Last reviewed: 2026-04-17 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
The Buffalo Bore Dangerous Game 500 S&W Magnum ammo delivers 400 grains of mono-metal Lehigh Match Solid Flat Nose projectile at 1850 feet per second, producing 3039 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. This load defines what hunters need when closing distance on elk, bear, or wild hog in heavy brush—straight-line penetration through bone and muscle without expansion or fragmentation. The 500 S&W Magnum cartridge, introduced by Smith & Wesson in 2003, remains the most powerful production revolver round in current manufacture, and this Buffalo Bore iteration extracts every available joule from the case.
Load Profile
Buffalo Bore builds the Dangerous Game line around Lehigh Match mono-metal solids—copper-alloy bullets that maintain shape and stability through heavy tissue. Where hard-cast lead projectiles can smear or flatten when striking large bones at close range and high velocity, the mono-metal construction resists deformation and preserves the flat nose profile that drives consistent wound channels. The trade-off: mono-metal bullets are lighter for their length due to copper’s lower density than lead, reducing case capacity slightly and raising pressure curves. Buffalo Bore accounts for this with tighter powder charge tolerances and lot-tested components.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 500 S&W Magnum |
| Bullet weight | 400 grains |
| Bullet type | Lehigh Match Solid Flat Nose |
| Muzzle velocity | 1850 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 3039 ft-lbs |
| Rounds per box | 20 |
| Case | Brass |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Lead-free | Yes |
| Intended use | Hunting |
| Manufacturer | Buffalo Bore |
Lead-free construction eliminates fouling concerns in rifled barrels and meets California Proposition 65 requirements for hunting ammunition. The flat nose profile creates a larger permanent wound cavity than round-nose solids, while the mono-metal body sheds minimal weight during penetration. Expect consistent performance in revolvers with 4-inch through 8.375-inch barrels; shorter tubes will sacrifice 50-75 fps but retain adequate sectional density for deep tissue penetration. This load sits at the top end of the 500 S&W ammo performance spectrum—verify your firearm’s chamber pressure rating and frame strength before running hot loads.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Observe the four universal firearms safety rules: treat every firearm as loaded, never point at anything you are not willing to destroy, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire, and be certain of your target and what lies beyond it.
- Verify current state and local laws governing handgun ammunition possession and use in your jurisdiction before ordering.
- This load generates substantial recoil and muzzle blast; use hearing and eye protection, and ensure a firm two-handed grip to manage muzzle rise during rapid strings.
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