The .500 S&W

[Swampman]

This months Handloader Magazine has an article about the .500S&W.  They never mention the Handi but they talk a lot about how finicky the cartridge is.  This seems strange to me since the .45-70 is so easy to find good loads for.  You'd think the big S&W would be just as easy.

[sidewinder319]

You are right. I would have thought this was a real reloaders  friend.  I looked at one of the new 500 S&Ws last week. I think I will keep my old 29-1.

[Empty Quiver]

Do the 500's have the gain twist rifling? If so could this be part of the problem. I don't believe it would be necessary in a rifle and might mean it would be simpler.


My WAG anyway

[twoshooter]

I find nothing "finicky" about it. Of course, trying to squeeze it into a cylinder and a 4" barrel that is so ported you get a free tan with every round probably has some unique features. Many here have good success with barn burner loads, I went by 50/70 and 50/90 standards an have had excellent luck. They must have meant in the pistols only. I do not know any other rifles chambered for it right now, are there others?

[cwlongshot]

Do the 500's have the gain twist rifling? If so could this be part of the problem. I don't believe it would be necessary in a rifle and might mean it would be simpler.


My WAG anyway

The S&W's do IIRC, but the Handis are std.
 
I think its the pressures Swamp, I know its the pressures in the handi as most everyone you read having tried the trail boss and lead slugs shoots like a dream.... Mine as well. (When I had it)
 
CW

[Swampman]

I thought several here had posted that it wasn't as accurate as the .45-70.

[cwlongshot]

I thought several here had posted that it wasn't as accurate as the .45-70.

Just using the four my buddies and I bought. I would agree. One of ours is very accurate with about anything you run thru it. All other are finicky. But of the finicky ones two have been shot with a 440g lead slug and a light chg of trail boss and shot almost single hole 50 yard groups!

CW

[parisite]

In my 500 Handi I shoot cast lead gas check bullets at max charges only and I am very well pleased with its accuracy. I do not use a scope however. I use iron sights that came off a Remington 700 rifle.

[twoshooter]

My deer that was posted with my "Handi success stories" thread was taken with 21gr of Blue Dot and the 440 gr cast, we are talking 1.5/ 1.75 " groups @ 75 yards, that is not too shabby. At 50 yards and 14 gr of Unique it goes down to about 1". Case life should be approximately forever at that level, and load 500 rounds to the pound.

[parisite]

One question if I may.............what type of rail or scope mount would I need to buy for my Handi 500 if I chose to put a scope on it? It has holes drilled above the chambers for a rail or mount.....so what do I need to buy?

[twoshooter]

Personally I use a Master Series Simmons Pro-Diamond shotgun scope, the 4X fixed power. It is light, durable, extremely good optics for the price, and there is exactly enough room between the bells for standard rings to fit a Weaver 82 mount. It is designed for turkey guns and has the diamond-crosshair reticle, and a 4" eye relief. Scope, rings, and mount combined under $100. You have to pay a LOT more to get any noticeable difference.

[cwlongshot]

One question if I may.............what type of rail or scope mount would I need to buy for my Handi 500 if I chose to put a scope on it? It has holes drilled above the chambers for a rail or mount.....so what do I need to buy?

Good morning,
 
We have had a number of posts about what scope and rings are needed for the big 500. It is a kicker, and it does recoil more than most other handi calibers. A quality base like factory or Weaver is fine. Coupled with quality rings. I prefer Burris or Warne, but Weaver tip offs are fine too.
 
I found out first hand that this caliber can test the "metal" of your base and rings. I had Leupold PRW rings fail under the 500's recoil. I had been chasing a accuracy issue and altho I checked the tightness fo the screws I did not think the rings would fail. I relied on a brand name to get me thru, bad move... The recoil shoulder on the PRWs only engagnes one side of the rail. Thats where they failed. Burris, Warn and Weaver tip offs have complete recoil shoulders. The Burris and Warne are best choices as they are made of a allow while the Weaver is aluminum and steel.

As for a scope, maybe avoid the cheapest offerings. many guys have had excellent luck with the Simmons, Nikon's, Bushnell's and others. I prefer Leupold, I like to say, I cannot afford a lesser scope. Here is a tip, Watch our own classifieds or places like eBay for deals on hi dollar scopes for lower prices. Brands like Leupold offer warranties on the product, NOT THE BUYER. So anyone owning one is covered from any problems.
 
Clean with degrease the mounting holes and screws in the factory drilled barrel. Apply good thread locker to the screws of the base. (I prefer red or purple but blue is good too) Attach tightly, then mount the scope in the rings. NO thread locker to the rings necessary. If you feel so inclined, use BLUE as it is removable with hand tools.
 
Good luck,
 CW

[Swampman]

The Nikon Prostaff 2-7X32 is one of the few scopes that will last on the 500S&W.