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Best 500 S&W Mag Ammo

What is 500 S&W Mag Ammo? 🤔

It is a powerful and extremely accurate magnum cartridge used in some pistols and revolvers. It was designed to replace the .44 Magnum, but with more power and less muzzle flash. It has become popular among shooters due to its accuracy, reliability, and ease of reloading.

500 S&W Mag Ammo

Features 🔥

💥 The 500 S&W Mag ammo is an extremely powerful caliber of ammunition and offers unmatched performance for hunting larger games. It is capable of delivering excellent accuracy and terminal performance while maintaining its affordability. Here are some features:

  • ☑️ Velocity: it has a fast muzzle velocity of 1,800 to 2,000 feet per second. This provides superior accuracy and penetration power for large-game hunting.
  • ☑️ Stopping Power: this ammo is ideal for taking down large game animals with ease due to its high stopping power.
  • ☑️ Recoil Management: despite being a very powerful round, it also has excellent recoil management thanks to its well-designed case shape and powder loaders.
Our Top Pick
500 S&W Mag Ammo
The .500 S&W Mag Ammo is designed to give you the ultimate edge on the range and out in the field. These powerful cartridges can bring down any game animal found in North America. Whether you’re seeking reliable range loads or hunting rounds that can hit their mark even in challenging conditions, trust this ammo to perform.
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Benefits 🤩

✨ The 500 Smith and Wesson Magnum (S&W Mag) is a powerful handgun cartridge that offers excellent performance for hunting, target shooting, and self-defense. Some of the key benefits:

  • ✳️ Long-Range Performance: it can reach distant targets with accuracy due to its high muzzle velocity and flat trajectory. This makes it an excellent choice for long-distance shooting competitions or hunting medium-sized game animals.
  • ✳️ Knockdown Power: this ammo has great stopping power due to its large diameter and heavy bullet weight, which can help incapacitate attackers quickly in self-defense scenarios.
  • ✳️ Versatility: they come in a range of different bullet designs, weights, velocities, and other features that make them a versatile choice for any purpose.
  • ✳️ Cost Efficiency: When compared to some other handgun cartridges, 500 S&W Mag ammo tends to be more affordable per round than many common competitors.

500 Smith and Wesson Magnum Ammo

Ballistic performance 🎯

❇️ The ballistic performance of 500 S&W Mag ammo is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting it for your firearm. It is important to understand how the ammo will perform in terms of energy and velocity, accuracy, point-of-impact consistency, and recoil control.

Ballistic performance

  • 🔷 Energy and Velocity: Ammo offers some impressive energy and velocity figures. With its larger diameter bullet, it can reach velocities higher than many standard pistol cartridges while still giving a good balance between power and controllability at close range.
  • 🔷 Accuracy: This ammo has excellent accuracy potential when fired from a quality handgun that is properly maintained and sighted in.
  • 🔷 Point-of-Impact Consistency: It also has good point-of-impact consistency when used with quality firearms and ammunition. The large diameter of the bullets helps keep each shot relatively consistent in terms of its point of impact.
  • 🔷 Recoil Control: Last but not least, such ammo can offer good recoil control for shooters who want a softer shooting experience. Although the ammo delivers plenty of power, the larger diameter bullet helps dampen that power and makes it easier to handle.

Our Selection 15 Best 🎯 500 S&W Magnum Ammo – Editor’s Choice

1# 500 S&W Magnum – 300 Grain JHP – Armscor

500 S&W Magnum - 300 Grain JHP - Armscor

20 Rounds

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. So when you’re out in the field, you can rest assured knowing that you have the best possible round for the job.

Pros:
  • Powerful round for a large game
  • Excellent penetration
  • Reloadable
  • Non-corrosive Boxer primers
  • Time-tested propellant
Cons:
  • Some shooters complain about poor accuracy
  • Brass сasing is not as strong as other materials

 

2# 500 S&W – 275 Grain Barnes Expander – Federal Vital-Shok

500 S&W - 275 Grain Barnes Expander - Federal Vital-Shok

20 Rounds

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 more 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. Order yours today and be prepared for anything.

Pros:
  • Excellent stopping power
  • Reliable and consistent
  • Minimal recoil for greater accuracy
  • Perfect weight retention
Cons:
  • May not be legal in all states
  • Sometimes not commercially available

 

3# 500 S&W Magnum – 300 Grain FTX JHP – Hornady LEVERevolution

500 S&W Magnum - 300 Grain FTX JHP - Hornady LEVERevolution

20 Rounds

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. Don’t wait any longer – order 500 S&W Magnum by Hornady just now!

Pros:
  • Powerful and accurate
  • Designed for rapid expansion in soft tissue
  • The polymer-filled cavity is designed to prevent bullet failure due to clogging
  • Hornady ammunition is loaded in Nebraska
Cons:
  • May not be enough for a larger game
  • A little more expensive than others

 

4# 500 S&W – 500 Grain Flat Point XTP – Hornady Custom

500 S&W - 500 Grain Flat Point XTP - Hornady Custom

20 Rounds

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. When you need a round that you can count on to get the job done, reach for the 500 S&W.

Pros:
  • Reliable round capable of taking down big game
  • Features Hornady’s XTP bullet for accuracy, reliability, and controlled expansion
  • Can count on 500 S&W to get the job done
  • Smith & Wesson’s most powerful handgun round
Cons:
  • Some shooters complain that it’s hard to reload
  • Not as durable as other rounds

 

5# 500 S&W Magnum – 400 gr SJSP – Magtech

500 S&W Magnum - 400 gr SJSP - Magtech 

20 Rounds

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, a 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. 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!

Video review

Pros:
  • Reloadable
  • Boxer primer
  • Non-corrosive propellant
  • Excellent for self-defense
  • Perfect for target practice
Cons:
  • May be too powerful for some shooters
  • Can be expensive
  • May not be available in all areas

 

6# 500 S&W Magnum – 325 Grain SJSP Flat – Magtech

500 S&W Magnum - 325 Grain SJSP Flat - Magtech 

20 Rounds

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.

Pros:
  • Rounds from a quality ammunition manufacturer since 1926
  • High-powered round for the Smith & Wesson 500 revolver
  • Excellent accuracy and reliability
  • Designed to maximize energy transfer on impact
Cons:
  • It may be unavailable
  • May not be powerful enough for a big game

 

7# 500 S&W – 325 Grain SJSP-Flat – Magtech Light Loading

500 S&W - 325 Grain SJSP-Flat - Magtech Light Loading 

20 Rounds

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.

Pros:
  • Reduced recoil
  • Less wear and tear on your firearm
  • More accurate at typical pistol distances
  • Ammunition is made by a reputable company
Cons:
  • Not as powerful as other loads

 

8# 500 S&W Magnum – 500 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance – Hornady

500 S&W Magnum - 500 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance - Hornady

20 Rounds

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 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!

Pros:
  • The highest level of quality control
  • Designed for maximum penetration and expansion
  • Offer outstanding accuracy and consistency
  • Every round is hand inspected before packaging
Cons:
  • The bullet may damage the target too much
  • May be too powerful for some users

 

9# 500 S&W Magnum – 375 Grain Bonded Dual Jacket – Winchester

500 S&W Magnum - 375 Grain Bonded Dual Jacket - Winchester

20 Rounds

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. Reach for Winchester if you want the most powerful round on the market.

Pros:
  • Massive knock-down power
  • Lethal performance at a variety of ranges
  • The 12-segment design provides two times the expansion
  • A hollow point ensures quick kills
  • Maximum retention
Cons:
  • 500 S&W Mag Ammo is expensive
  • May not be available in your area
  • Not recommended for use in handguns with ported barrels

 

10# 500 S&W Magnum – 350 Grain JHP – Winchester

500 S&W Magnum - 350 Grain JHP - Winchester

20 Rounds

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.

Pros:
  • Tough and reliable rounds
  • Designed to perform in any condition
  • Jacketed hollow point bullet for consistent expansion and penetration
  • Ideal for larger prey
  • Always prepared for whatever comes your way
Cons:
  • May not be as powerful as other 500 S&W Mag Ammo
  • Might not be as accurate as others

 

11# 500 S&W Magnum – 325 Grain Fusion Soft Point – Federal Premium

500 S&W Magnum - 325 Grain Fusion Soft Point - Federal Premium

20 Rounds

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. 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.

Pros:
  • Tougher and more reliable than other ammo types
  • Specifically engineered for deep penetration and maximum energy transfer
  • Ideal for taking down even the largest game animals
  • Soft point design expands on impact for greater tissue damage
Cons:
  • Can be more expensive
  • May be too powerful for some types of hunting

 

12# 500 S&W Magnum – 325 Grain Swift A-Frame – Federal Premium

500 S&W Magnum - 325 Grain Swift A-Frame - Federal Premium

20 Rounds

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.

Pros:
  • Superior stopping power
  • Exceptional accuracy
  • Penetrates deep
  • Rugged design
  • Specially formulated propellant
  • Unique Federal primer
Cons:
  • Pricey
  • Limited availability
  • Can be hard to reload

 

13# 500 S&W Magnum – 300 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding – Hornady

500 S&W Magnum - 300 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding - Hornady

20 Rounds

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. Don’t settle for anything less than the best – choose Hornady LEVERevolution Centerfire Handgun Ammunition for your next shooting adventure.

Pros:
  • The higher ballistic coefficient for flatter trajectories
  • Dramatically better than older designs
  • Inventive performance in bullets
  • Safe design
  • Accurate and consistent
Cons:
  • Can mean more expensive ammo
  • May not be suitable for all shooters and hunting applications

 

14# 500 S&W Magnum – 275 Grain Barnes Expander – Federal Premium

500 S&W Magnum - 275 Grain Barnes Expander - Federal Premium

20 Rounds

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.

Pros:
  • Excellent quality
  • Proven performance
  • Dependable
  • Accurate
  • Consistent
Cons:
  • Maybe a bit too powerful for some shooters
  • Could be more expensive than other brands

 

15# 500 S&W Magnum – 400 Grain Platinum Tip Hollow Point – Winchester

500 S&W Magnum - 400 Grain Platinum Tip Hollow Point - Winchester

20 Rounds

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.

Pros:
  • Unparalleled stopping power for big game animals
  • Patented Notched Reverse Taper Bullet Jacket
  • Maximum penetration
  • Massive six-segment expansion
Cons:
  • May not deliver the desired results in all cases
  • Could cause excessive damage to the target

 

How to reload? 🧑‍🔧

🛠️ Reloading 500 S&W Mag ammo is straightforward. Many people prefer to reload their ammo because it saves them money over buying factory-loaded ammunition.

  • ➡️ Select a type of primer suitable for the cartridge case. As with all primers, be sure that the primer size matches the caliber of the cartridge case.
  • ➡️ Once you have chosen and purchased the proper primer, load it into each casing using your reloading press or hand tool.
  • ➡️ Next, measure out your desired powder charge for each round and drop it into the casing using an appropriate powder measure.
  • ➡️ Once the primer and powder have been properly loaded, select a bullet of the appropriate size for your 500 S&W Mag cartridge case.
  • ➡️ After selecting the proper bullet, drop it down the barrel of your gun before seating it in the casing with a die on your reloading press.
  • ➡️ Once all rounds have been loaded with bullets, crimp them into place if necessary using an appropriate tool on your reloading press.
  • ➡️ Inspect all rounds before storing them away. Examining each round carefully can help to ensure that each round is properly loaded and will fire safely when fired.

😀 By following these simple steps, you can easily reload your ammo with confidence.

FAQ 🧐

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.

😉 This ammo is best suited for larger guns like revolvers, and may not be as effective in smaller guns.

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 include deer, hogs, and elk.

Can it 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 difference between 500 S&W Special and Magnum?

✅ The 500 S&W Magnum and 500 S&W Special are two types of handgun ammunition designed by Smith & Wesson. As their names suggest, the 500 S&W Magnum is a more powerful round than the 500 S&W Special.

💥 The major difference between them lies in their operating pressures.

💠 The 500 S&W Magnum operates at a higher pressure than the 500 S&W Special (32,000 PSI vs 28,000 PSI). As such, it produces higher muzzle velocities while also generating greater recoil forces. The increased pressure of the 500 S&W Magnum also results in deeper penetration when compared to its less powerful counterpart. This makes it well-suited for hunting games that may require deep penetration, such as large bears.

💠 On the other hand, the 500 S&W Special is better suited for target shooting and self-defense due to its more manageable recoil forces and lighter-weight bullets.

What is an effective range of it?

🔵 The 500 Magnum cartridge is a powerful round, capable of shooting up to 1,600 feet per second.

🔵 It has an effective range of 300 yards and can reach out further with the right load selection.

🤠 With its large caliber and high energy levels, it is used for hunting large games such as elk or bear.

Conclusion 😊

The 500 S&W Mag ammo is a great choice for high-powered handguns and it can provide reliable performance in both hunting and target shooting scenarios. We hope that this guide helped help you find the best ammunition for your needs. Thanks for taking the time to read this guide! Happy shooting! 🎯😎

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Blake Ellis
Blake Ellis
11 months ago

I love my S&W 500 and have been told that the Remington 44 magnum round may be compatible with my firearm. They are wondering if any other alternative rounds can be used.

Adam Williams
Editor
Reply to  Blake Ellis
11 months ago

📌 I want to inform you that only the 500 S&W Magnum, the 500 Special, and the 500 JRH cartridges are safe to use with a 500 S&W Magnum firearm.
🚨 Firing any other round can cause serious damage to the gun and injury to the shooter.

Nicholas Dawson
Nicholas Dawson
Reply to  Blake Ellis
11 months ago

I strongly advise against taking any advice about firearms from anyone who suggests using a 44-round with a 500 S&W Magnum pistol. Because it may be dangerous for you.

Snukkut
Snukkut
11 months ago

I recently bought a 500 Magnum revolver with an 8.3″ barrel and it’s truly an incredible firearm. However, I prefer not to shoot lead and was wondering what the best rounds would be for my gun. I’ve looked into Hornady ammo and a few others, but I haven’t been able to find the Winchester ammo that’s highly recommended. I’m considering using 275-300 gr ammo, but I want to make sure it’s reliable. Any advice on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Kevin Pitts
Kevin Pitts
Reply to  Snukkut
11 months ago

In my experience, any ammo for the 500 Magnum is typically quite reliable. When I had my own model 500, I exclusively used Hornady ammo. If it’s just for range time, any type of ammo should suffice.

Jupgiem
Jupgiem
Reply to  Snukkut
11 months ago

I don’t recommend using the 500 Magnum for home defense as it can be quite dangerous. If you miss your target, the bullet can easily penetrate through multiple houses down the road.

Axel Dyer
Axel Dyer
Reply to  Snukkut
11 months ago

In my experience, there’s nothing wrong with using properly alloyed, sized, and lubed hard-cast lead bullets. I’ve been using them for around 20-30 years and they’ve worked well for me. I’d say about 99% of my magnum revolver shooting has been done with hard-cast lead bullets.

Volcaath
Volcaath
11 months ago

Hello, I’m new to reloading. I have only reloaded about 500 rounds so far, but I recently encountered a problem. I mainly reload the 500 S&W Magnum using 350 and 700-grain bullets with H110 powder. I initially loaded 10 rounds each of 39, 40, 41, 42, and 43-grain loads using large rifle primers, and they all shot great with no issues. I then reloaded another 150 rounds with 43 grains of H110, and they also fired without issue. However, when I ordered some 700-grain hard-cast bullets and loaded them with H110 powder ranging from 26 to 29 grains, they were not as enjoyable to shoot since it felt like I was getting hit in the hand with a sledgehammer every time I pulled the trigger.

Hector Frye
Hector Frye
Reply to  Volcaath
11 months ago

Based on your description, the only thing that caught my attention was the use of standard large rifle primers instead of magnum primers with H110 powder. I’ve heard that magnum primers are highly recommended with this powder. It also seems like you might have some powder degradation going on.

Kinwez
Kinwez
Reply to  Volcaath
11 months ago

In my experience, I have found that it is highly recommended to use magnum primers when using H-110/296 powder, as they can be difficult to ignite. This is especially true when using large charges, such as the ones you mentioned for your 500 S&W Mag rounds. If you have been using large rifle primers, I would suggest trying the Fed 215 magnum primers. Additionally, as for the issue with your rounds failing to fire, the powder may have degraded over time.