Made my first 500S&W loads...

[Tbonekilla]

First off, been a lurker of GT for a while. I find this forum a lot more friendlier.

Got my RCBS Rockchucker Supreme kit about two weeks ago. Loaded some 350 and 500 XTPs, 400 Sierra JSP, and 440 CPB using AA#9 and H110. I found the H110 to be noticeably more accurate from my 4" 500S&W over the AA#9. The 350 XTP were uncomfortable, not recoil-wise but the concussion from the 40+ grains of H110 were teeth rattling. The heat from the muzzle flash was pretty neat though lol. Hodgdon had a ton of load data for the 500S&W on their website. I'll keep the AA#9 for my future G20sf whenever it gets released.

I had no pressure signs with any of the published load data. I think all of them were watered down. I'm going to work up my loads slowly until I get a slight drag on extracting cases from the cylinder. I like them hot. My whole reason for buying the gun. Factory 440 Corbon and the 400 Winchester Platinum Tips are my favorites.

Great reloading section. Thanks for having me.

Todd

[BigSlick]

Pick up some IMR/H4227 (plastic jug version only)

You will find it delivers excellent accuracy, without the huge fireball of H110/W296 or recoil of LilGun.

Real nice with the Sierra JSP 400's or a 350 XTP.

The 500 shoots cast very well too.

440gr is your best (commonly available) option.

The plated 350's an others are OK (not outstanding) for accuracy and will sometimes cost less then premium jacketed.

I have shot all of the above and like cast hands down over the others for 95% of my shooting.

Sierra 400 JSP and XTP's accurate as hell.

Favorite plinker load 16gr TiteGroup with a 350-400gr anything.

[Steve Koski]

350 Sierra JHP over 43 H110 is my all time favorite. Boo Yaa!

[Crazy4nitro]

I dont have a 500 but one of the main reasons I use H-110 is because of the Concussion it gives. Defiantly will rattle your fillings.

'Nitro

[Tbonekilla]

I'll have to try the H4227.

440gr over 39gr of H110 was fun to shoot. It's those "light weight" bullets that make my teeth chatter lol.

Going to try some 600gr and 535gr Keiths from Ranger Rick.

Anybody have any data for 385 Remington core-lok outside of Hodgdon/IMR/Winchester powders? I have like 200 of these and wouldn't mind loading it up with some Unique for a 500 Special. Trying to get the girlfriend into the 500. She is scared of it. The Lyman Pistol Handbook has some 375gr Barnes loads with Unique for low pressure rounds but I feel like too much of a newb to blindly working up a load.

[BigSlick]

I personally wouldn't 'waste' the 385gr Core-lokt with a plinker load.

Take a look at Meister for their 350gr cast.

Shoots pretty well up to about 1500 fps or so

If they used better lube, it would go faster without leaving skid marks.

I delubed some of the Meisters an hit em with Lar's Red an pushed em up around 1900 fps. No leading at all except for a slight spot at the forcing cone, which I kinda expected.

But, for dat 385, go wit a shot a H4227 to da tune of about 34.2-34.5 an you a be pleased. Workup for your gun starting at 33.6. Do not exceed 34.7 WLP or CCI 300 light it up real nice.

Lotta people been usin Trail Boss to get 6-700 fps loads an seem happy wit it for a plinker too, but I thank dat is jus a waste myself. Depend on what kinda shootin ya wantin ta do.

[Brass Nazi]

350 Sierra JHP over 43 H110 is my all time favorite. Boo Yaa!

+501

[Tbonekilla]

I can't seem to find H4227 anywhere. Maybe because of the recall they had?

[BigSlick]

Hodgdon bought da rights ta distribution of IMR. Original IMR 4227 discontinued, H4227 relabeled as IMR 4227

Try IMR 4227, same stuff nowdays.

But be 110% sure, you buy it in da *plastic* container an *not* da paint thinner lookin can.

You a be good ta go.