Well, gents, I am about to take up the file and regulate the NECG fixed blade rear sight on my .500 A-Square for an elephant/buffalo load for this October's DG safari in the Caprivi.

I would like your collective advice. I have fired loads ranging from 2,100 to 2,450 fps or so in this rifle, most using 600 grain Woodleigh bullets (600 grain solids and PP softs).

At the lower end of that spectrum, the recoil is very manageable. At the higher end, it is ferocious. Recovery time is at least twice as long at 2,400 plus as compared with 2,100. First and subsequent shot accuracy is, for all intents and purposes, the same.

So, here is my question. With the luxury of that range of velocities, and using Woodleigh bullets, what velocity would you load for?

I am leaning very strongly toward 2,250-2,300 fps. This seems to me to be a nice compromise, and is especially suited to the Woodleigh bullets. The 600 grain PP softs are warranted to an impact velocity of 2,250 fps, which should permit 2,300 fps at the muzzle. Plus, pressures would be low.

Still, though, Art Alphin made the reputation of the .500 A2 based on 600 grainers at close to 2,450 or so fps and I must admit that I would like to see what that kind of sheer power will do on game.

On the other hand, I also think that a fast recovery from recoil while cycling the bolt is or might be very important. And that is why I am leaning toward a somewhat lighter loading.

I should add that I really don't want to go as light as the .500 Nitro Express, which launches a 570 grainer at 2,150. More is better, I think, at least to some extent, or why go with the A-Square?

What do you think?

You have a back up, professional hunter, right?
Who cares if you can't get off a second shot?

Let's see. Your LIGHT loads are 100 grains heavier then a 458 Lott, and bigger in diameter, by a LOTT!!!;-)

OK: go 600 grains, at 2150, and you have a 600 .500 Nitro Express load, right? Considering a 480 grain, at 2150 is the round everyone considers the round for elephant, or buffalo, why not keep the recoil down? My concern with the A2/Wells type velocity is to get it, you sacrifice long term memory. I would much rather be able to remember my kids name, then forget what happened when I touched off a 600 grain bullet, at 2450.

You know the old brits had a real good idea. Large cases, low pressures, around 40k, and big bullets, with MODERATE VELOCITY. I have litle doubt that such a load out of your Asquare will kill like Mjollnir.

I don't really care what you decide on, just keep the pressure about 40k and you may even have a brain to be able to write us about how the hunt went...

G

thanks Jeffe. I thought the 600 was 750's at 2150, but I didn't feel like looking it up, and I figured it would give you something to do...

the 500 a2 should NOT be loaded to 2400+ with 600s, due to pressure.

GS, I am sure you meant 500 nitro, not 600, as the 600 is 900 gr at 1850 (tropical) or 1950 (modern), and the 500 is 570gr at 2150.

Load the gun with 600gr at 2100-2200 and see how it and YOU shoot...

jeffe

I agree wiith jeffe and GS, 600gr @ 2200fps tops. Your ablity to get a faster follow up shot is worth more than pushing the the round to a max pressure, just because it can be done.

Remember, A2 was trying to sell something as the mostest-biggest hitter, with the 2450fps claim.

As for the "need" to be way over 500NE, I do not see a reason for it. That is still a huge amount of wallup. Having a bolt gun in the 500 NE range is "cheap", compared to buying a 500NE SxS.

Have fun at the range and in the Caprivi.

Hog Killer

My 510Wells (almost ID to the A2) is relatively easy to shoot with any bullet up to 650 grains below 2200. Over that, it becomes ferocious. The band of bubbas have spent alot of time together on the firing line with it, the Lott, 500Jeff, 550Express & 550Flanged. Jeffe & HK are pretty big guys who can absorb alot of recoil but I think they concur. Even for a hunting round, I'd want 535-600 grains @ 2150-2200.

My .585 nyati hunting load was 750 grains at 2250 fps. Beyond that and it was difficult to control the rifle. Even at that velocity, recover time was slow.

I would suggest 600 grains at 2200, but not more than 2300 fps. The game will not know the difference, but your body will!

quote:

Originally posted by 500grains:
My .585 nyati hunting load was 750 grains at 2250 fps. Beyond that and it was difficult to control the rifle. Even at that velocity, recover time was slow.

I would suggest 600 grains at 2200, but not more than 2300 fps. The game will not know the difference, but your body will!

When you say "recovery time" I assume that is related to the hospital stay, after the bench session to site it in?


G

GS, I was good for up to 14 rounds in a day at the range as long as I took Tylenol in advance. But one day I shot 22 rounds by about 10 a.m., and had to go home and lie in bed the rest of the day.

2150fps will be plenty.

quote:

Originally posted by 500grains:
GS, I was good for up to 14 rounds in a day at the range as long as I took Tylenol in advance. But one day I shot 22 rounds by about 10 a.m., and had to go home and lie in bed the rest of the day.

I just ran the numbers, and using a 6 pound rifle, the recoil is around 170-230 ft-lbs, easily, and that's for the A2, not your Seyfried special...

I wouldn't make it to 10 rounds...

G

GS,

My rifle was 13.25 pounds. At 6 pounds it would have ripped my body asunder.

Just go within your own comfort zone whether it's 2150 or up to 2300. Your the one doing the shooting and you have to feel confident with your gun, no one else has to. I have and shoot a 500 A-Square but this is the reason I try to let people know that 500 grains at 2500 fps is far more shootable than 600 grains at 2400 or even 2300 fps.
Take good care and have a great trip,
Dave

Thanks, all.

You've by and large confirmed my first inclination.