I see that H&R is now chambering the 500 S&W in their handi rifle. This would be a very interesting firearm to own. For what a handi rifle costs I may just have to get one.

Anyone got any real information on what the 500 will do out of a longer rifle barrel. It comes with a 22" tube but I was thinking of maybe cutting it to 16 - 18 inchels long. I figure a 400 grain bullet is getting almost 1700 fps from a revolver it's gotta be good for about 2100 - 2200 fps from a sealed breech rifle with another 6 - 8 inches of barrel length.

I don't have a clue, but I am searching the net to see if I can find anything on it. I belong to the Graybeard forums as well, they are H&R freeks over there so they may know. If I don't find anything I will ask.

I'm bored basically.

Paul

This is all I could come up with. It is from the Graybeard site. These are handloads though. I don't know what it would do with factory ammo.

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=72924&highlight=500

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=71375#img_2150

Paul

I have been thinking about getting a second barrel for my little NEF but I cant decide what I want. I thought about the 45-70 but I think this 500 could be just as promising! I hope it ejects the shells better than my .243
EJ

Thanks for being bored Paul.

BigBulls - I've been thinking the same thing you have.......Only thing is I need another gun like a need another hole in my head.....[:@]

I have not tried the 500 yet but have a couple NEF 45-70's. When it comes down to the brass tacks, the 500 S&W can't outperform the 45-70. If you are reloading, the 45-70 has more potential for raw power. However the 500 S&W is an interesting proposition. Up here they are hard to get so far but IF and WHEN the barrels become available as an optional barrel, then I may add one. There will soon be no problem with the NEF ejecting shells as they will soon all have a mechanical extractor. The rimmed cartridges don't present that proble anyway. The 243 is by far the worst one for extrating trouble.

James, you just answered a big question of mine. I thought it was just my rifle that had problems with ejecting. I have noticed that if I full length re-size the brass they have way less problems with ejection. You gotta keep those rounds spotlessly clean as well which is tough when your in the field. Anyway, I might just have to invest in a 45-70. It seems a better rig over all for hunting and re-loading. Is there anything a smith can do to improve this ejection thing with my NEF? EJ

There is a company that makes a stronger ejector spring that can really help. The guys on the graybeard site would know who he is. I did but I don't remember where I put the name. Many polish the chamber to help some more. Case lencht it important as well. I have tried two of the 243 NEF and had trouble with both. I don't know when the new barrels with the mechanicl ejectors will be out. They may be now. One just does not have trouble with the rimmed cases. I love the 45-70. I have the Buffalo Classic and the standard Handi rifle with 22 inch barrel. The 45-70 will put out all you need on both ends. I also have the 357 Mag, 44 Mag and 7mm-08. I naver had a case stick in the 7mm-08 or the 280 that I had. The 223's have also never failed to function and are deadly accurate. Most will do 1/2 inch groups from the box with 45 grain bullets.

I have a question for those of you with the NEF/H&R guns. Can you, the owner, change the barrels yourself like a Thompson Center, or do you need to send it back to the company? When I was on the site reading, it sounded to me like you had to ship your gun back to them everytime you wanted the barrel changed......