What is .500 whisper?

The .500 Whisper is a big bore cartridge designed for hunting and long-range shooting. It was first introduced in the early 2000s by SSK Industries and was derived from the .416 Barrett cartridge case. The .500 Whisper is a wildcat cartridge that is not recognized by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI).

The cartridge is designed to fire a heavy bullet at subsonic velocities for maximum accuracy and minimal noise. The .500 Whisper typically uses 500-grain bullets but can use projectiles ranging in weight from 350 to 700 grains. The cartridge is known for its ability to deliver massive amounts of energy at long ranges, making it a popular choice for hunting large game and for long-range target shooting.

The .500 Whisper is an expensive cartridge to shoot, and ammunition is not easily found commercially. However, the cartridge can be handloaded with relative ease, and those who shoot the .500 Whisper often do so because they enjoy the challenge of customizing their ammunition and maximizing the cartridge's potential.