HuntingNut
HuntingNut
   Login or Register
HomeCommunity ForumsPhoto AlbumsRegister
     
 

User Info

Welcome Anonymous

Nickname
Password

Membership:
Latest: Johanbuchner
New Today: 0
New Yesterday: 1
Overall: 13168

People Online:
Members: 0
Visitors: 26
Bots: 2
Staff: 0
Staff Online:

No staff members are online!
 

Coppermine Stats
Photo Albums
 Albums: 314
 Pictures: 2466
  · Views: 825568
  · Votes: 1316
  · Comments: 85
 

50BMG Reloading questions
Discussion regarding the reloading of ammunition and tuning of loads for accuracy
Post new topic   Reply to topic   Printer Friendly Page    Forum Index » Reloading Ammunition

View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Tippz50
Rookie Member
Rookie Member


Joined: Jan 18, 2009
Posts: 6

PostPosted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 1:57 am    Post subject: 50BMG Reloading questions Reply with quote

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.
Back to top
View user's profile
Pumpkinslinger
Super Member
Super Member


Joined: Sep 22, 2007
Posts: 5037
Location: NC foothills

PostPosted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 4:38 am    Post subject: Re: 50BMG Reloading questions Reply with quote

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.

_________________
Mike

"I ain't no better than anybody else, and there ain't nobody better than me!" Ma Kettle
Back to top
View user's profile AIM Address Yahoo Messenger Photo Gallery
Tippz50
Rookie Member
Rookie Member


Joined: Jan 18, 2009
Posts: 6

PostPosted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 7:32 pm    Post subject: Re: 50BMG Reloading questions Reply with quote

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.
Back to top
View user's profile
Vince
Site Admin
Site Admin


Joined: May 25, 2005
Posts: 15857
Location: Brisbane AUSTRALIA

PostPosted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 9:03 pm    Post subject: Re: 50BMG Reloading questions Reply with quote

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

_________________
Cheers, Vince Cheers

Illegitimi non carborundum
(Never let the bastards grind you down)

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

"Nulla Si Fa Senza Volonta."
(Without Commitment, Nothing Gets Done)
Back to top
View user's profile AIM Address MSN Messenger Yahoo Messenger Photo Gallery
Tippz50
Rookie Member
Rookie Member


Joined: Jan 18, 2009
Posts: 6

PostPosted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 11:43 pm    Post subject: Re: 50BMG Reloading questions Reply with quote

ITs a Barrett m99 50 cal. What about the OAL? The Hornady book says 5.45 and 5.7
Back to top
View user's profile
gelandangan
Super Member
Super Member


Joined: May 07, 2006
Posts: 6432
Location: Sydney Australia

PostPosted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 12:28 am    Post subject: Re: 50BMG Reloading questions Reply with quote

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

Muahahahaha Twisted Evil

_________________
A straight line is the shortest distance between two points.
A smile is the shortest distance between two people.

Do - Not try!


gelandangan.weebly.com/
Back to top
View user's profile Visit poster's website
Vince
Site Admin
Site Admin


Joined: May 25, 2005
Posts: 15857
Location: Brisbane AUSTRALIA

PostPosted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 2:02 am    Post subject: Re: 50BMG Reloading questions Reply with quote

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) Very Happy

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

_________________
Cheers, Vince Cheers

Illegitimi non carborundum
(Never let the bastards grind you down)

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

"Nulla Si Fa Senza Volonta."
(Without Commitment, Nothing Gets Done)
Back to top
View user's profile AIM Address MSN Messenger Yahoo Messenger Photo Gallery
Tippz50
Rookie Member
Rookie Member


Joined: Jan 18, 2009
Posts: 6

PostPosted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 7:38 am    Post subject: Re: 50BMG Reloading questions Reply with quote

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.
Back to top
View user's profile
Vince
Site Admin
Site Admin


Joined: May 25, 2005
Posts: 15857
Location: Brisbane AUSTRALIA

PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 1:30 am    Post subject: Re: 50BMG Reloading questions Reply with quote

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

_________________
Cheers, Vince Cheers

Illegitimi non carborundum
(Never let the bastards grind you down)

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

"Nulla Si Fa Senza Volonta."
(Without Commitment, Nothing Gets Done)
Back to top
View user's profile AIM Address MSN Messenger Yahoo Messenger Photo Gallery
gelandangan
Super Member
Super Member


Joined: May 07, 2006
Posts: 6432
Location: Sydney Australia

PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 3:01 pm    Post subject: Re: 50BMG Reloading questions Reply with quote

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.

_________________
A straight line is the shortest distance between two points.
A smile is the shortest distance between two people.

Do - Not try!


gelandangan.weebly.com/
Back to top
View user's profile Visit poster's website
Crackshot
Super Member
Super Member


Joined: Oct 23, 2005
Posts: 1693
Location: Mich

PostPosted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 1:29 pm    Post subject: Re: 50BMG Reloading questions Reply with quote

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.

_________________
The human mind is the weapon, the gun is just one of its tools.
Back to top
View user's profile ICQ Number AIM Address MSN Messenger Yahoo Messenger Photo Gallery
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic   Printer Friendly Page    Forum Index » Reloading Ammunition
Page 1 of 1
All times are GMT - 7 Hours



Jump to:  


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum


Valid CSS! Valid HTML 4.01!
Click to check if this page is realy HTML 4.01 compliant for speed :)

All logos and trademarks in this site are property of HuntingNut.com.
The comments are property of their posters, all the rest © 2011 by HuntingNut.com
Interactive software released under GNU GPL, Code Credits, Privacy Policy

.: Upgraded to DragonFly 9.2 by *Dizfunkshunal* :.