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.

I'm all for the .500BPE and I own two of them.

I'm also all for the .450BPE and I own two of them as well.

You can't go wrong, and as said above, it's no transgression to own both.

I agree that the 3" round it to be preferred in the .500, not because of any difference in performance, but because it became the standard. For the same reason I would prefer the .500 3" over the .577/.500 3 1/8" Magnum. But given the opportunity, I wouldn't turn one of those down.

I will also endorse paper patched bullets. They are darn easy once you get over the initial hesitation. For use in a .500BPE there are a number of great "over the counter" bullet moulds offered in .500" for the .500 Beuwolf, etc. These are right on the money (diameter-wise) for patching up to .512" or so for the .500BPE. I have one from RCBS that throws a fine LBT style bullet of 360 grains. Pay no attention to the lube grooves. Just cover them in paper and let them fly.

For getting into paper patching there's no better reference than Paul Matthews' book The Paper Jacket. It's out of print, but copies can be found.

I wrote a short article about paper patching that might be helpful also: http://rbsiii.com/PaperPatchedBullets/index.html It's primarily about how to mass produce the patches, but it goes through the whole process of loading.

Get that .500!

Curl

Capt Curl, the rifle I'm lusting for is indeed chambered for the 3" round.

I've discovered that many other shooters, like I, have a strange "built-in" aversion to paper patching. More and more it seems apparent that I will have to overcome the "initial hesitation", as you call it, if I am to truly bond with these old rifles that draw me to them.

Many Thanks for the link to your article on the subject, as well as the mention of the currently out of print book by Paul Matthews. One of his books on loading the .45-70 has graced my shelf for many years now, from way back when I thought my .45-70 would bethe pinnacle of my "big bore" experience.

Well, it's nearly 3:30 in the morning and I must return to bed. Hopefully my dreams will include ways to get the needed cash to opurchase this lovely rifle.

Best Regards - Marc aka Krakow Kid

Marc,

Go for the .500 if it's a good piece. I would like to hear details of what this rifle is. Would you care to share?

The photo in my signature line is one of my Purdey .500 3" BPE rifles. They are to cherish. Of course you saw the same photo in my paper patching article if you read it. That's the rifle that shoved me over the psychological barrier to paper patching.

Once you cross that barrier you realize how silly the apprehension is. The payoff is enormous! No more lead in your barrel at all. Cleaning is just a few wipes. No more lubing bullets.

Go for it!

Curl

He hasn't 'done the deal' yet Roscoe. Give him some time and I'm sure that he'll fill us in.

Mike speaks the truth. Hopefully, funds will be afoot presently.

I'm waiting with vicarious anticipation!

Curl

Capt - I sent you a PM so your anticipation will be a litle less - actually, I guess it could make it even MORE - vicarious.

Share the fun!

Saw your PM. Looks good!!!

Of course, I've not seen one look very bad.

My name is CptCurl, and I'm an addict. . .

Curl