Big Horn Armory 500 S&W--general and reloading experiences sought

[benny123]

I previously posted about an article from John Ross regarding loading the 500 S&W to its potential in the X frame revolver. I asked as I am expecting a rifle from Big Horn Armory. Until today, I hadn't been able to reach BHA. I inquired about their loading data for this caliber as well as data on their cartridge specs for this lever action. I was of the assumption that loading data would be shared as they construct this firearm from 17-4ph stainless. What I believe to be the same same steel/alloy designation that gives Freedom Arms their strength and the capability to withstand 55/60k psi loads in their 454 Casull. I was told no reloading data was available and that the warranty would be voided with the use of any non factory ammunition. My appeal for not paying what amounts to about $3.5 per factory round was ignored. My attempt at cozying upto Sheila by explaining how I respect the firearms industry in Wyoming and actively support Freedom Arms went nowhere as well. I explained how freedom arms readily publishes loading data for their calibers and why it doesn't make them somehow culpable for accidents involving hand loaded ammunition. Prior to speaking to her, I thought they'd be proud to furnish data for a lever action that is unique in the industry.

If anyone has this carbine/rifle or is familiar with the outfit, I'd appreciate your feedback.

[JSilva]

Buffalo Bore makes some pretty hot stuff. Ask if they include Buffalo Bore in the list of recommended factory ammo.
~Justin

[450ak]

Typical response from them.... Lil gun is your friend in maximum loads. I've run a 450 Keith gas check at 2k, not sure why but it was fun!!!! I've also stuck cases which is probably 100,000 psi with other loadings.Trail boss and blackhorn 209 make fun loads, no recoil and very little noise with trail boss. Make sure you trim cases, they will stretch with heavy loads. Hornadys case trimmer works very well because the cutter is large enough.
Powdered rosin helps hold the rear sight in place with heavy loads or Wyoming dust works too.
Ask away, I do know a fair amount about this rifle.

Regards Frank

[benny123]

Justin, they do list Buffalo Bore and as far as I could tell all other fodder for this call from the big factories. No disrespect to Buffalo Bore but I can't regularly buy their ammunition.

Frank, thanks for the feedback. Your 450 was cookin' . I have mostly "custom" molds (gas check design) for the bigger calibers. I have a mold that weights 460-490gr depending on whether I use Linotype or wheel weights for the .50(I bought it for my FA 500) . For this gun, I was considering a 500 or so grain GC design bullet to slow it down a bit while still being efficient for the caliber. A consideration was borrowing John Ross cartridge specs from the article referenced. But 2 issues arise: overall length may exceed the '89s action capability; the lack of specific load data/pressure-testing translate to a dangerous level of risk. John Ross' article was very informative; unfortunately, in the article there wasn't a lot of data to substantiate his results. I stayed a way from lil gun after some of the industry turned away from it due to the temp issues. But, I know in many cases data supports a lower pressure relative to W296 for similar loads

I'd like to hone in on the COAL. When i get it, I suppose I could make dummy rounds with various crimp to nose lengths to test the reliability of the action.

[JSilva]

Hello,
I suggested buffalo bore because they load on the hot side; it gives me an idea what power levels may work safely.
if you powder coat, which I recommend, you can skip the gas check. I run 400 grain spire points at 1400-1500 fps without issues and skipping that disc sure saves extra work.
I can share my load if you like but sadly, my favorite bullet will not work well in a tube fed gun due to the sharp point.
noebulletmolds.com/NV/product_info.php?cPath=43_132&products_id=1714
I'm a bit jealous, I hope the new rifle does not disappoint you.

~Justin

[450ak]

My 450 loaded is 2.055. anything longer will give you functioning issues. All the jacketed stuff will run through, the best one being the 400 grain Hornady soft. We put one in the right shoulder of a Shiras bull moose. Bullet ended in the left hip weighing 395 grains. Range was thirty yards or so. The load was 41.6 of lilgun which was tested by Hornady and it's under 50k psi. Velocity is close to two thousand.No you can't run the ridiculous weight bullets through this rifle, and I rather doubt they are stable anyway. The original fifty with a 450 was quite the rifle and those loads were in the midteens velocity wise.

[450ak]

Get the Lyman 501680 for a fun bullet, 9 of trail boss for 900fps will make anybody smile. Same bullet with 35 grains of blackhorn209 runs 1150. I use the Mihec 400 solid in my octagon rifle and my 450 Keith in my carbine. Both are gas check. The hollow point Mihec at 380 grains with 47 of 300mp, rem9 1/2 primer is just over 2200 and blows up armadillos beautifully. Picket pins disappear......

[benny123]

Very helpful, guys--thanks. Coated bullets seem like a great idea. I just don't know if I have the patience for the process. 450AK, hope you don't mind me PM'g you in the the top of the week

By the way before I bought the BHA , I called and asked about cost of an octagon upgrade or barrel shortening (to carbine length)

Bear in mind thie retrofit was on a new rifle at the FFl

Via email, i was quoted $2,000.00 for the octagon barrel

And $$950 to shorten the barrel.

I was floored.

I honestally thought the barrel shortening would cost about $500, tops . The octagon barrel, I wasn't sure but would have considered it if 1k. I was way off. Maybe that was a good thing!

[seak89]

Funny when H&R was still going strong they had no problem hot rodding their low cost 500S&W handy rifle with no supper fancy steels. I know my cowboy classic in 45colt reamed to fit 454 then 460 S&W is still going strong after thousands of rounds on a 300.00 price tag.