Handgun shot shells

[Twinspool]

I need a source for .501 shot cups. Tried Cabela's, Midway, Grafs. Am I not looking in the right place?

I've reloaded just under a thousand 44 and 500 S&W mags, but I would like to try out some shot shells. My 44 has a fixed compensator so the 500 will be the test platform.

[Blademan21]

Didn't know they were made in that caliber. Largest caliber shot shells I have seen is .44. Good luck finding them.

[Beelzy]

I don't know of anything larger than .44cal. You could call Blount/Speer and
see but I doubt they make them.

They also don't work too well through Comps.

[CSACANNONEER]

Since you are going to use a highly reduced charge for shot, you should be able to make shotshells with nothing more than your brass, a primer, a little powder, a homemade over powder wad (thin cardboard), a cushioning wad (flet or thick cardboard), shot and then an over shot wad (thin cardboard), after it's all in the brass, either crimp the top of the brass down with your crimp or seating die or, seal with wax. I would suggest doing both. You should be able to make these pretty easy without the expense and trouble of finding and waiting for .500 shot capsules.

[Twinspool]

My 500 has no compensator, no full underlug sillyness and a 5" barrel. I love it.

If the CA DOJ will deny me a Taurus judge because it can fire .410 shotgun shells, then I would love to load an even MORE capable handgun load.

Thanks for the suggestion CSACannoneer, the 500 case should have plenty of volume for those contents over a small fast charge.

[SLO_Ryan]

Since you are going to use a highly reduced charge for shot

Approximately how much should the charge be reduced?

[diginit]

I've shot those factory 22 mag. shotshells at an aluminuim can from 3 ft. They barely dented the can. I was glad it wasn't a snake. Hope yours do better.

[CSACANNONEER]

I've shot those factory 22 mag. shotshells at an aluminuim can from 3 ft. They barely dented the can. I was glad it wasn't a snake. Hope yours do better.

I've taken several snakes (from a safe distance, 5'-6' from the muzzle) with .22lr shot shells and a Single Six. You must have not squarely hit the can. >22lr shotshells have even been used to shoot an indoor form of trap. So, they can break scaled down flying clays.

Approximately how much should the charge be reduced?

There are too many variables for me to give a blanket answer. I tend to weigh my shot. Then, reference a reloading manual or two and pick a starting load for a hardcast bullet of the same approximate weight as the shot. Depending on the powder, I might consider reducing the load from the recommended starting load. I would not advise doing this unless you are experienced and have a good knowledge of what you are doing. Too little powder in a round can cause excessive chamber pressures! Be careful and stay safe.