Description
HSM Bear Load ammunition has been a trusted choice since 2011 for hunters venturing into serious big game territory. This .500 S&W Magnum load pairs maximum penetration with the reliability you need when it matters most.
HSM Bear Load Design and Construction
Each round features a hard-cast, gas-checked 440-grain wide flat nose bullet engineered for straight-line penetration. The gas check reduces lead fouling and maintains consistency even at the higher velocities this load delivers. At 1500 fps muzzle velocity with 2199 ft-lbs of energy, these rounds produce performance comparable to a 12-gauge slug from a handgun platform. The non-expanding design means the bullet maintains its shape and forward drive through tough game, making this load particularly effective for larger animals where deep penetration matters.
Components Built for Reliability
HSM pairs these bullets with temperature-stable powders that perform consistently across various weather conditions you might encounter in the backcountry. The ammunition uses premium, non-corrosive primers and reloadable brass cases, so you can manage your ammunition supply long-term. Every component is selected for the demanding conditions where this ammunition gets used, from cold mountain elevations to warm lowland hunting areas.
Made in the USA for Big Game
This is American-made ammunition from HSM Ammunition, a Montana manufacturer with a strong reputation for quality and consistency. The .500 S&W Magnum round itself was designed from the ground up to be the most powerful production handgun cartridge, and the Bear Load represents HSM's expertise in maximizing that potential for hunters who need genuine stopping power.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: .500 S&W Magnum
- Bullet Weight: 440 Grains
- Bullet Type: Hard-Cast Lead Wide Flat Nose with Gas Check
- Muzzle Velocity: 1500 fps
- Muzzle Energy: 2199 ft-lbs
- Case Material: Brass
- Primer Type: Boxer (Non-Corrosive)
- Rounds Per Box: 20
- Reloadable: Yes
- Intended Use: Hunting / Big Game
- Manufacturer: HSM Ammunition
- MPN: HSM-500SW-6-N
- UPC: 837306003585
What’s Included
- 20 rounds of HSM Bear Load .500 S&W Magnum ammunition
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the wide flat nose design important for this ammunition?
The wide flat nose bullet maintains a forward-driving position through dense material rather than deflecting sideways, which is critical for maximum penetration on larger game. Unlike expanding bullets, the flat nose preserves its shape throughout impact, ensuring deep, straight-line wound channels that are essential for quick, ethical harvests in big game hunting situations.
What's the purpose of the gas check on these bullets?
The gas check is a small metal cup crimped to the base of the hard-cast bullet. It seals gases behind the bullet so they don't escape around the sides and melt the soft lead during firing, which prevents lead fouling buildup in your barrel and helps maintain accuracy across repeated shots at the higher velocities this ammunition produces.
Is this ammunition suitable for hunting elk or moose?
Absolutely. The .500 S&W Magnum has proven effective on larger North American game including elk and moose. The 440-grain wide flat nose load delivers the penetration and energy needed for these animals, though many hunters opt for heavier bullets in the 500+ grain range for maximum margin of safety on the largest game. Always verify your specific firearm is suitable for this powerful round.
Can I reload these cases?
Yes, these come in quality brass cases with Boxer primers, making them reloadable. However, due to the high pressures involved with .500 S&W Magnum ammunition, you'll need reliable load data and proper equipment. The reusable brass helps offset the cost per shot over time if you're committed to reloading this caliber.



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