What about the 500 Special (aka 50 Magnum)?

[GrampaMike]

Our 500 S&W Magnum Handi’s will shoot the 500 Special (aka 50 Magnum); I call it the 50 Magnum (it makes it sound more powerful than 500 Special).  The following chart shows that the 500 Special IS in the same class as 44 Magnum, 41 Magnum, and 357 Magnum etc.  We use our 44 Magnum and 357 Magnum Handi’s for deer rifles, so the 500 Special will work too, and it is more powerful.  The 500 Special also has less recoil and pressure (good for our Handi’s) than the 500 S&W Magnum (aka 500 Supermag).

         Max Case            Max Case

357 Maximum         1.605” 40K psi      357 Magnum      1.290” 35K psi
414 Supermag        1.610” 44K psi      41 Magnum       1.290” 36K psi
445 Supermag        1.610” 41K psi      44 Magnum       1.285” 36K psi
                                                    45 Colt             1.285” varies by gun
                                                    480 Ruger         1.285” 48K psi
500 S&W Magnum   1.625” 62K psi      500 Special       1.285” 36K psi

Has anyone besides me tried the 500 Special in their Handi’s?  I have done some Hard Cast development, but next I am going to tried jacketed bullets (seems to be a lot of them).  Anyone with a bullet preference?  Or some load data?  I have 2 rifles for testing, the 500 S&W Magnum Handi 22” barrel and TC Encore with 26” heavy 500 S&W Magnum barrel.  Thanks.

[cwlongshot]

I think if it where a factory available cartridge it would be viable option. But as most 500 shooters I know handload too, you can simply load the S&W down to the pressure level your talking about and achieve better results as the bullet jump will remain small.

I'm not saying it wont work, because it will and it is something to play with if your so inclined. I just do see the value as I would have to load the spec as well as the mag and that is twice the work...

CW

[dk17hmr]

I have taken 360gr 50 caliber mini balls for a muzzle loader sized them to .501 and loaded them with Trailboss for a light recoiling plinker.  360gr at 1000fps or so will work on deer without a doubt.