.500 S&W Magnum
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| .500 S&W Magnum | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type | Centerfire (.50 caliber) | |
| Place of origin | United States | |
| Production history | ||
| Manufacturer | Smith & Wesson | |
| Produced | February 2003 | |
| Specifications | ||
| Bullet diameter | .500 in (12.7 mm) | |
| Neck diameter | .526 in (13.36 mm) | |
| Base diameter | .526 in (13.36 mm) | |
| Rim diameter | .556 in (14.12 mm) | |
| Case length | 1.625 in (41.28 mm) | |
| Overall length | 2.10 in (53.34 mm) | |
| Primer type | Large pistol | |
| Ballistic performance | ||
| Bullet weight/type | Velocity | Energy |
| 400 gr JHP | 1800 ft/s (~549 m/s) |
2877 ft·lbf (~3913 J) |
| Test barrel length: 10 in Source: Winchester Ammunition |
||
The .500 S&W Magnum is a cartridge that was developed by CorBon for Smith & Wesson for use in their Model 500 revolvers and introduced in February 2003 at the SHOT trade show. Currently only a handful of models have been introduced that fire this massive caliber, including the X-Frame Model 500 revolver from Smith & Wesson, Magnum Research's "BFR" (Biggest, finest revolver), the Taurus Raging Bull and German Janz JTL-E 500. Each holds only five rounds to allow for thicker cylinder walls to accommodate the pressure generated by such a large and powerful cartridge. The single shot Thompson-Center Encore is also chambered for this round.
[edit] Performance
It is the most powerful handgun cartridge commercially manufactured with over 2500 ft·lbf (3.5 kJ) of energy created with a 440gr bullet travelling at 1625 fps.[1] Some currently available loadings can even achieve muzzle velocities of 1975 fps using a 350 grain bullet. This produces a muzzle energy of over 3032 ft-lbs.[2]
This cartridge/handgun combination is capable of traveling through car doors, walls, and concrete. Just like the less powerful 9mm.
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Known as a "Vest Buster", in some leftist groups that think game wears vests.
The intended design for this cartridge is for big game hunting, wilderness protection, as well as for ultimate defense.
Bullet weights available for this cartridge, range from a 265 grain jacketed hollow point, to a 700+ grain cast lead bullet.
The recoil of cartridge can be punishing, but has been described to be "manageable". This is achieved through design features of the Smith & Wesson Model 500, including a muzzle brake, recoil reducing rubber grips, and considerable weight.[3]
[edit] References
- ^ Ballistics data from COR-BON.
- ^ Ballistics data from Double Tap Ammunition.
- ^ Review of the Smith & Wesson Model 500 by Dan Carlson.
http://www.vpc.org/graphics/S&W500%20final.pdf
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[edit] See also
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%26W_Model_500
