MyLoads Open the calculator →

500 S&W Magnum Load Data & Ballistics Calculator

Estimate chamber pressure and muzzle velocity for the 500 S&W Magnum with the free, in-browser MyLoads internal-ballistics simulator. The figures below are illustrative estimates from a physics model — not a recommended recipe. Always cross-check a current published loading manual.

500 S&W Magnum reference

Maximum average pressure (MAP)60,000 psi
Nominal case capacity57.0 gr H₂O
Groove / bullet diameter0.500 in (12.70 mm)

Example simulation illustrative

Bullet
Sierra 50 Caliber (.5) 400 gr JSP Sports Master
Powder
Hodgdon Lil'Gun
Charge
33 gr
Barrel
8.375 in

Muzzle velocity

1,385 fps

Peak chamber pressure (interval, ±10% burn-rate)

26,445 – 32,034 – 37,680 psi

nominal is 53% of the 60,000 psi maximum average pressure

Illustrative example — every figure is an estimate; always confirm your load against a current published manual before loading.

Use MyLoads as a 500 S&W Magnum velocity and pressure calculator: it estimates muzzle velocity, muzzle energy and the full chamber-pressure curve for your own powder, charge and barrel length, compared against the reference facts above.

Open the 500 S&W Magnum in the MyLoads calculator →

More cartridges