I've been waiting on a build of a 500 AccRel on a Ruger Alaskan platform, Ruger Hawkeye action plus Hogue stock.

The gunsmith has reported that the finished product is just over 8 lbs. That means that with Ruger rings and a Nikon Slughunter scope the rifle will weigh a flat 9lbs. Expected loads with Raptors or GSC at 400-450 grain should generate about 2600-2700 fps and 6500-7000 ftlbs muzzle energy. My previous experience with big bores has usually been in the 10-11 lb range.

Should one plan on adding an 8oz Mercury recoil reducer to a lightweight Ruger, or not?

In my opionion, yes I do something!

I shot Jeffe's 500 Accrel and that is I think 8.5lbs. I liked the weight being that light and lively. You can't limp hold the gun but I would want it exactly as it was. Maybe Jeffe can chime in with the exact weight. It's a personal thing and I don't know how well that stock feels with that level of recoil. Maybe a custom fit wood one would be in order to lessen the felt recoil. You could make that custom stock a pound heavier if desired.

Tanz:

I don't know the answer to your question but I am sure anxious to find out. A 500 AccRel should not provide as much recoil as a 500 Jeffery because it uses less powders but it is still a 500 right?

I'm always pleased at shooting mine especially over a chrono and the "mild" recoil. 9# flat should be sweet. Can carry all day

416Tanzan,
My Latest "Five Hundreds" are coming in at about 9.25 to 9.5 lbs. dry weight.
That Hogue stock is not a really light one.
What is the contour and length of that barrel?
Muzzle diameter?
Thanks.
Have fun.

quote:

A 500 AccRel should not provide as much recoil as a 500 Jeffery because it uses less powders but it is still a 500 right?

Yes, but these comparisons sometimes confuse factory loads and handloads. If I had a Jeffrey I would load it to 8000 ftlbs. I chose the 500 AccR because I plan to use loads around 6500-7000 ftlbs, which is actually quite close to the factory Jeffrey loads (6800).

416Tanzan,
for what it's worth I have just aquired one of Mike458's 500 M.D.M Ultra mag's.

Metalwork by S.S.K, stockwork by Accurate Innovations.
All-up weight (no scope) is just over 8.5lbs.
In the last couple of weeks I've built up mild, low pressure loads driving the 460gn (.50 cal) C.E.B non-con up to 2400fps.
Don't know what M.E that produces but it's gotta be over 5800.

This load in THIS RIFLE is very managable and comfortable, although I do admit that a 30 -40 round bench session can be tiring.
Accurate Innovations have done an excellent job with the styling of the stock in mitigating recoil whilst maintaining great fit and awesome handling qualities.

The bonus is that it is extremely portable (20" barrel) at 8.5 lbs.

Cheers,

Paul.

RIP-
I won't be in a position to handle the gun, measure, and shoot it, for three months. However, I had ordered a "CZ" contour with a .800" muzzle + 0.0--0.03" and 22" length, stainless. The CZ is a fairly light contour, where the fat of the barrel doesn't extend much beyond 2.5" inches and it tapers down pretty fast except for the rear sight island and the barrel underlug island. McGowen does these.
PS: 1x12" twist which should be plenty, considering that 50bmg uses 15" for very long bullets. This twist and barrel is for use under 400 yards, so a fast twist will only help stability without causing downrange problems.

Paul,
From 5800 you will have room for another 1000 ftlbs when/if you want. Adding a scope (might as well go with 5" eye-relief) will give you added ballast for the extra firepower. It should bring you to 9.5 lbs., which is what I would be looking at with a mercury tube.
Perhaps I'll try Jeffeoso's recommendation for a 'sweet recoiling' 9 lb., and if it bounces around too much we can add the tube. My problem, as always, is timing, since I'm not very long in the place where I do load development and tinkering.

Another option might be to find a way to attach four extra rounds (8oz) to the stock somewhere, but I don't want handling and carrying compromised.

Add lead to the forend.

I really do have to chuckle some times. You fellas make me feel like such a wuss!

My 9 3/4 pound fully loaded .458 AccRel is plenty bright for me when it's pushing into the 6000 pfe range.

Wow ... drop the rifle weight 3/4 of a pound and add a 1000 pfe ... oh my.

+1.

My 500 Jeffery weighs in at 11 lbs unloaded without scope or sling pushing a 570g bullet at 2300 fps (6800 fpe or so) and is plenty of recoil for me.

Assuming its a hunting gun and not a range queen, your going to carry it far longer than your going to shoot it. Thus, I'd go as light as reasonable. 8.5 lbs is just fine and I'd probably aim for a little lower myself. You can handle nearly any level of recoil for the two shots you will ever take in the field. -Rob

quote:

mike wrote:
Wow ... drop the rifle weight 3/4 of a pound and add a 1000 pfe ... oh my.

quote:

Chuck wrote:
+1.

As Rob correctly surmised, this is a hunting rifle. We want a nice carry, and will be sure to hold on to the stock in case a quick followup is ever needed.

quote:

Originally posted by 416Tanzan:
I've been waiting on a build of a 500 AccRel on a Ruger Alaskan platform, Ruger Hawkeye action plus Hogue stock.

The gunsmith has reported that the finished product is just over 8 lbs. That means that with Ruger rings and a Nikon Slughunter scope the rifle will weigh a flat 9lbs. Expected loads with Raptors or GSC at 400-450 grain should generate about 2600-2700 fps and 6500-7000 ftlbs muzzle energy. My previous experience with big bores has usually been in the 10-11 lb range.

Should one plan on adding an 8oz Mercury recoil reducer to a lightweight Ruger, or not?

Tanz,

The Hogue stock will help soak up more recoil than a standard wood stock with recoil pad. But I believe both you and your son may be using this rifle I'd purchase a few slip-on recoil pads of different thicknesses so that you can reach the correct LOP with the rifle foe whomever will be shooting it.

Regardless other than the slip-on pad, I wouldn't add any additional weight to the rifle beyond scope, rings, and sling if you use one until after you've used the rifle in the field for a season. The lighter weight won't hurt you for a single season...and then you'll truly know how much weight and exactly where you need to add the additional weight - if any.

Just some thoughts.

quote:

Originally posted by capoward:

quote:

Originally posted by 416Tanzan:
I've been waiting on a build of a 500 AccRel on a Ruger Alaskan platform, Ruger Hawkeye action plus Hogue stock.

The gunsmith has reported that the finished product is just over 8 lbs. That means that with Ruger rings and a Nikon Slughunter scope the rifle will weigh a flat 9lbs. Expected loads with Raptors or GSC at 400-450 grain should generate about 2600-2700 fps and 6500-7000 ftlbs muzzle energy. My previous experience with big bores has usually been in the 10-11 lb range.

Should one plan on adding an 8oz Mercury recoil reducer to a lightweight Ruger, or not?

Tanz,

The Hogue stock will help soak up more recoil than a standard wood stock with recoil pad. But I believe both you and your son may be using this rifle I'd purchase a few slip-on recoil pads of different thicknesses so that you can reach the correct LOP with the rifle foe whomever will be shooting it.

Regardless other than the slip-on pad, I wouldn't add any additional weight to the rifle beyond scope, rings, and sling if you use one until after you've used the rifle in the field for a season. The lighter weight won't hurt you for a single season...and then you'll truly know how much weight and exactly where you need to add the additional weight - if any.

Just some thoughts.

We think along similar tracks. I have two 1/4" spacers waiting to be added to the rifle. They should bring LOP to 14" or just over. It might be good to have a slipon for backup. we've gotten used to 14"-ish LOP and I've heard that 'too short' is not very nice as the recoil raises. Our CZ's have always been nice, comfortable, and reasonably long. I'll have to measure them next time I'm in TZ.