So.... Whats the difference?

Probably the price of the brass. They're both loaded to the same specs. Hell, just ask Mr. Searcy.

The 3" is way more popular, and that is the one for which brass is typically made. Both shoot 570 grains at 2150 fps, but for the 3.25" you may need to use a filler.

So then what's the point...Why make two rounds that perform the same with different cases? Does anyone make a higher performance 3.25" 500?

quote:

Originally posted by bulldog563:
So then what's the point...Why make two rounds that perform the same with different cases?

Let's see, 300 WSM versus 300 Win Mag

30-30 vs 30 Rem

450 Nitro Express vs. 470 NE

270 Win. vs. 280 Rem

416 Rem = 416 Hoffman = 404 Jeffery

etc.

quote:

Does anyone make a higher performance 3.25" 500?

No. You could get a .577 NE. Or you could have Butch regulate your .500 NE to a higher velocity load, but then you could never use factory ammo in your gun.

Or you could get a bolt gun in 500 A-Square.

The 3.25 version was originally slightly slower, and even lower pressure. I would go the 3" route, a 570gr .510 bullet travelling at 2150ft/sec. is hard to beat as a charge stopper/ dg hunters primary weapon. I would have loved to buy one, (was selling for R30 000, about US$4500), but then I heard that this specific Seary was put together in South Africa. As I have heard previous stories of his doubles coming loose, I passed. Still, maybe someday i will be able to afford a new one. My choice would still be .500NE (3").

The only difference between the two besides cost of brass is that the 3.25" will have lower chamber pressure for the same velocity. The 3" has low enough pressure that it isn't a big deal.

465H&H

Have used a Searcy 500 NE 3 1/4. Used Searcy's recommended load of 106 grains of IMR 4831 behind a 570 grain Woodleigh. Believe that produces about 2150 fps.

Always discussed using a soft in the first barrel and a solid in the second, but never actually did it that way. Always had two solids when the time came.

Anyway, the buffalo have been impressed and have not sought a change.

Hammer

I'm really ashamed of everybody here. This many posts and no jester has yet answered:

"1/4 inch".

Hammer, it's interesting that your 3.25" is regulated for 106 gr. IMR4831 and 570 grains, because my 3" is regulated for 110 grains IMR4831 and a 570 grain pill.

The difference is mainly a throwback to the black powder origins of the parent .500 case, the longer 3.25 case would hold more black powder hence generate a greater velocity.

When translated to Cordite, pressure rose exponentially with the increase in charges so even though the 3.25 inch case was offered in N.E Cordite loads, it was always loaded to the same intensity as the 3 inch case, infact the actual velocity was a little lower but only by about 25 - 30 fps and the pressure slightly lower, for all practical purposes the performance was identical but the longer case was less popular hence more rifles will be found in 3 inch chamber size.

Although ammo is made today for both case lengths, the longer will be harder to find, possibly only made to special order as I believe Kynoch do in their loaded ammo range, the 3 inch case is by far more popular and the one for which most, if not all, modern built doubles are chambered for

quote:

Originally posted by 500grains:
Hammer, it's interesting that your 3.25" is regulated for 106 gr. IMR4831 and 570 grains, because my 3" is regulated for 110 grains IMR4831 and a 570 grain pill.

Will leave it to Butch Searcy to explain.

Hammer

quote:

... but the longer case was less popular hence more rifles will be found in 3 inch chamber size.

Although ammo is made today for both case lengths, the longer will be harder to find, possibly only made to special order as I believe Kynoch do in their loaded ammo range, the 3 inch case is by far more popular and the one for which most, if not all, modern built doubles are chambered for

Isn't the fact that the 3 1/4 inch is less popular a good reason to go for it ?

Double-folks have never been into popularity ratings. Heck, if we were into that, we would all go for 470 Nitros or 458 Win Mags.

Hammer

Actually we wouldn't go for the 458 Winnie in a double.

However the lower pressured, 450#2 NE would be an excellant choice. If you ever get a chance to see NE 450#2's safari video, you'd have little doubt about what a thumper round it is!
The 470 NE is the cartridge that all other double rifle chamberings are judged by. It's been there, done that and owns the T-Shirt concession!

A far as the 500 goes the 3 inch is enough "kicks my ass" for me!

Thanks eveyone..very helpful as usual.