.500 S&W Special

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

.500 S&W Special
Type	Handgun
Place of origin	USA
Production history
Designer	Cor-Bon/Glaser
Designed	2004
Specifications
Case type	Rimless, straight
Ballistic performance
Bullet weight/type	Velocity	Energy
350 gr (23 g) FMJ	1,100 ft/s (340 m/s)	941 ft·lbf (1,276 J)
350 gr (23 g) JHP	1,250 ft/s (380 m/s)	1,215 ft·lbf (1,647 J)
Test barrel length: 8.375 in Source: Cor-Bon^[1]

The .500 S&W Special is a cartridge made by Smith & Wesson for use in handguns. It was designed by Cor-Bon/Glaser (at Smith & Wesson’s request) in 2004.^[2]. It is a shorter version of the .500 S&W Magnum with a drastically reduced load, much as the .38 Special is to the .357 Magnum. However, unlike the .38 special and .357 magnum, the .500 Special came after the .500 Magnum.

The purpose of the .500 Special is to be able to shoot less punishing loads in firearms chambered for the .500 S&W Magnum. It is possible that firearms chambered for the .500 S&W Special only will be developed.^[3]. Because of its large diameter, the shortened 500 S&W Special will not fit into a standard-sized large handgun frame. Smith & Wesson has been urged by John Ross to produce their largest "X-Frame" in a shorter version to handle this cartridge.[1] Ballistics are slightly superior to the .480 Ruger. ^[3]