Mastering the .500 S&W Magnum: The Essential Role of Premium Unprimed Brass

For the dedicated handgun enthusiast, the serious hunter, or the reloader striving for unparalleled precision and cost-efficiency, the .500 S&W Magnum stands as a titan among cartridges. Known for its immense power and versatility, harnessing its full potential demands components of the highest caliber. This is where Hornady 8790 Unprimed Cases for the 500 S&W Mag Handgun Brass, available in convenient 50-count boxes, become an indispensable asset.

Are you seeking to push the boundaries of your big-bore handgun's performance? Do you want to tailor loads precisely to your firearm, or perhaps significantly reduce the expenditure associated with factory ammunition for this formidable cartridge? Look no further. These unprimed brass cases are engineered to provide the consistent foundation necessary for crafting custom ammunition that excels in accuracy, reliability, and safety.

Why Reload Your Ammunition? The Power of Personalization and Performance

Reloading your own ammunition is more than just a hobby; it's a strategic choice for shooters who demand more from their firearms. For a high-performance cartridge like the .500 S&W Magnum, the benefits are particularly pronounced:

• Significant Cost Savings: Factory ammunition for the .500 S&W Magnum can be prohibitively expensive. Reloading allows you to recycle valuable components, dramatically cutting per-round costs, enabling more practice and more enjoyment from your firearm.
• Unmatched Accuracy: Factory ammunition is designed to be a "one-size-fits-all" solution. When you reload, you can fine-tune every variable—powder type, charge weight, bullet type, and seating depth—to create loads perfectly optimized for your specific firearm. This often results in tighter groups and superior downrange performance.
• Customization for Specific Applications: Whether you're hunting dangerous game, ringing steel at extreme distances, or seeking reduced recoil loads for extended range sessions, reloading allows you to craft ammunition tailored to your exact needs. Choose from a vast array of bullet weights and designs, from lightweight options for plinking to heavy, hard-hitting projectiles for stopping power.
• Enhanced Reliability and Consistency: By meticulously controlling the quality of your components and the assembly process, you can achieve a level of consistency that often surpasses mass-produced ammunition. This translates to more predictable ballistic performance shot after shot.
• Learning and Skill Development: Reloading is an educational process that deepens your understanding of ballistics, internal pressures, and cartridge dynamics. It fosters a greater appreciation for the science behind shooting.
• Availability of Components: In times when factory ammunition might be scarce, having the ability to reload your own ensures you can keep shooting.

The Hornady Advantage: Precision Engineered for Peak Performance

When it comes to reloading, the brass case is the foundation of your ammunition. Its quality directly impacts every aspect of the finished cartridge, from bullet seating to chamber fit, and ultimately, accuracy and safety. Hornady has long been a trusted name in ammunition components, and their 8790 unprimed brass for the .500 S&W Magnum exemplifies their commitment to excellence.

What makes Hornady brass a superior choice for discerning reloaders?

• Exceptional Uniformity: Hornady brass cases are manufactured with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring remarkable consistency in critical dimensions. This includes:
  • Wall Thickness: Uniform wall thickness around the circumference of the case neck and body is paramount for proper bullet tension and concentricity. This directly contributes to consistent bullet release and, consequently, tighter groups.
  • Weight Consistency: Each case is held to tight weight tolerances, a direct indicator of consistent brass distribution and internal volume. This minimizes variations in pressure and velocity, leading to more predictable performance.
  • Internal Capacity: Precisely controlled internal capacity ensures that each case holds the exact amount of powder intended, leading to consistent pressures and velocities shot after shot. This uniformity is crucial for safety and accuracy, especially with high-pressure cartridges like the .500 S&W Mag.
• Optimal Case Design for Bullet Seating: The careful manufacturing process ensures that Hornady brass allows for proper and secure seating of the bullet. This is vital for maintaining consistent overall cartridge length and preventing bullet setback during feeding or recoil, a critical safety consideration for powerful handguns.
• Flawless Chamber Fit: The precise exterior dimensions of Hornady brass ensure it chambers smoothly and extracts reliably in a variety of firearms chambered for the .500 S&W Magnum. This contributes to the overall reliability of your ammunition, whether in a powerful revolver or a custom single-shot firearm.
• Durability and Longevity: Hornady brass is known for its robust construction, engineered to withstand the pressures of multiple reloading cycles. This means longer case life, providing even greater cost savings and more opportunities to perfect your loads. This durability is particularly important for the high pressures generated by the .500 S&W Magnum.
• Rigorous Quality Control: Every batch of Hornady brass undergoes stringent quality checks to ensure it meets their exacting standards. This commitment to quality instills confidence in reloaders, knowing they are working with reliable and consistent components.

The Mighty .500 S&W Magnum: Unleashing Big Bore Power

Introduced by Smith & Wesson in 2003, the .500 S&W Magnum was designed to be the most powerful production handgun cartridge in the world. It delivers truly immense energy, making it suitable for a range of demanding applications.

• Big Game Hunting: For hunters pursuing large and dangerous game (such as bear, elk, or even African plains game) at close to medium ranges, the .500 S&W Magnum provides unparalleled stopping power. When loaded with appropriate projectiles like Hornady XTP Mag or FTX bullets, it delivers devastating terminal performance.
• Dangerous Animal Defense: In regions where large, aggressive animals pose a threat, a powerful revolver chambered in .500 S&W Magnum offers a reliable last line of defense.
• Extreme Target Shooting: For those who enjoy the challenge of mastering a powerful firearm, the .500 S&W Magnum offers a unique shooting experience. Reloading allows enthusiasts to explore various load combinations for accuracy and recoil management.
• Firearms Compatibility: While most famously associated with the massive Smith & Wesson Model 500 revolver, the .500 S&W Magnum is also chambered in other formidable handguns like the Magnum Research BFR, and even some single-shot rifles, expanding its utility.

Given the significant recoil and pressures generated by this cartridge, using premium brass like Hornady 8790 is not just about performance, but also about safety and extending the life of your valuable firearm and reloading dies.

Reloading Essentials for Your .500 S&W Magnum with Hornady Brass

To get the most out of your Hornady 8790 unprimed cases, consider these key reloading components and practices:

• Primers: The .500 S&W Magnum typically requires large pistol magnum primers to ensure reliable and consistent ignition of slow-burning powders.
• Propellants (Powders): You'll need slow-burning pistol powders specifically designed for high-volume, high-pressure handgun cartridges. Examples often include Hodgdon H110, Winchester 296, or Lil'Gun, though always consult up-to-date reloading manuals for appropriate powder choices and charge weights.
• Bullets: The versatility of the .500 S&W Magnum allows for a wide range of bullet types and weights, typically from 275 grains up to over 700 grains.
  • Jacketed Hollow Points (JHPs): Excellent for hunting and defense, offering controlled expansion.
  • Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) or Total Metal Jacket (TMJ): Good for target practice or general shooting.
  • Cast Lead Bullets: When properly sized and lubricated, these can be a cost-effective option for target practice, though they require careful consideration of powder charges to prevent leading.
  • Monolithic Solids: For deep penetration on dangerous game, particularly at closer ranges.
• Dies: High-quality reloading dies are essential for consistently sizing, expanding, seating, and crimping your cases. Carbide dies are highly recommended for straight-walled pistol cases like the .500 S&W Magnum, as they do not require lubrication for sizing.
• Reloading Press: A sturdy single-stage press is ideal for precise, low-volume reloading of magnum handgun cartridges, allowing for meticulous attention to detail. Progressive presses can be used for higher volume, but require careful setup and monitoring.
• Case Preparation: Even with premium new brass, it's wise to inspect each case. While new Hornady brass comes ready for priming and loading, some reloaders choose to run them through a sizing die first for absolute uniformity, or at least inspect the case mouth for any minor imperfections before loading. After firing, proper case cleaning, sizing, trimming (if necessary), chamfering, and deburring are crucial for consistent and safe reloads.
• Safety First: Always consult multiple, reputable reloading manuals. Start with minimum recommended loads and work up incrementally, watching for pressure signs. Use a chronograph to measure velocity and ensure consistency. Wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection.

Who Benefits Most from Hornady 8790 Unprimed Cases?

This product is ideally suited for:

• Experienced Handgun Reloaders: Those already familiar with the reloading process who wish to optimize their .500 S&W Magnum ammunition.
• Big-Bore Enthusiasts: Individuals who regularly shoot powerful cartridges and appreciate the benefits of custom-tuned loads.
• Hunters of Large/Dangerous Game: Hunters who rely on the stopping power of the .500 S&W Magnum and need precise, reliable ammunition for critical situations.
• Cost-Conscious Shooters: Anyone looking to significantly reduce the per-round cost of shooting their .500 S&W Magnum handgun.
• Precision Shooters: Individuals who are relentlessly pursuing the tightest possible groups from their big-bore revolver.

Invest in Quality, Maximize Performance

Choosing Hornady 8790 Unprimed Cases for your .500 S&W Magnum reloading endeavors is an investment in quality, performance, and ultimately, your shooting experience. Their commitment to uniformity in wall thickness, weight, and internal capacity translates directly into more consistent pressures, velocities, and superior accuracy downrange. By providing a rock-solid foundation for your handloads, Hornady enables you to unlock the full, awe-inspiring potential of the .500 S&W Magnum.

These premium unprimed brass cases are readily available from reputable firearms components retailers. For a wide selection of Hornady components, including these essential .500 S&W Magnum cases, consider DEGuns, a trusted source for your reloading needs. Elevate your reloading game and achieve consistent, powerful, and accurate ammunition with Hornady.

Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Hornady
Model	Unprimed Cases
Caliber	500 S&W Mag
Material	Brass
Firearm Type	Handgun
Rounds/Box	50
UPC	090255487909
MPN	8790