.500 S&W Magnum Load Data

The .500 S&W Magnum is a relatively recent but instantly recognizable addition to the world of big-bore revolver cartridges. Developed by Cor-Bon in partnership with Smith & Wesson and introduced in 2003, the goal was to create the most powerful production handgun cartridge at the time. Smith & Wesson designed the X-Frame revolver specifically to handle the tremendous pressure and size of the .500 S&W Magnum. Its debut marked a leap in handgun ballistics, quickly establishing a reputation for sheer power and energy unmatched in commercial revolver cartridges. Because of its distinct capabilities, the .500 S&W Magnum has become synonymous with the upper limits of personal sidearm performance, appealing primarily to firearm enthusiasts, hunters, and reloaders seeking extreme handgun energy.

In terms of its application, the .500 S&W Magnum has found a dedicated following among big-game hunters and outdoor professionals. Its sheer stopping power allows it to ethically dispatch large and dangerous game, making it highly attractive for use in North America and Africa, particularly as a backup sidearm in areas with bears or other dangerous predators. While some shooters appreciate the cartridge for recreational target shooting or collecting, the .500 S&W Magnum is unequivocally tailored for situations demanding significant penetration and energy transfer. Professional guides often regard it as the revolver of choice for defense in remote wilderness areas. For reloaders, the cartridge offers extensive opportunity for experimentation with bullet types and performance parameters, whether favoring heavy hard-cast projectiles for maximum penetration or expanding jacketed bullets for controlled expansion on game.

As for the intended target species, the .500 S&W Magnum is effective against some of the world’s heaviest game. Its ballistic performance is specifically oriented toward harvesting large, tough animals such as moose, elk, feral hogs, bison, and all species of bears. In Africa, the cartridge has also been employed successfully against cape buffalo and other dangerous game species, provided local regulations permit handguns for such pursuits. Its capability to deliver devastating terminal ballistics at close to moderate ranges ensures clean, humane kills even on robustly built animals. For reloaders venturing into the world of handgun hunting, the .500 S&W Magnum remains one of the most reliable and versatile choices when facing large and potentially dangerous targets.

Typical bullet weights for the .500 S&W Magnum range broadly from 275 grains up to 700 grains, allowing for significant flexibility in load development. Factory ammunition most commonly features projectiles in the 350 to 500 grain range, with jacketed hollow points, soft points, and heavy hard-cast lead bullets among the popular choices. With a massive case capacity and a high-pressure ceiling, the cartridge can achieve velocities exceeding 2,000 fps for lighter bullets and around 1,400 fps for the heaviest offerings. Its large rimmed case makes extraction reliable, while the overall cartridge length mandates use of extra-large framed revolvers. Reloaders are drawn to the .500 S&W Magnum’s capacity for tailored, application-specific handloads—whether maximizing energy, penetration, or recoil characteristics—while always observing safety guidelines due to its immense pressure potential. Overall, the .500 S&W Magnum stands as a testament to the innovation and capability achievable in handgun cartridge design, and it continues to be a favorite among those who demand uncompromising power and versatility.