500 S&W Mag Encore accuracy.........outstanding !!!

[kynardsj]

A while back I picked up a 20 inch stainless 500 S&W mag barrel for my Encore. It came with a fiber optic front and Williams peep rear sights. Shot well even with my old eyes but I wanted low light capability so I scoped it with a Bushnell 1x4x32. Took it to the range yesterday morning before it got Africa hot and had a ball with it. Tried my light loads first, 367 gr SWC over 15.0 gr of Unique, OK but nothing to write home about. Then went with my hotter loads, 350 gr Sierra JHP over 35.0 gr of Lilgun. Now I got something to write about. I have to go with one or the other of these loads as there's 8 inches POI difference between them at 50 yards with the JHP's shooting the lower part of the 8. Groups with the SWC's were 3 inches at 50 while the JHP's would shoot 1 ragged hole. I moved the target out to 100 yards and did a 2 inch group. Now I know a 2 inch group at 100 yards isn't great but with only a 4 power for a highest setting the bullseye in kinda small at that range for my eyes. A higher magnification scope would help me here but I'm not shooting for long range groups with this caliber. If I hit within 2 inches of where I aim on a boiler room shot at 100 yards with this big bullet I'll have meat on the ground. My POI for this powder/bullet combination turned out to be dead on at 50 yards gives me dead on at 100.   

[jy951]

Good review.  I had the same barrel and need to sight it in and find a load to use.  I really like the Barnes 325 grain bullets for the 500.  Will try to find a load that shoots those well.  May also try the 300 gr ftx.

[martineta]

Thanks guys!

[Muddyboots]

Also have the 500 in 26" heavy from MGM. Shoots 2" all day at 100 with Hornady FTX 300 gr. at 2300 fps, 45.0 gr Lil Gun. Hornady 350 gr. XTP's also shot good but not quite as well as the FTX's. Still impressed with the recoil, about same as my Hammerhead slug loads. Looking forward to IN deer season to try it out. Last year, I arrowed an exceptional buck so I couldn't give it a try. I am hoping MI passes HB 5416 which will allow it for this years deer season, will be close if it is passed.

BTW - I went with the 26" heavy for barrel weight forward and am glad I did, handling and balance is very nice for those off hand shots.
Muddy

[jy951]

Hornady finally released reloading data for the FTX bullets.  Up to 49 grains of Lil gun in the 500.  That should give some good velocity out of a carbine.