Which 8-3/8" Smith 500 magnum version is best for cast boolits?

[The_Eccentric]

Hello folks,

I'm contemplating purchasing an 8-3/8" Smith and Wesson X frame in 500S&W and can't decide whether the fixed comp #163500 or interchangeable comp #163501 would be best for me. I'll be mostly shooting cast bullet midrange and full power handloads through it, along with a few jacketed bullet and monolithic bullet loads.

I've been shooting cast and jacketed bullet handloads in my 7.5" Ruger SRH since I bought it new in 1994. Also have been shooting cast and jacketed handloads in my first generation 6.5" SW 610 N frame since I bought it 'lightly used' in 2000. I enjoy shooting big bore revolvers at the range and in the field, with frequent long range pokes at steel and such for fun.

These two revolvers (and my 6" 10mm 1911 among others) cover my handgun shootin' 'needs' (hunting, defense against 2 and 4 legged critters, killing predators on the ranch, etc) quite well, but I've been hankering for a more powerful wheelgun for quite some time, and am now financially able to get one. I like a revolver with significant front weight bias and a long sight radius.

Would you folks please give me your thoughts and observations regarding the two available 8-3/8" 500 SW X-frame variants regarding their suitability to shooting cast bullet loads extensively (regarding 'spitting', leading, and cleaning)? Any input would be appreciated. I'm somewhat partial to the fixed type (163500), but that's mostly based on aesthetics and the notion that simpler is better.

[The_Eccentric]

I have done several searches here and elsewhere without success. Found more than a few good reads.....................but nothing that answered my question. I'm sure it's been asked and answered more than a few times. Unfortunately, my search-fu isn't sufficient. Sorry folks...

[Dieselhorses]

The earlier the manufacturer date, the better off you are. S&W doesn't advocate shooting any reloads in the firearms, and the way I figure it, they're probably designing them more to the tune of factory ammo more than ever. That's just my take. My 500 was made in 2003 and isn't comp. Just a plain jane, heavy 8 3/4 that shoots anything, even black powder loads. Never an issue.

[Ozark mike]

Either one will be fine with cast but myself i am not a fan of longer bbl pistols about 6.5 would be more my taste for carry purposes. Longer bbls add more weight but also ya get more recoil especially with slower powders like lilgun. But this is only my best observation i have never owned either but if there built like the bfrs i imagine it weighs close to 5lbs

[Rick B]

I shoot a 6 1/2” Performance Center fixed brake 500. It a good compromise between carryability and sight radius. It is without a doubt the most accurate S&W I have ever shot.
Rick

[The_Eccentric]

Thanks for the responses gentlemen.

[The_Eccentric]

I shoot a 6 1/2” Performance Center fixed brake 500. It a good compromise between carryability and sight radius. It is without a doubt the most accurate S&W I have ever shot.
Rick

Do you shoot a lot of cast bullets through it? If you do, does the comp lead up much?

[Chad5005]

267069 this is my pair and they shoot cast well

[Ozark mike]

Need to make a video shooting with one in each hand:guntootsmiley:

[Chad5005]

i have shot them together,it rocks my wheelchair purty hard,that was with lite 350gr cast loads with med power,im not sure i could stand 2 heavy load 700 grainers lol

[ReloadingNoob]

I own a performance center 500 S&W with a 3.5" barrel, so I can't help ya on making a pick, but I do know that the one with replaceable compensators has a comp for jacketed and a separate comp for cast bullets, so you'd have to manually swap those out each time you change what you are shooting. (although I think you can just shoot jacketed bullets out of the cast bullet compensator without issue)

[Rick B]

Cast is all I shoot with this revolver. A water dropped M&P 440 grain plain base at 1340 FPS. Just looked it over closely, no leading.
Rick

[The_Eccentric]

i have shot them together,it rocks my wheelchair purty hard,that was with lite 350gr cast loads with med power,im not sure i could stand 2 heavy load 700 grainers lol

As long as you have sufficient clear pavement behind you and unlock the brakes, you should be fine.:-D

[reddog81]

I have a .460XVR and just keep the standard comp on it. Worst case scenario you'll have to spend a few minutes cleaning it out. Any fouling build up will be completely dependent on the loads you shoot, bullets and lube used. I wouldn't hesitant to buy the fixed comp model and save a few bucks.

[The_Eccentric]

That's my thinking too.