Description

500 S&W Ammo for Sale in USA

500 S&W ammo for sale in usa at good prices, Shop now at Ammunitionsolution.com. The .500 Smith & Wesson Magnum (.500 S&W Magnum) stands as one of the most powerful production handgun cartridges ever created. Introduced by Smith & Wesson in 2003 alongside their revolutionary Model 500 revolver, this cartridge was engineered to deliver unmatched power, velocity, and terminal performance from a handgun platform. It has since become a favorite among handgun hunters, big game shooters, and enthusiasts seeking extreme ballistic performance.

Technical Specifications and Design

• Bullet Diameter: 0.500 inches (12.7 mm)

• Case Length: 1.624 inches (41.25 mm)

• Overall Cartridge Length: 2.300 inches (58.42 mm)

• Maximum Pressure: Approximately 61,931 psi (42,700 bar)

• Case Capacity: Around 63.5 grains of water

• Primer Type: Large Pistol Magnum

• Typical Bullet Weights: 275 to 700 grains

• Muzzle Velocity: 1,500 to 2,075 feet per second (fps), depending on bullet weight and load

• Muzzle Energy: Ranges from about 1,700 ft-lbs for lighter loads to over 3,000 ft-lbs for heavier bullets

The cartridge’s large case capacity and high operating pressure enable it to propel heavy bullets at remarkable velocities, producing muzzle energies that rival or exceed many rifle cartridges.

500 S&W ammo Ballistic Performance and Load Variations

The .500 S&W Magnum offers a wide spectrum of factory loads tailored for different purposes:

• Light Loads (275-300 grains): These bullets can reach velocities around 1,665 to 2,075 fps, generating muzzle energies near 1,700 to 2,600 ft-lbs. They provide rapid expansion and are suitable for medium to large game hunting.

• Mid-Weight Loads (400 grains): Typically traveling at about 1,675 fps, these loads combine deep penetration with reliable expansion, making them versatile for hunting most North American big game.

• Heavy Loads (440-700 grains): These hard-cast or flat-nose bullets travel at velocities between 1,500 and 1,700 fps, producing muzzle energies exceeding 2,500 ft-lbs. They are designed for maximum penetration on the largest and most dangerous game, including dangerous African species.

At 100 yards, even the lighter loads retain energy comparable to powerful rifle rounds, ensuring effective terminal performance at extended handgun ranges.

The Smith & Wesson Model 500 Revolver

The .500 S&W Magnum was developed in tandem with the Smith & Wesson Model 500 revolver, built on the massive X-Frame designed specifically to handle the cartridge’s immense pressure and recoil. The revolver features:

• A 5-round cylinder to accommodate the large cartridges

• Barrel lengths ranging from 2.75 inches to over 10 inches, with longer barrels improving velocity and accuracy

• Advanced recoil mitigation features, including compensators, muzzle brakes, and ergonomic grips

• Exceptional accuracy and durability despite the cartridge’s punishing recoil

The Model 500 is marketed as the most powerful production revolver in the world and is capable of taking game at ranges exceeding 200 yards, a rarity for handguns.

Applications and Uses of the 500 S&W ammo

• Handgun Hunting: The .500 S&W Magnum is ideal for hunting large and dangerous game such as elk, bear, moose, and even African plains game. Its power and penetration capabilities ensure ethical kills at typical handgun hunting distances.

• Backcountry and Defense: For outdoorsmen venturing into bear country or other hazardous environments, the cartridge provides formidable stopping power for personal protection.

• Recreational Shooting: Enthusiasts enjoy the challenge and experience of shooting such a powerful cartridge, often paired with the iconic Desert Eagle or the Model 500 revolver.

• Custom Loads: Reloaders and specialty manufacturers produce a variety of loads, including +P and +P+ pressures, to push the cartridge’s performance envelope even further.

Recoil and Shooting Considerations

Due to its massive power, the .500 S&W Magnum produces substantial recoil and muzzle blast. The heavy weight of the Model 500 revolver, combined with compensators and muzzle brakes, helps manage recoil, but the cartridge is best suited for experienced shooters accustomed to magnum-level handguns. Reduced recoil loads such as the .500 S&W Special are also available for practice or lighter shooting.

Summary Table

500 s&w Ammo for sale: How does the .500 S&W Magnum compare to other large-caliber cartridges

The .500 S&W Magnum is widely regarded as one of the most powerful handgun cartridges available and compares very favorably to other large-caliber rounds, especially within the magnum handgun category.

Power and Ballistics

The .500 S&W Magnum fires larger projectiles at higher velocities and with more energy than most other magnum handgun cartridges, including the well-known .44 Magnum and even the .460 S&W Magnum, which is its closest competitor in terms of power. Factory loads commonly propel bullets weighing between 300 and 700 grains at velocities ranging from about 1,500 to over 2,000 feet per second, generating muzzle energies that can exceed 3,000 foot-pounds. This level of energy surpasses many rifle cartridges and is significantly greater than traditional handgun rounds.

Comparison to Other Magnum Handgun Cartridges

• .460 S&W Magnum: The .460 S&W Magnum closely rivals the .500 S&W in velocity and energy, with the .500 generally leading slightly in projectile weight and overall power. Both cartridges deliver rifle-like performance from revolvers, but the .500 S&W Magnum typically sends heavier bullets downrange with more energy.

• .44 Magnum: The .44 Magnum is a legendary powerful handgun cartridge but produces roughly half the muzzle energy of typical .500 S&W loads. The .500 S&W Magnum’s larger bullet diameter (.500 inch vs. .429 inch) and greater powder capacity give it a substantial advantage in stopping power and penetration.

• Other Large-Caliber Cartridges: The .500 S&W Magnum outperforms many other large-caliber handgun rounds such as the .454 Casull and .50 Action Express, offering higher muzzle energy and heavier bullet options.

Practical Applications

The immense power of the .500 S&W Magnum makes it ideal for handgun hunting of large and dangerous game, including elk, bear, and even African plains game. It also serves as a formidable choice for backcountry protection against predators. Its power level is comparable to some rifle cartridges, which is rare for handgun ammunition.