.500 S&W Hunting Loads

[GoGriz]

I bought a .500 S&W 20 years ago which got me into hand loading (I was in college and thought it was the coolest gun ever). I have kicked around various loads over the years for target pratice, but have never hunted with the gun. A few units I try to hunt allow traditional handgun, which this qualifies for, so I thought I would work up some hunting loads for cow elk or does, and see how it goes. I can usually group 1” at 100 yds with my past loads off a bench. Does anyone have any hunting loads for the .500 or a similar handgun? I’ll document how things go over the next month or two (hopefully), incase anyone in the future stumbles across this.

 

[Bambistew]

You shoot 1" groups at 100 yards with a pistol? Holy smokes...

I wouldn't think it matters too much with a big slug like that. It more or less has the effectiveness of a muzzleloader. I'd opt for a softer type bullet.

Good luck I've always had an interest in a 500 but in a rifle. I suck at shooting pistols.

 

[GoGriz]

It’s a fun gun to shoot for sure! I have a bunch of Sierra 400 grain JSP bullets sitting around, i think I’ll start with some H110 and work some loads up and see what happens.

 

[RealMuddyboots]

Mine shot great with Barnes 375r XPB and left REALLY large holes in deer.

https://www.barnesbullets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/500SW.pdf

 

[Dan O]

What barrel length you shooting? Optics or irons?

 

[RealMuddyboots]

Encore 24", Scope oldie Redfield 2x6.

 

[GoGriz]

What barrel length you shooting? Optics or irons?

If that question is for me then 7-5/8” barrel and a Leopould pistol scope.

 

[Dan O]

If that question is for me then 7-5/8” barrel and a Leopould pistol scope.

Yup that question was for you. Sounds like a darn accurate hand cannon. I've seen Hornady 350 grain XTP mag in Missoula. That should be a good bullet for what you want to hunt.