500 S&W Load Advice

[Revolver]

My 500 S&W should be arriving any day now and I am trying to get some ammo loaded up. My problem is that I don't think I have any truly appropriate powder on hand. I am hoping you folks can help me choose a load based on something I have because it might be awhile before I place another powder/primers order.

I have a Mihec MP-502 FP/HP Mold, I just cast some HP's that are 352 grains before lube and gas check.

Also have an NOE 375 Grain Spire Point mold, will cast some up tomorrow.

Here's what I have for powder at the moment.

Lots of Unique
Lots of Red Dot
Bullseye
Benchmark
1680
700x (Only 400 grains of it but I would live to put it to good use)

I refuse to buy powder locally at the moment because the prices are double of powder valley. Thank you!

[Iron Mike Golf]

I've used 1680 with the NOE 440 gr RNGC and it works pretty good. Accurate shows data for a 370 gr WFNGC and 1680. You can download their load data from their website.

[saz]

The 1680 will work fine. A bit on the slow side for a light boolit but very doable non the less. I have been wanting to try it with some of my heavy boolit loads.

The other is Unique. It works GREAT, but my only issue with it is the small amount inside the case. I worked up to 17 grains or so under a 440gr boolit, and you could barely see the charge inside the case. VERY easy to get a double charge with it. If you are comfortable with it, have at it. It makes a good midrange load for the 500. There is data for it in the Lyman 4th edition cast bullet handbook.

[Revolver]

,,,The other is Unique... ...It makes a good midrange load for the 500. There is data for it in the Lyman 4th edition cast bullet handbook.

Thanks for the info guys. I don't have that book, any chance of getting some the info for Unique for my bullet weights listed as a starting point? (350'ish & 375'ish grain). Thank you.

[olafhardt]

I shoot a Lee 50cal modern mini over 6.4 grains of Unique in a Handi-rifle.Idon't sweat double loads because even doubled it's well below max. I reverse the mini to make a huge hollow point. When I seat it flush it takes up a lot of that extra space.

[lostsixgunner]

I am shooting the Mihec bullet out of my 15" Encore. Ten grains of Unique is a nice light plinking load.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

read John Ross' info
http://www.john-ross.net/sw500.php
I didn't take the time to read all the data, but I believe benchmark falls into the catagory of fast rifle powders as He listed in the introduction page of the link above.
Jon

"For medium power loads try 4895, H335, BLC-2, H322, 4759, or 4198 powders"

[Gunslinger1911]

Second the John Ross data - lots of info there.

[saz]

read John Ross' info
http://www.john-ross.net/sw500.php
I didn't take the time to read all the data, but I believe benchmark falls into the catagory of fast rifle powders as He listed in the introduction page of the link above.
Jon

Good call. I forgot about that article.
BTW, 4759 is my "Go To" powder for the 500.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

OK, I should also mention my personal preference.
I chose not to load down the 500.

SO then, H110 or 296 is my goto powder for the 500 using a 350gr. to 500gr. boolit.
I think they are the perfect match for that cartridge.
If I want less recoil, I'll shoot a different caliber.
Jon