doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Double Rifles, Paradox Guns & Gauge Rifles @ doublegunshop.com .500 BPE

Is there any appreciable difference, power wise, in stepping up from a .450 BPE to a .500 BPE?

My gut says probably not, but my eyes have seen a nice looking .500 BPE double.

For hunting in the United States, no, not in my opinion. I've had a 500 BPE for many years, a Reilley, and it's accurate. One day I hope to add a 450. Seems you and I are working the same thing from opposite directions....lol!

The 500 is a bit more powerful that a 450.

If you want it get it! There's no such thing as too many DR's!

Many Thanks to both of you guys.

Boy, I sure do agree with your opinion, Mike. Now all I've got to do is figure out where the money's gonna come from!

Sharps - Is your .500 a Reilly?

I've got a 500 3" BPE Lyell, a 577/500 Mag. 3 1/8" Alex Henry and a 577/500 #2 Turner, (the one with a broken stock) and the two of them are a bunch of fun with NfB loads. I can't wait to build regulation loads for the Turner.

Mike - Is the .500 easy to load? I'd guess that it would be somewhat like the .450 3 1/4 (only bigger)?

It's very easy! And if it's a 3" number Hornady has dies ready to go.
I'd shy away from the 3 1/4" simply because of the addl. expense of brass and dies.

I'll second Mike on the ease of loading the 500. I only have experience with the one I own but it seems to be a forgiving cartridge.

I have never been able to find a black powderload that would regulate in mine. After thinking about it for a few years I believe it is because I am trying to use too soft an alloy. I'll find out some time in the future.

And yes, mine is an E. M. Reilley, from the 1880's I believe.

Sharps4590,

Remember British Sporting Rifles with 'Express rounds' had what was for Black Powder, high velocity bullets. This was achieved by making the bullets lighter so that BP could push them faster.

Therefore, it is very likely you were using too soft an alloy. Remember also that all British made sporting rounds of that period were Paper Patched. Done correctly with the right lead/tin alloy bullet you won't get any leading. Plus you'll have a lot more fun.

Harry

Thanks Harry! The lighter bullets I'm fully aware of, my Rapine mold throws a 380 grn. bullet. I have been trying the same 1-25 alloy I use in my Shiloh Shaprs rifles and I finally noticed that the cast bullets I use over a NFB load that are exceedingly accurate are a lot harder. Next batch I cast will probably be 50/50 lino to lead.

I am also aware of the paper patching, and the Reilley has Henry rifling which I understand prefers paper patched bullets. To be honest about that I've simply been too lazy to try PP. Well, that and I don't have a PP mold. I'll get back to it one of these days.

Thank you for your insight, it NEVER hurts to be reminded.