I received my 500 A2 from Justin Sip Monday and shot some experimental loads today.

It is built on a BRNO 602 with a 24 inch barrel, muzzle break and a F990 pad. With a Leupold 1.5 X 5 scope and Talley rings it weighs a little over 10 lbs. These are the loads and velocities with a 570 grn Barnes X
Rel 15 106 grns 2250
108 grns 2300
110 grns 2350

The recoil is heavy but easily controlled. I am taking it to Namibia next week and when I return I will post some pictures of it.

Mike

DAMN Mike,
"strong but tolerable"

must fit you good... i start getting tired quick at those velocities

good luck, get your ATF paper work done TOMORROW!!! for you export

jeffe

Mike,

Sounds like a great rifle. Good luck on your safari. What are you after?

Jeffe,

No ATF import permit is necessary for a hunting trip. Just a U.S. Customs Form 4457, if you want to be able to prove you acquired the rifle in the USA.

Anyone,

It is supposedly possible to get to 2,400 fps with a 600 gr. bullet in the 500 A-Square.

Are there any published loads that can do this? Has anyone actually done this?

Thanks Mike for the report. Look forward to hearing the performance of your new 50 in Africa.

Hi Mike,
It's good to hear that you have possesion of your 500. I will be waiting to see the pictures when you return. That F990 will be worth the price.
mrlexma,
You can reach 2400 fps with a 600 grain bullet in the 500 A-Square. My barrel is 24 inches and I have no problem getting there. It takes 118 grains of Reloder 15 in my rifle.

Take care,
Dave

Thanks for the good wishes. The rifle has a synthetic stock and with the great F990 pad and muzzle break the recoil is not like I expected. I can shoot it easily for a long session.

I am hunting with my buddy Vaughan Fulton on his concession bordering Etosha Park. I am primarily after a fantastic maned trophy lion that Vaughan has seen several times and hoping for a problem elephant. I am also going to take a giraffe with my 500.

Mike

MLindsey,

Sounds like a neat rifle. Be sure and use solids on the Giraffe. They have very thick skin and super heavy bones. The Barnes X may penetrate all the way through, but there is no guarantee that it will. Two Trophy Bonded Bear Claws from my 458 Lott (500grs., 2320 fps) at 75 yards did not.