primer. The light load wil shoot 1.5 " groups @ 75 yards, the heavy load about 1.8 ". That is what I am using for deer this season. If your son can shoot the lightest field load for a 20ga, he will have no trouble with these. I deliberately reloaded the same case in testing and after about 20 rounds the only difference is some black around the casemouth. My reloading cost estimate for the round is approx 12 CENTS, not counting the dies/ mold investment. I expect them to eventually be so cheap to count, the first 500 have not even got them broken in yet.
The 500 is the easiest gun to cast for and load I have ever used. The brass is very durable, it is like shooting 38 wadcutters supersized, not loud, does not kick much. and will shoot through a 3/4 plywood and a foot of phone books @ 35 yards. It also makes people at the range raise their eyebrows so far their hats fall off. There is no way I would trade my 500 for a 44mag. If you want both, fine, but swapping the 500 away would be a big mistake. Give it a thorough try first, I guarantee you can sell it here in a couple of days if you dont like it. But you wont. You put a box of reloads down the range and you will never let it out of your sight.

Darreld Walton · « **Reply #5 on:** November 16, 2011, 01:53:28 PM »

For $96.00 and shipping, why not send 'er in for a .44 barrel and have the three barrel set?
I really, really, really like my .500 a LOT, but you HAVE to load for it.
Factory loads will break my bank account in about two shakes of a lamb's tail!

tacklebury · « **Reply #6 on:** November 16, 2011, 02:20:36 PM »

Quote from: manatee1947 on November 16, 2011, 01:32:33 PM

OK, here we go, take a deep breath and release, feel the thoughts of the 44 fading from your mind, along with the possible throat issues, accuracy questions, etc,etc.

Now. I bought a 500 for my son-in-law (now EX) that lived in Indiana, but he departed before the gun arrived. I was going to sell it, but there was no immediate takers, so I sent to midway for a $19 sizing tool, and the Lee 440gr FNGC mold, also $19, and a $28 set of Lee dies, I bought 100 rounds of brass for $55. So I have about 125$ in reloading stuff. The mold is very easy to use, my wheelweight+ metal comes out at 430 gr from the mold, needs very little sizing actually. I can tumble lube them for my "light load" or with a sizer die and stick lube. I do not use gas checks, they are not needed, and are expensive. I use 2 loads, one is 14.5gr of unique and a magnum large pistol primer, the other 21 gr of Blue Dot and a std lg rifle primer. The light load wil shoot 1.5 " groups @ 75 yards, the heavy load about 1.8 ". That is what I am using for deer this season. If your son can shoot the lightest field load for a 20ga, he will have no trouble with these. I deliberately reloaded the same case in testing and after about 20 rounds the only difference is some black around the casemouth. My reloading cost estimate for the round is approx 12 CENTS, not counting the dies/ mold investment. I expect them to eventually be so cheap to count, the first 500 have not even got them broken in yet.
The 500 is the easiest gun to cast for and load I have ever used. The brass is very durable, it is like shooting 38 wadcutters supersized, not loud, does not kick much. and will shoot through a 3/4 plywood and a foot of phone books @ 35 yards. It also makes people at the range raise their eyebrows so far their hats fall off. There is no way I would trade my 500 for a 44mag. If you want both, fine, but swapping the 500 away would be a big mistake. Give it a thorough try first, I guarantee you can sell it here in a couple of days if you dont like it. But you wont. You put a box of reloads down the range and you will never let it out of your sight.

Man there you go making me want another big bore... Every time I think I'm happy...

keith44 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 16, 2011, 06:40:46 PM »

yup, tacklebury I'm thinking I should not have read this post

ibgp3 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 16, 2011, 09:25:27 PM »

I know I shouldn't have read this topic, I bought his barrel.

Now the question is will it replace my 45-70, or will it be one more barrel that goes to the range when I do??

gcrank1 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 17, 2011, 05:09:42 AM »

Buying factory on any of these big bores is not even a question for me, I just wont pay their prices when for a small 'investment' I can load one so cheap that I can afford to shoot it.
I say load a 45-70 or a 500 down for a 'soft' enjoyable load and more stout for hunting when you wont notice the recoil. I havent been missing my old 44M Shikari since I got the 45-70, and if a 500 turns up cheap hereabouts it will probably come home with me too.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #10 on:** November 17, 2011, 05:18:59 AM »

Quote from: Darreld Walton on November 16, 2011, 01:53:28 PM

For $96.00 and shipping, why not send 'er in for a .44 barrel and have the three barrel set?

That $96 turns into ~$160 after fitting fee, tax and shipping both ways. $:-\$

Tim

tacklebury · « **Reply #11 on:** November 17, 2011, 11:03:10 AM »

Quote from: gcrank1 on November 17, 2011, 05:09:42 AM

Buying factory on any of these big bores is not even a question for me, I just wont pay their prices when for a small 'investment' I can load one so cheap that I can afford to shoot it.
I say load a 45-70 or a 500 down for a 'soft' enjoyable load and more stout for hunting when you wont notice the recoil. I havent been missing my old 44M Shikari since I got the 45-70, and if a 500 turns up cheap hereabouts it will probably come home with me too.

+1 gcrank: I had always knew I'd love reloading and reality proved it slightly more complicated than my romanticized envisionment, however much more rewarding too.

I've gone from 3 to 10 calibers in only a few years. Haven't had any issues improving performance and cost typically too.

manatee1947 · « **Reply #12 on:** November 17, 2011, 12:58:06 PM »

For those that might be worried, the 500 has not REPLACED my BC or 444, it just depends on whether I want to make a BIG hole, a REALLY big hole, or a REALLY REALLY big hole. If I am going to shoot longer range I use a 444, I target shoot with the BC, it is my only rifle without a scope and I have to have very good light to use it because of my eyes. The 500 is the go to gun when I leave the house, up to 100 yards it will hit just about anything bigger than a squirrel, is pretty short and handles in the brush well, the shotgun scope on it is bright in dim light. It is not touchy about loading, even bullets that are seconds dont seem to bother it. And after range days I simply shovel the sand through an old colander and I have most of my lead back. Also bullets that are just a little off, or recoverd ones make great 1 ounce sinkers.

Big Blue · « **Reply #13 on:** November 19, 2011, 01:41:34 PM »

I chopped my .500 S&W barrel down to 16.5" giving the rifle an overall length of 34.5". I also mounted a 3X Leupold scope on it. It has to be the most handy Handi rifle I own for thick woods hunting. I reload for it using 440gr. CPB bullets over 35.0gr. of LilGun powder.
I say keep the .500 S&W and enjoy it!
Don
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r150/leverguns1895/500SW004JPG.jpg

tacklebury · « **Reply #14 on:** November 19, 2011, 03:38:00 PM »

Quote from: Big Blue on November 19, 2011, 01:41:34 PM

I chopped my .500 S&W barrel down to 16.5" giving the rifle an overall length of 34.5". I also mounted a 3X Leupold scope on it. It has to be the most handy Handi rifle I own for thick woods hunting. I reload for it using 440gr. CPB bullets over 35.0gr. of LilGun powder.
I say keep the .500 S&W and enjoy it!
Don
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r150/leverguns1895/500SW004JPG.jpg

NOw that takes the cake for a brush gun!

Bout the only thing more potent might be a 500 nitro express, because you have 2 barrels. lol

ibgp3 · « **Reply #15 on:** November 19, 2011, 11:28:14 PM »

I guess he has decided to keep the 500.
I posted an "I'll take it" on the ad and PM'd for how and where to send funds 4 days ago.

No response so far.

keith44 · « **Reply #16 on:** November 20, 2011, 07:20:24 AM »

Quote from: ibgp3 on November 19, 2011, 11:28:14 PM

I guess he has decided to keep the 500.
I posted an "I'll take it" on the ad and PM'd for how and where to send funds 4 days ago.

No response so far.

hmmm...

might have decided he didn't want to sell after all

Monteria · « **Reply #17 on:** November 20, 2011, 07:33:18 AM »

Quote from: Big Blue on November 19, 2011, 01:41:34 PM

I chopped my .500 S&W barrel down to 16.5" giving the rifle an overall length of 34.5". I also mounted a 3X Leupold scope on it. It has to be the most handy Handi rifle I own for thick woods hunting. I reload for it using 440gr. CPB bullets over 35.0gr. of LilGun powder.
I say keep the .500 S&W and enjoy it!
Don
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r150/leverguns1895/500SW004JPG.jpg

That little lady looks like a dandy!

When I complete the two 3-barrel youth sets that I am building for my nephews, I might just have to build myself a 500 shorty.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #18 on:** November 20, 2011, 05:41:51 PM »

He might have gone hunting, a lot of seasons are on now.

ibgp3 · « **Reply #19 on:** November 20, 2011, 11:08:57 PM »

I would believe huntall50 is hunting and out of touch, but if it is a change of heart, it was telegraphed here.
By the way, "hunt all 50" is quite an ambition. one I am way short of!!
I did not find a side by side comparison of cartridges, so I did one. The drawings are not done to the same scales, So I scaled them.
If anyone sees an error, let me know and I'll try to fix it.
The 375 is included here because of another discussion going now.

.
Click on the picture to enlarge it.

This is not the whole story, available bullets and ballistics have to be considered also. If I were having a stub or rebore done in 500 S&W I would want a .515 bore for better bullet options.

phatgemi · « **Reply #20 on:** November 21, 2011, 04:47:42 AM »

I wish I could tell ya to keep it but personally can't really do it. I recently went through the same thing. I had a 500 barrel which I used rarely. I also have a .44 reamed to .445 supermag. My son also has a .44. With all the reloading, I just couldn't justify keeping a 500. It would have been nice but in order to have other projects possible, i decided to thin the herd. Here in indiana, the .44/.445 will do everything we need. Good luck if you decided to keep. The 500 is a nice round. I used to load cast bullets over trailboss for a nice plinking load.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #21 on:** November 21, 2011, 06:08:59 AM »

Thats way cool, IBGP3; thanx!

huntall50 · « **Reply #22 on:** November 22, 2011, 11:05:29 AM »

Thanks for all the replies and the opportunity to sell this barrel but I have decided to keep it! I have been busy hunting and working but also shopping for ammo, scope and other accessories to make this gun happen. I don't really need it but got into it so cheap its hard to let it go and re-buy what I need in .44mag. Sorry I should have posted this first instead of the WTT/WTS ad. I have deer and rabbits to clean but thanks again and sorry for jumping the gun then asking for more info. from those that know this round and the Handi-rifle.

ibgp3 · « **Reply #23 on:** November 22, 2011, 11:17:14 AM »

There went my 500S&W.

Ah well

GP

tacklebury · « **Reply #24 on:** November 22, 2011, 11:17:38 AM »

Cool that you're keeping it. Hope you have fun building her up. I am really thinking next spring might be time to play with a 500.

huntall50 · « **Reply #25 on:** November 27, 2011, 11:48:07 AM »

Got things mounted up and fired 15 rds yesterday. Pine Ridge 2x7x32 scope from Cabelas($40 discounted),HSM 350gr JHP ammo also from Cabelas($33/bx20) IronSighter base from Midway($13), and Millet offset rings from local Dicks($5 discounted). Got 3.3" group at 50 yards and had to stop because next group got bigger due to inconsistant rest and hard recoil. Now I need a recoil pad and hammer extension. Also saw HSM 300gr ammo available, will also have to give that a try.

buffermop · « **Reply #26 on:** November 27, 2011, 11:59:55 AM »

Yes, sell it. How can you enjoy something that will jump out of your hand every time time you touch it off? The cost of shells, even if you reload can cause you to go broke to call it a fun gun.

huntall50 · « **Reply #27 on:** November 27, 2011, 12:57:58 PM »

Well it did not jump out of my hands but does have a kick like nothing else I have fired. Nothing I can't handle. Lets face it, 500S&W is not a range toy, like my Winchester SX2 slug gun it will only come out when its time to fill the freezer or go after the big buck. Will probably only fire 2-4 shots per year once its dialed in properly. At that rate ammo cost won't even matter, although I will be saving my brass and already have a person that will reload it for me.

manatee1947 · « **Reply #28 on:** November 27, 2011, 04:56:28 PM »

Like I said, I load for the same cost as good 22 mag ammo. If you look on the handi success thread you can see the 10 pointer I shot Saturday morning of the second weekend of Missouri's season. I recovered the bullet, it went through both shoulders and 16 inches into the ground, the range was about 90 yards. My load kicks about like a 20 gauge field load. No way it needs to set in the rack, and with a little work you should get that 3.3 down to about a 1.3. I plan to work on a round ball load also, for rabbits etc up close.

keith44 · « **Reply #29 on:** November 27, 2011, 06:20:32 PM »

y'all keep talkin' 'bout this and I'm gonna hafta have one $:-\$