Affiliate Disclosure: AmmoCave.com sometimes gets paid for listings, through sponsors or affiliate programs like Lucky Gunner, Optics Planet, Brownells, Cabelas, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Rainier Arms, Palmetto State Armory, Sportsman’s Guide, Ammo.com, Ammo Man, Primary Arms, MidWayUsa, Amazon, eBay, etс. Clicking a link helps keep AmmoCave.com free, at no extra cost to you!
Authors: Each article is verified by AmmoCave's expert team. Professional hunters and gun experts write the articles. AmmoCave Team independently researches, tests, reviews, and uses recommendations from our community of gun owners. We may earn commissions from shopping links.
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any agency's official policy or position. The articles are for informational purposes only, share your opinions about Best 500 S&W Mag Ammo in the comments and join the discussions. Let's share 💬 our ammo & gun experiences together!
In any discussion of the best 500 S&W Mag ammo, there are a few things that have to be considered. To start with, what is your purpose for shooting? Certain types of ammunition are better suited for certain applications. For self-defense, you will want something with a higher velocity and stopping power. For target practice or hunting, you may want something with less recoil and more accuracy. With so many different types of ammunition on the market, it can be difficult to decide which is right for you. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the top-rated 500 S&W Mag ammo available and help you decide what is right for you.
Table of Contents
- Our Selection 15 Best 500 S&W Magnum Ammo – Editor’s Choice
- 1# 500 S&W Magnum – 300 Grain JHP – Armscor
- 2# 500 S&W – 275 Grain Barnes Expander – Federal Vital-Shok
- 3# 500 S&W Magnum – 300 Grain FTX JHP – Hornady LEVERevolution
- 4# 500 S&W – 500 Grain Flat Point XTP – Hornady Custom
- 5# 500 S&W Magnum – 400 gr SJSP – Magtech
- 6# 500 S&W Magnum – 325 Grain SJSP Flat – Magtech
- 7# 500 S&W – 325 Grain SJSP-Flat – Magtech Light Loading
- #8 500 S&W Magnum – 500 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance – Hornady
- #9 500 S&W Magnum – 375 Grain Bonded Dual Jacket – Winchester
- #10 500 S&W Magnum – 350 Grain JHP – Winchester
- #11 500 S&W Magnum – 325 Grain Fusion Soft Point – Federal Premium
- #12 500 S&W Magnum – 325 Grain Swift A-Frame – Federal Premium
- #13 500 S&W Magnum – 300 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding – Hornady
- #14 500 S&W Magnum – 275 Grain Barnes Expander – Federal Premium
- #15 500 S&W Magnum – 400 Grain Platinum Tip Hollow Point – Winchester
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Our Selection 15 Best 500 S&W Magnum Ammo – Editor’s Choice
1# 500 S&W Magnum – 300 Grain JHP – Armscor
When it comes to hog hunting or stalking bears, you need a round that you can count on. That’s why Armscor created these American-made .500 S&W Magnum rounds. These rounds are constructed with only the best components, including reloadable brass casings, non-corrosive Boxer primers, time-tested propellant, and Hornady eXtreme Terminal Performance (XTP) projectiles. The XTP bullet is one of the most effective modern jacketed hollow-point designs available and features a precisely shaped cavity with deep skiving and a toothed cannelure. These features all contribute to reliable expansion at a controlled rate with an emphasis on consistent penetration into the appropriate vital zones. So when you’re out in the field, you can rest assured knowing that you have the best possible round for the job.
2# 500 S&W – 275 Grain Barnes Expander – Federal Vital-Shok
If you’re lucky enough to own a 500 S&W Magnum revolver, then you know that having the right ammo is essential. You need a round that can handle anything you throw at it, and if you’re hunting larger or dangerous games, then this Federal Vital-Shok round is perfect. It’s loaded with a 275-grain Barnes Expander Solid Copper Hollow Point bullet, which will have a muzzle velocity of around 1660 feet per second. That means it’ll pack a serious punch, but it’s also designed to minimize recoil, so you can stay on target. This solid copper bullet has excellent weight retention for maximum impact, and it’s just what you need to take down big game. Order yours today and be prepared for anything.
3# 500 S&W Magnum – 300 Grain FTX JHP – Hornady LEVERevolution
The 500 S&W Magnum by Hornady is perfect for hunting or self-defense. The FTX bullet is designed for rapid expansion in soft tissue, and the polymer-filled cavity is designed to prevent bullet failure due to clogging the JHP projectile. Upon impact, the polymer tip pushes into the center of the hollow point, forcing massive expansion. Hornady ammunition is loaded in Nebraska and is now being run by both the 2nd and 3rd generation of Hornady’s with Steve Hornady and Jason Hornady steering the ship. Both Steve and Jason are renowned hunters, putting their loads to the test successfully time and time again all over the world.
4# 500 S&W – 500 Grain Flat Point XTP – Hornady Custom
When you need the power to take down a big game, reach for the Smith & Wesson 500 S&W. This massive revolver cartridge was designed in collaboration with Corbon and is one of the most powerful handgun rounds on the market. When it was introduced in 2003, the 500 S&W helped Smith & Wesson regain its status as the maker of the most powerful handgun rounds. With this round, you can rest assured that your family will be safe from harm. The 500 S&W features Hornady’s XTP bullet, which is known for its accuracy, reliability, and controlled expansion. When you need a round that you can count on to get the job done, reach for the 500 S&W.
5# 500 S&W Magnum – 400 gr SJSP – Magtech
Looking for a high-powered round that is perfect for your S&W model 500 revolver? Look no further than Magtech’s 500 S&W Magnum ammo! This newly manufactured ammo is excellent for self-defense, target practice, and range training. Each reloadable round boasts a reloadable brass casing, semi-jacketed soft-point bullet, a boxer primer, and a non-corrosive propellant. The bullets are designed for maximum energy transfer upon impact while at the same time ensuring controlled expansion. Since 1926 Magtech ammunition has been producing reliable cartridges for shooting enthusiasts worldwide. Magtech ammunition is manufactured using state-of-the-art equipment in Sao Paulo, Brazil. So don’t hesitate to pick up a box or two of this 500 S&W Magnum ammo – it’s sure to help you hit your target every time!
6# 500 S&W Magnum – 325 Grain SJSP Flat – Magtech
The Magtech 500 S&W Magnum – 325 Grain SJSP Flat is a perfect choice for your high-powered S&W model 500 revolver. These newly manufactured reloadable rounds offer excellent accuracy and reliability for self-defense, target practice, and range training. Each round features a Reloadable brass casing, Semi-jacketed Soft-Point Flat bullet, boxer primer, and non-corrosive propellant. The bullets are designed to maximize energy transfer on impact while ensuring controlled expansion. This round is ideal for both range use and hunting applications. Magtech has been producing quality ammunition for shooting enthusiasts worldwide since 1926, and all of its products are manufactured using state-of-the-art equipment in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
7# 500 S&W – 325 Grain SJSP-Flat – Magtech Light Loading
Wondering how you can shoot your .500 S&W Magnum without risking injury? These light loads from Magtech are perfect for target practice or hunting smaller games. Each round in this box of 20 fires a 325-grain semi-jacketed soft point bullet at 1,378 feet per second. That’s considerably lower velocity than most .500 Smith & Wesson Mag loads, but at typical pistol shooting distances, it’s still plenty accurate. Plus, your wrists will thank you for using lighter ammo. Magtech ammunition is made in Brazil by CBC, a defense contractor with operations in both Latin America and Europe. CBC also owns the Sellier & Bellot and MEN brands.
#8 500 S&W Magnum – 500 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance – Hornady
Do you want a product that is extremely accurate and will guarantee to knock down your target? Check out Hornady Custom pistol ammo. XTP (Extreme Terminal Performance) bullet is designed for maximum penetration and expansion, while our FMJ and FTX bullets offer outstanding accuracy and consistency. Every round of Hornady Custom ammunition is hand inspected before packaging to ensure the highest levels of quality control. So you can be confident that you’re getting the best possible product every time you buy Hornady. Give yourself the advantage of hand-loaded accuracy in a factory load – buy Hornady Custom ammunition today!
#9 500 S&W Magnum – 375 Grain Bonded Dual Jacket – Winchester
When you need the maximum stopping power, reach for the Winchester 500 S&W Magnum. This potent round is loaded with a 375-grain bonded dual jacket bullet, providing lethal performance at a variety of ranges. The unique 12-segment design provides two times the expansion for maximum stopping power, while the hollow point ensures quick kills. The proprietary bonding process welds the lead core and inner bullet jacket together for maximum retention, meaning more energy is transferred to your target. With its massive knock-down power, the 500 S&W Magnum is perfect for bringing down a large game. Reach for Winchester if you want the most powerful round on the market.
#10 500 S&W Magnum – 350 Grain JHP – Winchester
Whether you’re deer hunting in the woods or targeting a mountain lion on the open plains, you can rely on Winchester Super-X Handgun Ammunition to get the job done right. These tough and reliable rounds are designed to perform in any condition, delivering a powerful punch that will take down your target quickly. The jacketed hollow point bullet ensures consistent expansion and penetration, making it ideal for larger prey. With Winchester Super-X Handgun Ammunition, you can be confident that you’re always prepared for whatever comes your way.
#11 500 S&W Magnum – 325 Grain Fusion Soft Point – Federal Premium
Federal Fusion’s new Centerfire Handgun Ammunition is perfect for your next hunting trip. This tough and reliable ammo is designed specifically for whitetail hunting, and its construction is based on the company’s proven centerfire rifle ammunition. That means you can count on it to deliver consistent results shot after shot. The 325-grain Fusion bullet is specifically engineered for deep penetration and maximum energy transfer, making it ideal for taking down even the largest game animals. And because it is a soft point design, it will expand on impact for greater tissue damage, ensuring a quick and humane kill. So don’t settle for anything less than the best when it comes to your hunting ammunition. Pick up a box or two of Federal Fusion’s Centerfire Handgun Ammunition and be confident that you’re prepared to take down whatever game you encounter.
Federal Premium Vital-Shok Centerfire Handgun Ammunition is a great choice if you’re searching for potent and long-lasting handgun ammunition. This ammo has been tried and tested for many years, and its performance is proven time and time again. It’s perfect for taking down big games, as the Swift A-Frame design ensures penetration and expansion. With 325 grains of pure power, this ammo is sure to get the job done right. So don’t settle for anything less than the best – trust Federal Premium for all your ammunition needs.
The Hornady LEVERevolution Centerfire Handgun Ammunition is the newest and most exciting option for lever gun ammo on the market. Hornady is one of the leaders in ballistic technology and offers innovative performance in its bullets, which feature safe designs that are dramatically better than before. The higher ballistic coefficient of the LEVERevolution ammo brings flatter trajectories and increasing energy downrange, while the bullets offer unbeatable expansion at any range. This is an evolution in ammunition, and choosing Hornady means getting bullets that are accurate, consistent, and always dependable. Don’t settle for anything less than the best – choose Hornady LEVERevolution Centerfire Handgun Ammunition for your next shooting adventure.
If you are interested in reliable, high-quality handgun ammunition that can help you improve your shooting, Federal Premium Vital-Shok Centerfire Handgun Ammunition is an excellent solution. This ammo has been tried and tested for many years, and its efficiency and quality have been proven time and again. Whether you’re target shooting or hunting, Federal Premium Trophy ammunition will give you the performance you need to get the job done right.
#15 500 S&W Magnum – 400 Grain Platinum Tip Hollow Point – Winchester
When you need to take down big game animals, there is no better choice than the 500 S&W Magnum from Winchester. This powerful ammunition is designed to deliver maximum performance, with a patented Notched Reverse Taper Bullet Jacket that controls expansion for maximum penetration. The Plated Heavy Wall Jacket ensures that this bullet penetrates deep into tough hide and bone, while the six-segment expansion delivers massive tissue damage for a quick and humane kill. For the ultimate in power and accuracy, choose the 500 S&W Magnum.
FAQ
How many grains are in a 500 mag?
500 S&W Mag rounds typically weigh about 500 grains.
Can you use 500 Magnum Ammo for self-defense?
500 Magnum Ammo is a powerful round and can be used for self-defense, but it is important to make sure that you are using the right ammo for your gun. 500 Magnum Ammo is best suited for larger guns like revolvers, and may not be as effective in smaller guns. Make sure to do your research before purchasing any 500 Magnum Ammo, so you can be sure you are getting the right ammo for your needs.
What can you hunt with a 500 S&W?
The 500 S&W can be used to hunt a variety of different game animals. Some of the more popular game animals that can be hunted with the 500 S&W cartridges include deer, hogs, and elk.
Can a Smith & Wesson 500 stop a grizzly bear?
There is no definitive answer, as there are many variables that would come into play in such a situation. However, 500 S&W Mag ammunition is generally considered to be a very powerful round, and it would likely be effective in stopping a grizzly bear if used correctly.
What is the best 500 S&W Mag ammo?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as different shooters have different preferences. However, some of the top-rated 500 S&W Mag ammo brands include Hornady, Federal, and Winchester.
Conclusion
500 S&W Mag Ammo is a powerful round that should be used with caution. It can easily penetrate most objects and cause serious damage. That said, it’s also an incredibly fun round to shoot and extremely accurate. Make sure you use quality 500 S&W Mag ammo for the best results.
