50 alaskan??

[ksp500]

hello, has anybody rechambered a 500 s&w to 50 alaskan in a handi rifle? Would this be able to do by just rechambering or would the barrel have to be replaced also? Would the pressure be ok in the handi I think the 500 is around 50K +. thanks scott500

[brennemanj83]

It wont work.The 500 S&w has a bullet diameter of .501'' and the 50 Alaskan is .510''.

[ksp500]

do you know of anyone besides the manufacture that makes barrels for the handi rifles? Would going to a 50 alaskan be that much of a step up?

[brennemanj83]

You could go with a rebored barrel.I would use a 45-70 barrel as the 500 S&w would not clean up with a rebore.Wayne York of Oregunsmithing can do it for a around $300.

http://home.earthlink.net/~oregunsmithing/id9.html

[NFG]

Run a search...this question has been asked and answered...a few times at least...the cartridge is a 500 Alaskan?(can't remember, Tim will know).  It is basically a 50 Alaskan using the correct size bullets for the barrel...dies and reamers are available.

It is do-able...but you're not going to like the recoil level unless you increase the weight of the rifle by a bunch...  I've though about doing a stub barrel about 28-32" but the building costs vs what you end up with keep me in the "thinking only" stage..

You also have to be aware of the pressure limitations due to the larger diameter cartridge head diameter 0.553"...rim dia slightly larger than a 45-70 at 0.608" plus or minus the usual fudge factor, but being a custom loading proposition that shouldn't be much of a problem if you keep your wits about you.

The major problem is the die and reamer cost vs the actual gain in ballistics...it costs you a bunch to get a little in reality, and there are several other ways using using rimmed and/or rimless cases to REALLY get some pizzazz.

The 500 S&W has enough slaparound as it is and if you load it with 500 plus grain bullets not many want all that you will get from both ends anyway...besides going with the larger diameter case head will lead you down the "walking on the wild side" path...as far as pressure is concerned.

Luck on your project.

[ksp500]

thanks. Recoil wouldn't be an issue because I own a 500 s&w handi and I am shooting Ranger Rick's 700gr. bullets in it. thanks again for the info

[NFG]

Yeah...RR's bullets are neat....I have some 45 cal 750 gr to try...found the URL...saved it from Beartooth

http://www.singleactions.com/500Martin.pdf...

Now if you REALLY want some hair pulling goto a 50-140 3.25" either the Sharps or the Winchester Express...or look at the 500 AR over on Accurate Reloading...at least his dies are cheaper....might be a little TOO fat for the NEF tho'...  Tykemp might get more than a little sweaty over these toys.