Any one Loading 50 BMG

[84CJ]

If so where do you get your supplies/components and are they hard to find like most everything else?

Thanks.

 

[84CJ]

If so where do you get your supplies/components and are they hard to find like most everything else?

Thanks.

 

[ohiococonut]

They're not really hard to find if you know where to look. I buy some from a couple of people I know plus, Auction Arms, Gun Broker and and here Wideners

 

[toroflow1]

For bullets: http://www.iidbs.com/hitech.zkb
They range from 22 - 40 cents each and work fine thru my M82A1 Barrett. That website also has CCI primers and powder for cheap, but he is out of stock at the moment (isn't everyone though!).

 

[84CJ]

Thanks guys.

Wow they are sure proud of those 50 BMG primers.
Not sure why that would suprise me

I have never loaded 50 BMG. Never really had too(until now). I now have a couple friends shooting 50 cals so we are thinking about splitting some of the cost and start reloading. I shoot an armalite AR 50 My other friends are shooting those AR 15 50 BMG uppers.

What are yor favorite loads. I need to start somewhere.

What would be the best source for load data on the 50.

I assume the same princeabls apply to the 50 as does with all rifle ammo.

 

[toroflow1]

Make sure you get RCBS or Hornady reloading equipment, as the Lee brand which is cheap in price, is also cheap in quality as an aquaintance of mine's Lee 50 cal press broke in half at round #100 of re-sizing!

Here is a website that has the Hornady "kit" for reloading 50 BMG for $500. http://www.50bmg.net/group.asp?grp=30

 

[84CJ]

The hornady is the one we have been considering.

 

[ohiococonut]

As toroflow1 mentioned stay away from the Lee press. I use an RCBS Ammo Master II. You can get started reloading for around $500, $1000 if you want to get serious. K&M makes some nice tools for prepping match quality brass.

There are several 50BMG forums so look around before you start reloading. It does save you considerable cost but the cost of getting started can be expensive too. The primers don't come cheap but there doesn't appear to have been a price increase either. Expect to pay around $250 per 1K

Here's some reloading data. BMG Reload

 

[DonD]

Get some serious ear protection and keep your buddies away from the typical muzzle brake blast. Otherwise, have FUN! Don

 

[84CJ]

Just looked at the ammo master. At midway 469.
comes with conv. for standard dies thats a plus.I can see I need to do more homework.

My Armalite came with earplugs and tylenol.
You need earplugs and a good set of muffs.

Do you ever have problems keeping people back when at the range? I keep mine covered so people will stay away.

Why do they want to look into the muzzle brake?

to

with one pull of the trigger.

 

[ohiococonut]

When I go to the public range I try to go as soon as they open up and hit the 200yd range, that's the farthest they've got. If there's another shooter there I won't set up. Otherwise I go to two different private ranges where there's hardly anyone there and if there is, they're generally shooting 50's also. The typical muzzle blast zone would be about 5' to either side and straight back. Unless you're standing directly behind me you don't want to be anywhere close. I understand it can be unnerving to some so I try not to set up if someone is even close.
Once in a while someone will walk down from the 100yd range just to see what the heck is going on and on occasion they've even wanted to shoot it.

 

[toroflow1]

Originally posted by 84CJ:
Just looked at the ammo master. At midway 469.
comes with conv. for standard dies thats a plus.I can see I need to do more homework.

My Armalite came with earplugs and tylenol.
You need earplugs and a good set of muffs.

Do you ever have problems keeping people back when at the range? I keep mine covered so people will stay away.

Why do they want to look into the muzzle brake?

to

with one pull of the trigger.

Thank God I don't have to subject myself to a range with other people...if I did, I think I would give up shooting altogether!! Here is my semi-private range out here in AZ on BLM land...

 

[ohiococonut]

Ken, That's my kind of range. At least you've got some scenery. The 50cal range I go to is set up for 1mi but it's all strip mine and bare, and I do mean bare. Although it's nice with a roof over the concrete benches even at 1000yds you need a 4-wheeler or truck. Sometimes I get tired of shooting paper and just want to shoot a rock or something!

 

[toroflow1]

Originally posted by ohiococonut:
Ken, That's my kind of range. At least you've got some scenery. The 50cal range I go to is set up for 1mi but it's all strip mine and bare, and I do mean bare. Although it's nice with a roof over the concrete benches even at 1000yds you need a 4-wheeler or truck. Sometimes I get tired of shooting paper and just want to shoot a rock or something!

I agree, I hate shooting paper! Only time I do is to initially sight in a weapon. I like to shoot objects that move or disintegrate when hit!

 

[84CJ]

I only shoot paper when I cant hit what Im shooting at Zero check.

No access to private ranges

I cover my 50 if its crowded just so I dont have to answer a thousand questions. And set up as far away from others as I can. You cant get far enough away so I shoot a few and then shoot my pistols so the hunters and target shooters guys can do their thing without me shaking their tables and knocking dust out of the rafters.

Kids are not afraid to shoot it the parents are. But I lose a lot of brass to young people . If mom or dad lets them shoot it they have to have the empty some want one to show their friends.

I guess I should carry a waiver with me for the parents to sign.

 

[84CJ]

Ken That really does look like an awsome place to shoot or just hang out with your buds.

 

[toroflow1]

Originally posted by 84CJ:
Ken That really does look like an awsome place to shoot or just hang out with your buds.

It is a very nice place...lots of solitude! Here is a picture exactly 180 degrees (looking back) from the range picture above...