Headed to Colorado in 2 weeks for a chance at Elk..Want to take one with my Smith 500 PC 6 1/2",up to 75 yds,shouldnt be a problem...I am thinking Barnes X in 325 or 375grs (I have both)..I also have the 500XTPs at 1400,but I think they are to much...I can get 15-2000 with the X's..Opinions please?

I shoot an Encore in 500 S&W. Accuracy wise, the Hornady 500 gr. XTPs are OK. I got my best accuracy (1 to 1.5 inch 100 yards 3 shot groups) with Sierra 400 grain Sports Master bullets over H110/Win. 296.

If the 375gr X bullets shoot well I would try them. I am sure they are fairly flat shooting out of the .500

Up to 75 yards or so I don't think it will matter bullet wise. Both should penetrate completely on a broad side shot.
Shoot which is more accurate and enjoy the meat

poor 50-110 bfr gunna be left behind

I vote for Ranger Rick's 700gn hard cast T-Rex Thumpers.

Hard cast flat point..........

jwp -- check your PMs! I'm with you on the hardcast flat-point front!

quote:

Originally posted by jwp475:
Hard cast flat point..........

I second that...

I have to agree with the others on the hard cast. Here are a few of what I've put through mine. These all range from 223gr to 700gr. The 700grainer is on the far right.

DEC, you are a man that has done some testing! What is your favorite all-around load? Do you have one favorite?

Holy cow DEC! Got a lil armory on that table

I usually keep 700-1000 rounds loaded. That pic is a couple of years old and I've tried around another dozen different bullets with great success. One of my favorite loads is the Sierra 400gr JSP behind 38gr of H4227, it's an absolute tack driver. Here's a test target from 3 yrs ago. I was shooting my standard model 8 3/8" off a sand bag with open sights.

One load in particular shot a spectacular group. In fact it was one hole on the first 4 shots and I moved on the last shot because I thought I was missing the target Here it is

I've got several targets with groups well under 1" @25yds and under 3" @100yds. I've tried just about every bullet I could stuff into the cases and really haven't found one that wouldn't shoot, with the right combination. I don't know if I'm lucky or not but all five of my S&W 500's are very accurate.

Most of the lead bullet data I've used came from John Ross, and most of the jacketed bullet data I extrapolated using loads from the web. Some of the bullets had to be cannelured because they were designed for the 50AE or they aren't available to reloaders, like the Winchester 400gr Platinum Tips. Those came with sabots designed for muzzle loaders and are a real pita to cannelure. To date I've tried around 15 different types of powder with most of the bullets and I'm still testing. I'm literally having a blast!

DEC -- do you hunt with your .500? How has it done on game and what are your favorite hunting loads? If you don't mind sharing!

Sorry for the delay in answering........
I had the opportunity two years ago to take a nice buck with my 500. I was shooting a Ballisticast 435 WFN with 37gr of LilGun. It was pushing around 1630fps and made a complete pass through the lungs at about 65yds. The exit hole wasn't as large as I though it was going to be either. He went about 10yds and just collapsed. I plan on using it again this year but right now I'm going into my bow hunting mode.

Withworth
I have a ton of data I've compiled over the years, and as I stated above mine mostly deals with jacketed bullets. If you'e got excel I'll gladly send you what I've got including John Ross's spreadsheet that deals with lead bullets. I'm always searching for new loads and I don't think you'll find a more comprehensive listing anywhere.