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Author Topic: .500 S&W bullets through a muzzleloader?  (Read 1554 times)

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Offline dochunter

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.500 S&W bullets through a muzzleloader?
« on: August 15, 2006, 04:44:41 PM »
Just a thought:
I've seen premium cast bullets for the 500 S&W handgun cartridge for about $15/100 with gas checks -- much cheaper than any "muzzleloader" conicals I've seen. They're 0.501" diameter. Any reason why they wouldn't be good for target practice out of a muzzleloader? Would they be dangerous or less accurate? Anyone out there actually tried it?

It seems the gas check would be desirable to prevent lead fouling -- any idea why they aren't used on muzzleloader bullets?
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Offline rebel dunn

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Re: .500 S&W bullets through a muzzleloader?
« Reply #1 on: August 15, 2006, 05:17:31 PM »
Muzzleloaders need a soft lead bullet that is undersized to fit the bore .I think the gas check would be detremental to accuracy because a ml has to bump up the bullet into the rifling .The 501 bullet would probably work if the gas check was not on the base.I dont think they would be dangerous .Heck ,if I had some I'd try 'em , you can't ever tell it might be more accurate than anything else.
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Offline Redhawk1

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Re: .500 S&W bullets through a muzzleloader?
« Reply #2 on: August 16, 2006, 01:06:16 AM »
I have to agree with rebel dunn, I don't think they would work well unless you put a wad or something under the bullet to seal the barrel to create a good seal to avoid blow by.
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Offline skamaniac

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Re: .500 S&W bullets through a muzzleloader?
« Reply #3 on: August 16, 2006, 01:36:24 AM »
One of the most accurate pure lead cast conicals out there is a 465 gr conical w/gas check called a "copper cruiser".  It's sized at .504.  But i'm sure it could be sized down to fit any bore.

Also, you don't want an undersized conical.  Undersized bullets will have a tendancy to slip off the powder/wad in a hunting situation.  There are guys who have actually had bullets fall out of the barrel.  This can be dangerous.  A bullet that engraves the rifling will be more accurate and will stay seated.
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Offline skamaniac

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Re: .500 S&W bullets through a muzzleloader?
« Reply #4 on: August 16, 2006, 01:40:18 AM »
Quote from: dochunter on August 15, 2006, 04:44:41 PM
Just a thought:
I've seen premium cast bullets for the 500 S&W handgun cartridge for about $15/100 with gas checks -- much cheaper than any "muzzleloader" conicals I've seen. They're 0.501" diameter. Any reason why they wouldn't be good for target practice out of a muzzleloader? Would they be dangerous or less accurate? Anyone out there actually tried it?

It seems the gas check would be desirable to prevent lead fouling -- any idea why they aren't used on muzzleloader bullets?


What is the weight of the bullet your thinking of using?  Does it have lube grooves?  Normally a non-saboted bullet in .50 cal should weigh from 460 and up for best accuracy IMO.
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Offline dodd3

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Re: .500 S&W bullets through a muzzleloader?
« Reply #5 on: August 16, 2006, 02:23:07 AM »
i was given some pure lead lee 500s&w cast bullets at .501 tried them im my plains rifle which has a bore of just under .500, they did not have gaschec's fitted put a lubed felt wad behind the bullet they shot realy well in my 1 in 48 twist barrel they weighed 445 grn they  would shoot real well out of a 1in28 twist.
bernie :)
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Offline dochunter

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Re: .500 S&W bullets through a muzzleloader?
« Reply #6 on: August 16, 2006, 02:28:37 AM »
The bullets I've seen are 465 grains. They do have lube grooves and in fact are usually sold already lubed with the stuff they use for handguns. I've also seen other bullets of similar weight without gas checks. Usually they're not pure lead (Brinell hardness 20 or so), but I'm not sure I really care if I'm just punching holes in paper. I would care if they wouldn't shoot well, though.
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Offline 222

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Re: .500 S&W bullets through a muzzleloader?
« Reply #7 on: August 19, 2006, 10:53:04 AM »
I haven't tried them yet but Black Jack Hill has some pure lead 500 S&W bullets that claims to work very well.

http://blackjackhill.com/zencart/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_7 

Ray
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