WHat is a good start load with the hodgden h50BMG powder? I heard 215gr is a good start. Also Caitrige OAL? Some say 5.45 others 5.7. I have the m99 so it doesnt need to fit in a magazine.

Please consult some manuals! The information you need is there. If I was touching off 200+ grains of powder I would want to be 110% sure that I was using a reliably recommended load!

You didn't mention what bullet or weight you want to use.

Im gonna use the 750gr a-max. The hornady book says 215gr max load, but the hodgden 50BMG powder says 233. WHich one is correct?

The hornady book says both the 5.45 and 5.7 for the OAL.

Tippz...what rifle are you using this load in mate?

I have had a look at the Thales Smokeless Powders Handloaders Guide for their recommended load. Reason for this is Thales, the Australian Company produce a number of powders for Hogdon.

For the 750 gr bullet they list a maximum load of 233 grains of the powder they call AR2218, but no minimum load. I would imagine this is because this is the only load they recommend.

Both Hodgdon and Thales have identical data (which leads me to believe that these two powders are in fact the same powder), and neither list a start load so assuming your firearm is in good condition, and manufactured to fire the .50 BMG ammunition, then I would stick to the listed data.

I do not recommend reducing the load from that listed. If you feel it necessary to reduce this load, then reduce it only minimally. They say 10%, but in a load of this size I would not reduce it that far...I would consider only a 5% reduction as a start load, but frankly, I am not even comfortable with that.

If you belong to a shooting club with other members that use this calibre, then I would sound them out for their load data and compare that to the published data from Hodgdon.

Cheers, Vince

ITs a Barrett m99 50 cal. What about the OAL? The Hornady book says 5.45 and 5.7

Love to get one of those for my next T-Rex hunt..

Muahahahaha

Vincenzo wrote:

I do not recommend reducing the load from that listed. If you feel it necessary to reduce this load, then reduce it only minimally. They say 10%, but in a load of this size I would not reduce it that far...I would consider only a 5% reduction as a start load, but frankly, I am not even comfortable with that.

OK Tippz....an edit to my previous post. (Maybe I should do my research before posting)

Check out this website:

.50 BMG Load Data

They list a start and maximum load for Hodgdon H50BMG and the 750 A-Max Bullet. I note that they list the maximum load as 233gr, same as Hogdon and Thales.

As for OAL of the cartridge...on the Hogdon website it varies with the size projectile and powder charge. However, on the Handloads.org site, and everywhere else I looked, lists 5.45" OAL using the 750gr A-Max and H50BMG powder.

Cheers, Vince

I think the reason they list 5.45 for OAL is because thats the length so they fit in the magazines. Mine is single shot bolt gun. On some of the other forums people say it increases accuracy if you set the bullet closer to the lands of the rifle.

Tippz wrote:

On some of the other forums people say it increases accuracy if you set the bullet closer to the lands of the rifle.

Ahhhhh, now that is a whole new ball game mate.

Have a read through the threads and you will find many mentions of improving accuracy but adjusting the seating depth of the projectile.

The OAL of the factory round is 5.450".

Cheers, Vince

I think I would go for 5.45 OAL to start with, then see if it could be improved by increasing (SLOWLY and CAREFULLY) the OAL to your rifle's max.

Never in any case start with different OAL (specially longer) than what recommended by the manufacturer.. It is just a recipe to disaster.

The A max is a great bullet for the 50BMG! I used 230.0gr of H50 and seated the bullet to 5.455" when I loaded my own big 50's.
The best bet is to use a fired case and put a bullet in it to check the chamber length before loading any rounds. The 50 benefits greatly from haveing the bullet set back from the rifleing about .015" if able. any closer and as usual you will raise the pressures dangerously.