How hard does a 500 Magnum really hit? It depends far more on the load than most shooters think. The bullets we stock run from 275 grains to 700 grains. That spread changes speed, recoil and what the round is good for. This guide covers 500 S&W ballistics for each load on our shelves, and how to read the numbers before you buy.
The 500 S&W Magnum in Brief
Smith & Wesson brought out the 500 S&W Magnum in 2003, along with its large X-frame revolver. The goal was simple. Build a handgun round that could take the largest game in North America.
What caliber is a 500 Magnum? It fires a bullet that measures .500 inch across. The case is long and straight. Most guns that fire it are big revolvers, but a few lever rifles and single-shot pistols are chambered for it too.
It is a handgun cartridge, but it plays in rifle territory. Several loads below top 2,500 foot-pounds at the muzzle.
Light and Mid-Weight Loads: 275 to 350 Grains
Lighter bullets go fast and shoot flatter. They suit deer, hogs and range work. Recoil is still stout, but it is the gentle end of this cartridge.
| Load | Grain | Bullet | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Premium Barnes XPB | 275 | Copper hollow point | 1,840 | 2,067 | 20-round box |
| Underwood Barnes XPB | 275 | Copper hollow point | 2,100 | 2,692 | 20-round box |
| Hornady Custom FTX | 300 | Polymer tip | 2,050 | 2,868 | 20-round box |
| Magtech Light Loading | 325 | Semi-jacketed soft point | 1,378 | 1,370 | 20-round box |
| Magtech FMJ | 325 | Full metal jacket | 1,801 | 2,341 | 20-round box |
| Swift A-Frame | 325 | Bonded JHP | 1,910 | 2,633 | 20-round box |
| Federal Premium Swift A-Frame | 325 | Bonded JHP | 1,800 | 2,338 | 20-round box |
| Underwood XTP | 350 | Jacketed hollow point | 1,912 | 2,842 | 20-round box |
The top speed in this group comes from Hornady Custom 300 grain FTX at 2,050 fps and 2,868 ft-lb. For a softer range day, Magtech Light Loading 325 grain lists 1,378 fps and 1,370 ft-lb.
Heavy Loads: 400 to 700 Grains
Heavy bullets move slower but carry great weight. They are built to drive deep through thick hide and bone. This is the bear-country end of 500 S&W ballistics.
| Load | Grain | Bullet | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Bore Dangerous Game | 400 | Solid copper flat nose | 1,850 | 3,039 | 20-round box |
| Magtech SJSP | 400 | Semi-jacketed soft point | 1,608 | 2,297 | 20-round box |
| Underwood Xtreme Penetrator | 420 | Fluted copper | 1,650 | 2,539 | 20-round box |
| Buffalo Bore High Velocity | 440 | Hard cast flat nose | 1,625 | 2,579 | 20-round box |
| Grizzly Bear Load | 440 | Cast flat nose | 1,550 | 2,347 | 20-round box |
| Hornady Custom XTP | 500 | Jacketed flat nose | 1,425 | 2,254 | 20-round box |
| Underwood Hard Cast | 500 | Hard cast flat nose | 1,500 | 2,498 | 20-round box |
| Grizzly Bear Load FMJ | 600 | Full metal jacket | 1,510 | 3,037 | 20-round box |
| Underwood Hard Cast | 700 | Hard cast flat nose | 1,200 | 2,239 | 20-round box |
Note how energy flattens out as weight climbs. Underwood 700 grain hard cast lists 1,200 fps and 2,239 ft-lb. That is less energy than some 400-grain loads. Yet a slow, heavy, flat-nosed bullet is chosen for depth, not for a big energy figure.
How to Read the Numbers
Velocity
Velocity is speed at the muzzle in feet per second. More speed means a flatter path and, for hollow points, more reliable expansion.
Energy
Energy is measured in foot-pounds. It comes from bullet weight and the square of velocity. That is why a light, fast bullet can post a big number.
Bullet construction
The number on the box does not show how a bullet is built. A bonded hollow point opens wide and holds together. A hard cast flat nose barely changes shape and pushes deep. A copper solid like Buffalo Bore Dangerous Game 400 grain at 1,850 fps is made to stay intact. Read the bullet type first, then the numbers.
Will a 500 Magnum Stop a Grizzly?
People ask this a lot. The round has the power. But shot placement, bullet choice and your skill under stress matter more. For bears, most guides point to heavy hard cast or solid bullets. Examples include Grizzly Bear Load 440 grain and Underwood 500 grain hard cast.
Practice with the load you plan to carry. A gun you can’t control is no help in a charge. Check your state’s rules on carry and on hunting with a handgun.
Picking a Bullet Weight
- Range practice: light or full metal jacket loads such as Magtech 325 grain.
- Deer and hogs: 275 to 350-grain expanding bullets.
- Elk, moose and big bears: 400 to 500-grain bonded, copper or hard cast bullets.
- Thick-skinned game: the 600 and 700-grain hard cast and FMJ loads.
Barrel Length Changes Everything
Revolver barrels range from short carry guns to long hunting models. Swift lists an 8.75-inch test barrel for its A-Frame load. A shorter barrel will give up speed, and the loss can be large with this much powder. The cylinder gap on a revolver also bleeds off some speed. Treat the published 500 S&W ballistics as a ceiling, then test your own gun.
Want to compare? See our 50 AE ballistic data guide for the semi-auto .50, or the 45-70 Government ballistic data guide for a big-bore rifle round.
Shop 500 S&W Ammo
Every load in these tables is in our 500 S&W ammo collection. Pick by bullet weight, then by build.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caliber is a 500 Magnum?
The 500 S&W Magnum fires a bullet that measures .500 inch. It is a straight-walled handgun cartridge. It is not the same as the 50 AE or the 50 BMG, and the rounds do not swap between guns.
Will a 500 Magnum kill a grizzly bear?
It has the power for it with the right bullet and good shot placement. Heavy hard cast or solid copper loads are the usual choice for big bears. Skill under stress matters as much as the round. Check local rules on carry and hunting.
When was the 500 Magnum made?
Smith & Wesson introduced the 500 S&W Magnum in 2003. It launched with the company’s large X-frame revolver, the Model 500. It was built to be a handgun round for the largest North American game.
Can the 500 S&W Magnum be purchased online?
In many places, yes. Federal law sets 21 as the minimum age to buy handgun ammo from a licensed dealer. Some states and cities add their own limits on ammo sales or shipping. Check your local laws before you order.
How fast is a 500 S&W round?
It depends on the load. In our stock, Hornady Custom 300 grain FTX lists 2,050 fps. Heavy hard cast loads run much slower, such as Underwood 700 grain at 1,200 fps. Short barrels give lower speeds than the box.
