Reloading S&W 500 problem

msokad · May 6, 2013, 11:44 AM

I have been reloading since I started shooting about 20 years ago. I recently purchased a S&W 500 and because of the cost for factory ammo, I also stated reloading the 500 as well. I made my first batch using Berry's 350 grain FP, Remington LR primers and 35.0 grains of W296. The OAL was 2.10.

I shot some over the weekend, but I had a hell of a time getting 2 of the 5 cases out. When I got home, I had to use a dowel to pop out the cases. Once the cases were out, I noticed there was some unburned powder between the case and cylinder wall.

Has anyone else had a problem reloading the 500?

ruger357w · May 6, 2013, 03:28 PM

I no longer own my 500 S&W, but I was loading 350gr bullets with hodgdon h110 with large rifle magnum primers and I had the same problem. I ended up trading the pistol for a compound bow.

g.willikers · May 6, 2013, 04:14 PM

Are you loading relatively light loads?
If so, mebbe the cases aren't expanding as they normally would with factory loads.
Does the gun do this with factory loads?

JohnMoses · May 6, 2013, 05:41 PM

Your load is below the suggested minimum on Hodgons site. When H110/ Winchester 296 came out, we were warned against reducing loads because of mysterious over pressure signs.

msokad · May 6, 2013, 06:56 PM

I found the powder amount from the latest Hornady reloading box. The bullet weight is the same, but the cannelure is in a different location so I can't seat the bullet as deep as the manual suggested.

I'm not trying for wimpy loads, but also don't want to load maximum loads. I shot 20 rounds of Hornady 500 gr bullets and hand no problem except a sore hand

WESHOOT2 · May 7, 2013, 07:48 AM

Perhaps the bullet choice is incorrect for your gun and/or application.

chiefr · May 7, 2013, 09:37 AM

JohnMoses Your load is below the suggested minimum on Hodgons site. When H110/ Winchester 296 came out, we were warned against reducing loads because of mysterious over pressure signs.

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May 6, 2013, 11:44 AM	#1
msokad Member Join Date: January 17, 2013 Posts: 38	Reloading S&W 500 problem I have been reloading since I started shooting about 20 years ago. I recently purchased a S&W 500 and because of the cost for factory ammo, I also stated reloading the 500 as well. I made my first batch using Berry's 350 grain FP, Remington LR primers and 35.0 grains of W296. The OAL was 2.10. I shot some over the weekend, but I had a hell of a time getting 2 of the 5 cases out. When I got home, I had to use a dowel to pop out the cases. Once the cases were out, I noticed there was some unburned powder between the case and cylinder wall. Has anyone else had a problem reloading the 500?

May 6, 2013, 04:14 PM	#3
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	Are you loading relatively light loads? If so, mebbe the cases aren't expanding as they normally would with factory loads. Does the gun do this with factory loads? __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

May 7, 2013, 07:48 AM	#6
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	Perhaps the bullet choice is incorrect for your gun and/or application. __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

May 6, 2013, 03:28 PM	#2
ruger357w Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2012 Location: Maine Posts: 158	I no longer own my 500 S&W, but I was loading 350gr bullets with hodgdon h110 with large rifle magnum primers and I had the same problem. I ended up trading the pistol for a compound bow.

May 6, 2013, 05:41 PM	#4
JohnMoses Senior Member Join Date: April 11, 2008 Posts: 197	Your load is below the suggested minimum on Hodgons site. When H110/ Winchester 296 came out, we were warned against reducing loads because of mysterious over pressure signs.

May 6, 2013, 06:56 PM	#5
msokad Member Join Date: January 17, 2013 Posts: 38	I found the powder amount from the latest Hornady reloading box. The bullet weight is the same, but the cannelure is in a different location so I can't seat the bullet as deep as the manual suggested. I'm not trying for wimpy loads, but also don't want to load maximum loads. I shot 20 rounds of Hornady 500 gr bullets and hand no problem except a sore hand

May 7, 2013, 09:37 AM	#7
chiefr Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2010 Location: AR Posts: 1,401	JohnMoses Your load is below the suggested minimum on Hodgons site. When H110/ Winchester 296 came out, we were warned against reducing loads because of mysterious over pressure signs. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- +1