The .500 S&W Magnum is a formidable cartridge, known for its immense stopping power. Pushing that power to its limits often involves using heavier projectiles, and among these, the 700-grain bullet stands out. This article explores the characteristics, applications, and considerations of 700-grain 500 S&W bullets. Understanding their unique properties is crucial for responsible and effective use.
Understanding 700-Grain 500 S&W Bullet Performance
700-grain bullets in .500 S&W represent the upper echelon of heavyweight projectiles for this cartridge. Their significant mass delivers substantial kinetic energy, even at lower velocities compared to lighter bullets. This translates to impressive stopping power, making them particularly attractive for hunting large game and dangerous animals.
Advantages of 700-Grain Bullets
- Exceptional Stopping Power: The sheer weight of the bullet ensures deep penetration and significant tissue damage, resulting in a higher likelihood of a quick, humane kill.
- Reduced Recoil (Relatively): While still powerful, the heavier bullet can actually reduce felt recoil compared to lighter, faster bullets of the same caliber. This is due to the slower velocity and therefore reduced momentum transferred to the shooter.
- Superior Penetration: 700-grain bullets are renowned for their ability to penetrate dense cover and thick hides, making them effective against animals with substantial bone structure or protective layers.
- Controlled Expansion: Many 700-grain bullets are designed for controlled expansion, maximizing energy transfer within the target without excessive fragmentation.
Disadvantages of 700-Grain Bullets
- Lower Velocity: The heavier bullet will naturally have a lower muzzle velocity compared to lighter bullets, resulting in a flatter trajectory and shorter effective range.
- Increased Barrel Wear: Firing heavy bullets puts more stress on the gun barrel, potentially leading to increased wear and tear over time.
- More Significant Recoil (Compared to lighter loads): While less recoil than faster lighter rounds, it's important to acknowledge that these rounds still have substantial recoil, requiring proper shooting technique and safety precautions.
- Limited Availability: 700-grain 700 S&W bullets might be less readily available compared to more common bullet weights.
Applications of 700-Grain 500 S&W Bullets
700-grain 500 S&W bullets are ideally suited for specific applications where exceptional stopping power is paramount.
Hunting Large Game
This is the primary application of these heavy bullets. They are exceptionally effective on animals like:
- Brown Bears: Their ability to penetrate thick hides and bone structure makes them ideal for ethically and effectively taking down these large predators.
- Grizzly Bears: Similar to brown bears, the stopping power is critical.
- Moose: The immense weight ensures deep penetration, maximizing the chance of a clean kill.
- African Big Game: While other calibers might be preferred by some hunters, the .500 S&W with 700-grain bullets offers impressive stopping power for dangerous game.
Note: Always check local hunting regulations before using any ammunition.
Defensive Applications
While less common than for hunting, some individuals might consider 700-grain bullets for extreme self-defense scenarios, particularly in areas with potentially dangerous wildlife encounters. However, the significant recoil and limited capacity of most .500 S&W revolvers should be carefully considered.
Choosing the Right 700-Grain 500 S&W Bullet
Several manufacturers produce 700-grain bullets for the .500 S&W. Key factors to consider when selecting a bullet include:
- Bullet Construction: Solid copper, lead, or a combination of materials each offers different penetration and expansion characteristics.
- Bullet Shape: Different bullet shapes (e.g., round nose, flat nose) affect penetration and trajectory.
- Manufacturer Reputation: Choose bullets from reputable manufacturers with a history of producing high-quality, reliable ammunition.
Safety Considerations
The .500 S&W Magnum with 700-grain bullets is exceptionally powerful ammunition. Always:
- Practice proper shooting techniques: This includes a firm grip, proper stance, and consistent follow-through.
- Use appropriate hearing and eye protection: The loud report and potential for projectile fragments necessitate this precaution.
- Be aware of the recoil: The significant recoil can be jarring, particularly for less experienced shooters.
- Store ammunition safely: Follow all storage guidelines to prevent accidental discharge or misuse.
Conclusion
700-grain 500 S&W bullets offer unmatched stopping power for specific applications, primarily large-game hunting. However, their use requires careful consideration of their limitations, including lower velocity, increased barrel wear, and substantial recoil. By understanding the characteristics and applications of these heavy bullets, shooters can utilize them responsibly and effectively. Always prioritize safety and adhere to all applicable regulations.