500 Whisper - how do I make it?

[Rikky Lee]

I'm posting this message on a few forums as there seems to be a real lack of information on making this case.

Has anyone had practical experience making 500 Whisper brass out of 416 Weatherby cases?

Grateful any advice, tips or experiences. What worked and what didn't etc.

[dksd39]

cant help you with that one- my 510 whisper brass is made from a 338LM case

[LouBoyd]

The older 500 Whisper is made from a Weatherby magnum case. The SSK 510 Whisper is made from the 338 Lapua case. Both shoot 510 diameter bullets (includng 50 BMG fodder). The Lapua case is a little larger diameter than the Weatherby case at the base and rim. They are not interchangeable.

I haven't made the 500 Whisper cartridge, but generally the process is to cut any of the big weatherby magnums (xxx-378, 378, 416, 460) a little over the finish length, and push it (with a good sizing lube like imperial wax) into a full length sizing die with expander. Then trim the case to finish length. Check the neck outside diameter with a bullet inserted for clearance in your chamber. Neck turn if necessary. I wouldn't expect it to be difficult as the diameter reduction isn't great and the shoulder angle isn't steep. I've made 338 Whisper out of 308 Win which is essentially the same process.

The advantage of the 510 Whisper is the availability of 338 Lapua brass. Besides Weatherby, Norma brass is available for the 500 Whisper in the form of 30-378.

[Rikky Lee]

Thanks Lou, very useful summary. The cutting of the case worries me a little - is this using a fine bladed hack saw and a form die?

Otherwise, after a lot of searching, the Teppo Jutsu 500 Phantom shows how that case was made from 500 Jeffrey ==> http://www.teppojutsu.com/.

The Jeffrey case seems to be a bit more versatile than either the 338 Lapua or the Weatherby.

[LouBoyd]

I cut brass cases with an abrasive cutoff wheel. I use 1/16" x 4" one on a mandrel in my mill but even a Dremel will do the job without deforming the case though you need a way to hold the case and Dremel parallel.

[Spook]

Rik , Harbor Freight makes a small cuttoff saw that does well on rifle brass.
If you are asking about the 510 Whisper....I doubt theres a form die in existence.
SSK has not been selling dies as of late.
Hornady will make you a set but it will be at the custom price and take 7 months last I checked.
CH4D has them on the die list but my last 510 client purchased the last set they had in stock.. they are also at least 6 months out.

There is also a shoulder that needs to be cut to the correct length which requires machine work. The dimensions are crucial.
Someone on this forum that makes the necessary adjustments to the Lapua brass on his mill ( I think) for a fee.
I turn mine on a lathe.
PTG makes a bolt body that will work in a Rem LA.
Have fun :smile:

[HUNTER2]

The 50-70-750 is easier and cheaper to come by..But it is a single shot affair with a rim..Hornady makes the dies and Midway has brass..If you only want a bolt gun - disreguard the last.

[Rikky Lee]

All great advice - thanks guys.

Spook - what is the round on the left in your picture?

I am currently trying to source a good supply of projectiles for the right price and getting them will guide my final cartridge choice. Then find a barrel etc etc.

I'm hopeful the project will come off.

[Spook]

458 SOCOM necked up to 50 cal. Works well.
Our friends at Hornady are now making 338 Lapua brass too.