The 500 S&W Magnum is a centerfire handgun cartridge standardised by SAAMI in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.3. SAAMI sets its maximum average pressure at 60,000 psi. This guide sets out SAAMI’s published reference velocity for each bullet weight, computes the muzzle energy each one carries, and compares the 500 S&W Magnum with the 454 Casull on the same basis.
500 S&W ballistics chart: SAAMI reference data
SAAMI publishes one nominal mean instrumental velocity for each reference bullet weight, measured at 15 feet from the standard test barrel. It does not publish energy, so the ft-lb column is computed. Where SAAMI lists more than one velocity for a weight, both ends of the span are shown.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Bullet weight | Reference velocity | Computed muzzle energy |
|---|---|---|
| 275 gr | 1,620 fps | 1,602 ft-lb |
| 300 gr | 1,940–2,050 fps | 2,507–2,799 ft-lb |
| 325 gr | 2,000 fps | 2,886 ft-lb |
| 350 gr | 1,400–1,800 fps | 1,523–2,518 ft-lb |
| 400 gr | 1,800 fps | 2,877 ft-lb |
| 440 gr | 1,625 fps | 2,579 ft-lb |
| 500 gr | 1,410 fps | 2,207 ft-lb |
What the numbers mean for a shot
SAAMI lists 7 reference bullet weights for the 500 S&W Magnum, from 275 to 500 grains. The lightest, 275 grains, is listed at 1,620 fps, which computes to 1,602 ft-lb. The heaviest, 500 grains, is listed at 1,410 fps, which computes to 2,207 ft-lb. The most energetic reference load is the 325-grain at 2,000 fps: 2,886 ft-lb computed. The fastest is the 300-grain at 2,050 fps.
SAAMI lists more than one reference velocity for 300 and 350 grains. Its own note says this is because a weight can carry several introductions meeting different market needs, such as reduced-recoil loads, or because propellant and loading advances allowed higher velocities after the original load appeared.
None of this is a downrange figure. SAAMI measures at 15 feet, so retained velocity, energy and drop depend on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient, which SAAMI does not publish. Each product in our 500 S&W ammo range lists whatever its maker publishes for that item.
Barrel, chamber and pressure
The maximum average pressure is 60,000 psi. Fire 500 S&W Magnum ammunition only in a firearm chambered for it. Several unrelated cartridges share a number, so match the full designation on the box to the marking on your barrel.
500 S&W vs 454 Casull: the SAAMI comparison
A figure from one maker’s catalogue cannot be laid beside a figure from another’s: each picks its own test barrel, zero and bullet, and many publish no test barrel at all. SAAMI is the shared basis, because it fixes one standard test barrel and one way of measuring velocity for every cartridge it lists.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| SAAMI specification | 500 S&W Magnum | 454 Casull |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum average pressure | 60,000 psi | 65,000 psi |
| Standard test barrel length | Revolver test barrel (see SAAMI drawing) | Revolver test barrel (see SAAMI drawing) |
| Test barrel twist rate | 1 turn in 18.75 in | 1 turn in 24.00 in |
| Test barrel groove diameter | .4983 in | .452 in |
| Lightest reference load | 275 gr — 1,620 fps / 1,602 ft-lb | 200 gr — 2,025 fps / 1,821 ft-lb |
| A weight both list | 300 gr — 1,940–2,050 fps / 2,507–2,799 ft-lb | 300 gr — 1,825–1,950 fps / 2,218–2,533 ft-lb |
| Heaviest reference load | 500 gr — 1,410 fps / 2,207 ft-lb | 300 gr — 1,825–1,950 fps / 2,218–2,533 ft-lb |
SAAMI standardises the 500 S&W Magnum at 60,000 psi and the 454 Casull at 65,000 psi, so the 500 S&W Magnum runs 5,000 psi lower. At 300 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 500 S&W Magnum reference velocity is up to 2,050 fps (2,799 ft-lb computed), against up to 1,950 fps (2,533 ft-lb) for the 454 Casull. On that row the 500 S&W Magnum carries the more energy.
What SAAMI cannot settle is anything past the muzzle. It publishes no ballistic coefficients and no downrange data, so it cannot say which cartridge shoots flatter at distance; that depends on the bullet. We stock the other side of this comparison too: 454 Casull ammo.
500 S&W ballistics questions
What is the maximum pressure of the 500 S&W Magnum?
ANSI/SAAMI Z299.3 sets the maximum average pressure for the 500 S&W Magnum at 60,000 psi.
What bullet weights does SAAMI list for the 500 S&W Magnum?
SAAMI lists 7 reference weights, from 275 to 500 grains: 275, 300, 325, 350, 400, 440 and 500.
Is the 500 S&W Magnum more powerful than the 454 Casull?
Power is not a SAAMI measure, but reference muzzle energy is a fair proxy. At 300 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 500 S&W Magnum reference velocity is up to 2,050 fps (2,799 ft-lb computed), against up to 1,950 fps (2,533 ft-lb) for the 454 Casull.
What is the effective range of the 500 S&W Magnum?
Effective range is not a SAAMI specification and it is not a measured figure. SAAMI measures velocity at 15 feet, so it says nothing about performance at distance; that depends on the bullet and the shooter.
How much does the 500 S&W Magnum drop at 100 yards?
SAAMI publishes muzzle velocity only, so it cannot give a drop figure. Drop depends on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient and on the zero range. A drop figure is unusable without its zero, so use the figure a maker prints for the specific load.
Where to buy these loads
Hilltop Armory carries 500 S&W ammunition from Underwood, Buffalo Bore, Grizzly Cartridge Company, Hornady, Magtech and Federal. Browse the full 500 S&W ammo range.
