I picked up a 15 inch long SSK Encore barrel in 500 S&W and thought I would just try to duplicate the performance of the old 50-70 rifle cartridge. The barrel has an Arrestor muzzle brake so effective length is about 13.5 inches. I have brass, dies, and some bullets that I already use in my S&W Performance Center revolver (370gr WFNGC, 350gr Speer, and 440gr WFNGC). I thought I would consult the gurus on the forum to see if any of them have gone down this path, and perhaps narrow down my choices of powders or bullets. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I don't have an Encore .500, but do have a Raging Bull and Smith. The only powder I've ever used is WW296. I have used a bunch of bullets.
350 gr. Sierras are very destructive. Great for deer.
350 Horn. XTPs are pretty much worthless on deer size animal. They don't open up. Act like FMJs.
4oo Sierra FPs are accurate and destructive on deer.
My choice, though, are the Xs-275,325,375. Did a brown bear with the 375 at 129. Did some deer with the 325s. Have done a lot of deer with the 275. If you want to lessen the recoil of the big boy, 275s are the way to go.
Quality cast bullets from 370 to 420 (I've used) are OK on deer but much better on big stuff.
JD Jones was the first to chamber an Encore in .500. He brought it to WV for me to try on deer. I did 4 out to 150 with 400 gr. CP leads. Not the funest of recoil, but an accurate load. Had 2 does about 50 yds. apart that I didn't know. Dropped the first one. JD was shining a flashlight around and saw #2 totally dead. He still mentions that to me when we talk.

I have a 12" plus arrestor brake encore from SSK 14" overall.....I love it!!
40 gr of H110 Sierra 400 gr FP
40 gr of Win 296 400 gr Woodleigh Bonded FP
38 gr of H110 375 gr Barnes XPB
You are going to be really impressed with this barrel/caliber combination

Thanks for the replies gentlemen. I had a chance to get out this past weekend and sight it in at 50 yards with my revolver load of 440 grain WFNGC, 14.0 grains Unique, and a Win large rifle primer. It did not shoot this load very well, nor did it like the 370 grain WFNGC with 16.0 grains of Titegroup. I had loaded some of the 370's with 33.0 to 35.0 grains AA5744, and found 33.5 grains would put 5 shots into 1.100 inches at 50 yards, and produce 1450 fps. I'm sure that load has enough power for deer and pigs where I hunt, but I'll continue additional load work with other bullets. Might pick up some of those Barnes "X" bullets to try.

In 2008 I helped my cousin develop loads for his New England 500 S&W Single Shot Rifle 22-inch barrel.
Here are my notes, thought this may help with your load development.
Brass = Starline
Primer = CCI 200
Powder = H Lil-Gun
Pact Chrono at 10 feet in front of the muzzle
Bullet = Barnes 275 XPB
Bullet seated at crimp grove with a heavy rolled crimp

40.5 grains = 2319fs
42.5 grains = 2400fs
43.5 grains = 2450fs (max load)

*Federal Factory 275x = 2247fs

Sierra 350 HP
Bullet seated at crimp grove with a heavy rolled crimp
Powder H110

40.0 grains = 1943fs
43.0 grains = 2028fs

Powder = H Lil-Gun
40.0 grains = 2186fs

Wet News Print Test at 100 Yards
Sierra 350 HP at 2163fs
Penetration = 14?
Bullet Expanded = .855? Diameter
Bullet WT = 214 Grains / 61%