Loading S&W 500

[Jeep67cj5]

I'm finally going to start loading for my S&W 500. I'm using a Hornady XTP 500 gr bullet, Winchester 296, Starline brass, and Winchester large rifle primers. Anyone ever have any issues or tips for loading this round? Thanks!!

[Jeep67cj5]

I've seen two different primers used for this round. Large rifle and Large rifle magnum. Is it ok to use either one? Each book is different with regards to the primers.

[Yreka]

Make sure your brass has "R" or "LR" stamped on it.. Some older brass took LPP.. (I've never seen one without an "R" from Starline)

IIRC the current Hornady, Lee, and Lyman books have data for this load..

I always use regular LRP, never had one call for magnums that I can recall.


Another good resource, esp for the 500gr+ bullets

http://www.reloadammo.com/500sw.htm

[Jeep67cj5]

There is some really great info on that link. Thanks!!

[Pauliedad]

Tag

[TKM]

Don't tell anybody but I've had perfectly fine results using LPPs.

[50 Shooter]

Also try www.loadswap.com

[ruggyh]

Word of caution pistol primers are not constructed for the potential pressures the 500 S&W is rated at- pierced primers are likely.

[JTROKS]

W296/H110 is difficult to ignite with standard primers. I've had 454 Casull rounds that ended lodging the bullet halfway down a 7.5" barrel and unburnt powder right behind it. The round upon dropping the hammer made a "phooot" noise with a slight flash and burn. It locked up the cylinder due to the chunks and grains of 296 seen around the forcing cone. The charge wasn't even below 90% powder density and I was using CCI small rifle primers. I ended up pulling all those rounds and tested the primers. All of the primers functioned when used for 9mm loads. So I loaded up the same 296 powder using small rifle magnum primers. All rounds were excellent with big muzzle flash and recoil sending 300 grain Sierra JSP and Hornady XTP into 2" groups at 25 yards. With my 296, 357 mag loads I can get away using small rifle primers with excellent results. My best 357 mag, 44 mag and 454 Casull , Win 296 loads are at 100% powder density if not compressed.

I do not have a 500S&W so I'm not sure if 296 is still considered slow for compressed loads.

[Dark Mod]

Ive only had 1 bad experience loading 500: Didn't crimp enough.

I thought I had crimped them pretty good, but I put 2 of my loads in a cylinder with 3 buffalo bore loads and the recoil caused the bullet to come completely out of the casing on one of them.

Spilled h100 everywhere and the powder is so damn fine it got into all the little nooks and crannies inside the gun. You would be surprised how effectively a little fleck of powder can render a revolver useless if its in the right place.

[Jeep67cj5]

Thanks guys. This is all good info, keep it coming.

[STEWMAN]

I agree with a very heavy crimp. I load for my 4" barrel s&w 500 and have to crimp as tight as my dies would allow without crushing the case. Otherwise the bullets will start to walk out as you fire the gun. I use win 296 with lrp and 350gr xtp, shoots fine.

[thx1138x1]

More important than crimp is bullet pull.After you seat a bullet and before crimp you should be able to put the loaded round flat on a table and press down very hard with the oal not changing.This should be verified with calipers.Then crimp in a separate stage.

[Jeep67cj5]

Since Dillon doesn't make 500 S&W dies, they recommend RCBS dies, which have the crimp/seating die all in one.

[Pauliedad]

I've asked about special considerations for loading these big boy cartridges in a different thread (specifically about crimp) and what answers I got said the seat and crimp die was good to go. I made up a dummy round last night and got a pretty good crimp on a properly seated 500 gr XTP.
Funny thing was, my hammer type bullet puller isn't big enough to hold .500 brass. I guess I'll drill it out later and see.