.500 S&W. Bullet for Buffalo.

**TStone** · 25-11-2021, 11:33

When I found out that an American client was bringing a .500 rifle on a buffalo hunt next year I was quite excited, imagining that it would be a .500 Nitro Express or a .500 Jeffery. Well, turns out it is a custom built lever action in .500 S&W even though it is very powerful handgun cartridge it is still a handgun cartridge.

He is quite excited and really want to use this rifle if possible. Does anyone here have any experience with this cartridge? And if it can be used for buffalo, what would be a suitable bullet? He does hand load and is a good hunter and shot.

**driepootx** · 25-11-2021, 12:06

What barrel length and bullet to be used? I see the revolver has a 62K psi rating according to QL. Playing with different bullet weights gets around 3000ft-lbs.

**MyLani** · 25-11-2021, 12:18

If he can get an expanding Monolithic bullet, that should work. Not to sure on what is available as a Bonded cup and core bullet for handguns.
With the monolithic, you are at least guaranteed decent penetration

**TStone** · 25-11-2021, 12:24

Originally Posted by driepootx

What barrel length and bullet to be used? I see the revolver has a 62K psi rating according to QL. Playing with different bullet weights gets around 3000ft-lbs.

It is an 18" barrel. He has not picked a bullet yet and is open to advice.

**TStone** · 25-11-2021, 12:29

Originally Posted by MyLani

If he can get an expanding Monolithic bullet, that should work. Not to sure on what is available as a Bonded cup and core bullet for handguns.
With the monolithic, you are at least guaranteed decent penetration

I had a quick look for bullets and could not find an expanding bullet that looked up to the task. Problem is that even a 400gr bullet in .500" is a short fat bullet.

Barnes makes a 375gr monolithic hollow point. I have no experience of Barnes handgun bullets.

Swift A-frame is available in 325gr but I think that might be too light.

**driepootx** · 25-11-2021, 15:27

Attachment 34119

https://www.barnesbullets.com/product/xpb-pistol/

**TStone** · 25-11-2021, 15:34

Thanks Driepoot. I think it is powerful enough but the most important question is whether it will penetrate deep enough. I'm trying to get hold of someone who have actually used one on a buffalo.