John Ross/PC .500 Magnum Group Buy (Gun, not mold)

[SoCalLove]

From the PM you sent me I infer that this is your first gun purchase, or at least your first centerfire handgun purchase. You mention that until recently you didn't have the means to afford this interest in guns. I think we've all been there...

I further assume that you don't (yet) reload and you certainly don't cast.

If you are actually going to shoot your .500 (whichever one you buy), it is going to cost you AT LEAST $1.50 per shot for ammo from Ballistic Supply. Double that if you buy your ammo in a store.

I don't like to tell people what they can or can't handle, and my first centerfire handgun was a .44 magnum I got on my 14th birthday. However, the idea of a newcomer wanting to START his shooting career with a 56 or 57 ounce .500 magnum firing 700 grain bullets makes me cringe just a little.

Here's a suggestion: Find a decent USED S&W or Ruger DA revolver in .357 for $350 or so. Shoot it some. See if you like it. If you don't, sell it and lose maybe $30.

If you like it and still think you want a similar gun but with five times the power, get back to me.

If you are determined to start with a .500, get the original Sample Pack of ammo from Ballistic Supply. It has ten rounds of five different loads, starting with a 300 gr. at 900FPS and ending with a 500 @ 1325. You can then find out where your comfort level is for recoil. If the 500@1325 doesn't bother you, then go for the 600 and 700 grain loads, by all means.

Again, if you are determined to buy a .500 RIGHT NOW, I'd recommend that used standard version you found for $800. Use the other $550 for ammo and/or reloading tools.

If you like the .500 but dislike the concussion from the brake, or want to shoot really heavy bullets, sell it and get one of mine. I'll hold one for you for twelve months at the $1350 PPD price.

Hi John,
Thank you for your thoughts and advice. I have gone to the range multiples times using 9mm, 38s, 357 mag, 45 acp and a handful of rifles. I really liked the 357mag but I would like to try something bigger. I haven't had a chance with a 44mag yet but I can imagine it would be a lot of fun.

[Don Purcell]

SoCalLove, Please take John's advice and offer, he won't steer you wrong. The .500 mag. will be a big step up in the shooting experience. I've believe if you can hold a consistent sight picture and trigger squeeze then you have covered 10% of your shooting ability, the other 90% is mental discipline especially as the power factor goes up. Follow John's advice and you will be fine. All the best and keep your powder dry, Don

[wcmachine]

Sent Payment today. Thanks for making this possible. Warren

[Spartacus]

Hi John,
Thank you for your thoughts and advice. I have gone to the range multiples times using 9mm, 38s, 357 mag, 45 acp and a handful of rifles. I really liked the 357mag but I would like to try something bigger. I haven't had a chance with a 44mag yet but I can imagine it would be a lot of fun.

I enjoy shooting my 500 waaay more than my 44 mag. Its hard to describe, but with a hot load the 44 jams my hand worse than the 500 due to the light-weight of the 44. I could shoot the 500 all day long with a moderate load but as John has said the shells are pricey. Around here if you can find them for less than 2 bucks a pop you are lucky. Wanting cheaper ammo for the 500 was what drove me into reloading and now into casting.

John I'm hoping you can work out the CC option so I don't have to sell my firstborn.

[wcmachine]

Mostly all I shoot are my 500's now. This will be the sixth one. They are addicting.

[SoCalLove]

That's amazing! 6 500s? Well John I'm in for a SS one. PM incoming for CC payment as today is last day for Californian orders. I figure I will spoil myself for my birthday coming later this month.

[SoCalLove]

What info is needed to put in the order? ANyone can give me a tip?

[5.7 MAN]

I found this site looking for info on the 50-90 sharps cartridge and bullets and I find this! I haven't even gotten the sharps yet and now I want another Gun how long will this offer be open?

I currently have a S&W PC 7.5 inch 500 but I love the look of a 5" barrel without the muzzle brake this has to be the perfect .500!

Dan

[John Ross]

how long will this offer be open?

I love the look of a 5" barrel without the muzzle brake this has to be the perfect .500!

Dan

I'll keep it open until sometime in May.

[manomet]

Stainless money order going out this week. Thanks

[Paulinski]

Are the CC payment details finalized yet?

[SoCalLove]

Are the CC payment details finalized yet?

Still being set up

[SoCalLove]

Can you guys share your vast knowledge on reloading for this gun or redirect me to the correct thread for this information? I have ALOT to learn! any info is appreciated.

[wilddog45]

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

[Gunslinger1911]

I'm in for a stainless.

This site is killing me !! I just figure out how to justify a couple of Miha molds (fantastic by the way !!), and this comes up. Been sitting on the fence for a while.
Read on Mr Ross's site that it's prob the blast from my 4" comped .500 that makes it "less fun" for me. So the 5" no comp will be a hoot !!

What is the general thought on the "best" all around bullet weight for the .500. I want to hit the quinta-weight mold buy for a 4 banger - although, a 4 banger with 4 diff weights would be cool.

[John Ross]

I'm in for a stainless.

What is the general thought on the "best" all around bullet weight for the .500. I want to hit the quinta-weight mold buy for a 4 banger - although, a 4 banger with 4 diff weights would be cool.

Depends on what you want. Hunting only? Long range plinking? Impressing others? Aerial targets? All of the above?

I like the 400 and 450 grain Ross Long Range style (the quintaweight design) for long range plinking and making light loads for friends.

For hunting you want a HP design or one with a 70%-80% meplat, or both, and I would go with 450-550 grains weight.

If you want absolute best accuracy, you'll have to find what your gun prefers, but these 5" guns seem to like almost everything.

For loading data with my designs go to http://john-ross.net/sw500.php and scroll to the bottom of the page where it says "click here" in blue. Click there. You can substitute H110 or 296 for WC820 in the load data.

DO NOT USE THIS DATA WITH SIMILAR WEIGHT BULLETS THAT HAVE MORE SHANK IN THE CASE.

[Gunslinger1911]

Hi JR Wandered around your site - great info.

Mainly long range plinking, I'm thinking maybe two 450's and two 600's on a 4 banger mold (for the "wuffo" factor - wuffo you got a gun that kicks so hard?).

Another question, on the 600g HP mold buy - is that a gas check only design? What would happen if you didn't put a GC on it? Tendency to lead?

Thanks for the help

[LowPE]

John,

Alright John, put me down for a satin version. You, sir, are a dangerous man with your creative ideas and drive to see them accomplished.

[5.7 MAN]

I'm in! Put me down for a Black one!

PM sent!

[Spartacus]

These guns are going like hotcakes.

Hopefully you won't run out before I get mine...