500 S&W Magnum Ballistics Charts:
This 500 S&W Mag ballistic chart shows 325 Federal Premium Swift A-Frame rounds fired from an 8.5 inch barrel:
| Muzzle | 25 YDS | 50 YDS | |
| Velocity (FPS) | 1800 | 1677 | 1559 |
| Energy (FT/LB) | 2338 | 2028 | 1754 |
This 500 S&W Magnum ballistics chart shows 300 grain Hornady FTX fired from an 8.5 inch barrel:
| Muzzle | 25 YDS | 50 YDS | |
| Velocity (FPS) | 2075 | 1915 | 1764 |
| Energy (FT/LB) | 2868 | 2443 | 2073 |
This 500 S&W Mag ballistics chart shows 500 grain Hornady flat point XTP fired from an 8.5 inch barrel:
| Muzzle | 25 YDS | 50 YDS | |
| Velocity (FPS) | 1425 | 1350 | 1281 |
| Energy (FT/LB) | 2254 | 2022 | 1821 |
500 S&W Magnum History:
The 500 Smith & Wesson Magnum is Herb Belin’s idea of the most powerful handgun cartridge in the world, and he (along with S&W) has succeeded.
At the time, Belin was Director of Emerging Tech over and S&W, and was also responsible for the “fastest” handgun cartridge ever made, the 460 S&W.
The 500 S&W is capable of some serious power with the right loadings. For example, the more aerodynamic Hornady flex tip bullet packs a serious punch traveling over 2,000 feet per second with 2868 pounds of energy at the muzzle.
The cartridge was introduced to the shooting public in 2003 along with a new revolver designed to handle firing this powerhouse.
This cartridge is capable of hunting any animal on the North American continent and also excels as a dangerous animal defense gun.
Recoil is heavy and shooting handguns chambered in 500 Magnum is not recommended for people new to shooting.
Next, look at our big handgun ballistics chart.
