Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
For hunters working thick brush or facing dangerous game at close range, 500 S&W Magnum ammo with a 500 grain flat nose projectile pushes the upper boundary of handgun terminal performance. Underwood loads this round to 1500 feet per second from a revolver barrel, delivering 2498 foot-pounds of muzzle energy—enough force to anchor feral hogs, black bears, and other large-bodied animals when shot placement is correct. The flat nose profile maintains nose-forward orientation during penetration, cutting a full-diameter wound channel without tumbling or fragmenting. Hard cast lead construction resists deformation on impact with bone or dense muscle, driving deep into vitals where expansion is counterproductive. This is a woods defense and hunting load, not a range plinker.
Built for the Box
Underwood manufactures this ammunition in the United States using Boxer-primed, nickel-plated brass cases. The nickel plating improves feeding in heavy-recoiling revolvers, resists corrosion during carry in leather holsters or humid environments, and simplifies case cleanup for reloaders. Flash-suppressed powder reduces muzzle signature in low-light conditions—critical when hunting at dawn or dusk. Each case is rated reloadable, though high-pressure magnum loads will shorten brass life compared to standard-velocity revolver cartridges. The hard cast lead projectile generates visible smoke during firing due to manufacturing lubricants; this is normal for non-jacketed bullets pushed to high velocities and does not indicate a defect. All lead-based ammunition carries California Proposition 65 warnings for reproductive harm.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 500 S&W Magnum |
| Bullet weight | 500 grains |
| Bullet type | Flat Nose (hard cast lead) |
| Muzzle velocity | 1500 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 2498 ft-lbs |
| Rounds/box | 20 |
| Case | Nickel-plated brass |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Intended use | Hunting / woods defense |
| Lead-free | No |
| Country of origin | United States |
The 500 grain projectile sits at the heavy end of factory 500 S&W loadings, trading velocity for penetration depth and retained momentum. For hunters running 500 S&W ammo in Smith & Wesson X-frame revolvers or single-shot specialty pistols, this load pairs with 8.375-inch or longer barrels to reach advertised velocity. Shorter barrels will reduce fps and energy proportionally.
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.
- Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times.
- Verify your firearm is chambered for 500 S&W Magnum before loading. Using incorrect ammunition can cause catastrophic failure.
- Lead-based projectiles require proper ventilation during indoor shooting. Follow California Proposition 65 guidelines for lead exposure.
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