So I have a customer who wants to build a 416 barrett but I'm having troubles finding ammo for the thing. Looking for around 200 rounds. If someone could PM me in the direction to find some I would greatly appreciate it.
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I am new to this forum and could not find anything too recent about the 416 B and thought I'd post this here in case you can give me some advice.
I am not new to reloading, but I just started reloading for the 416 Barrett (Barrett M99). In 2009, I started reloading match ammo for my Barrett M99 50 BMG and bought a NECO concentricity gauge. My match reloads were very concentric (bullet runout, neck runout, banana bend, etc). However, I am using the "bells and whistle's" reloading tools and dies for the 50 BMG. I just cannot find these types of reloading tools for the 416 Barrett. I full length sized the 416B brass and seated the bullets with an RCBS 416 B die set. I measured the concentricity of the loaded cartridges and decided to invest in a 416 B bullet puller since the cartridges were so out of concentricity, it will not be worth shooting them. A lot of bullet runout causing significant banana bend. I saw articles on rotating the cartridge as the bullet is seated. Does anyone have success with this technique? I'll likely invest in an RCBS neck sizer as well to see if that helps and turn my necks next go-around. Looks like only Lee and RCBS make dies for the 416 B with not too many "bells and whistles". Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. I am trying to work a load for the Cutting Edge 452 MTAC. Wasn't worth wasting the money by shooting these loads.
Thanks for the information. I have never used mandrels but just researched the topic and it makes sense. I also saw Sinclair has a mandrel that is constructed in a way that the mandrel "floats" to help find the exact centerline of the case. I do use K&M products and I don't take your advice lightly since you have the experience, but after reading Sinclairs information on their mandrel, I'm on the fence which one to buy. Have you tried Sinclairs mandrel or know someone with experience with it to give an opinion either way? Also, the brass I am using for the 416 is from loaded factory ammo I bought from Barrett in 2011 loaded with hornandy's 450 BTHP I am currently still shooting. I am not sure who manufactured the brass. It's headstamp reads simply ".416" and "Barrett". Not sure if its PPU.
Thanks for all the advice guys!! And I took it. I just purchased RUAG brass and the K&M mandrel. The wait will seem like a year before they get here. Cutting Edge recommended to use RL-50, at least for the 452 MTAC. Out of curiosity, what powders are you using for the big 472?
The bullets from RMBULLETS have a higher Bc than cutting edge.
Aluminum tipped hunting/match 450 grain .905 and their solid copper is 450 grain 1.002
George told me that McMillan was using his bullet at an NRA event shooting the hunting/match bullet hitting 1moa at 3,600 yards repetitious lyrics. This was several years ago he told me that.
I have used the hunt/match alot, seem to be very nice.
I assume most have seen them, so why don't you use them? I don't think I found a bullet that 2k shooter hasn't already tried so I am thinking maybe there is something about the round that's no good maybe? Thoughts?
It took a bit of trigger work on my M99 to get it sub moa. Polishing, trigger pull length, and my shooting position. But the accuracy I am getting from mine is way under that of manufacturers claims..
I called the tech line and asked tons of questions about it.
He had said the barrel will last several thousand rounds before needing changed and expect about 1.5 moa accuracy
He also said that the barrel being changed is an expensive ordeal
The barrel I have on mine is a Krieger unlined/or not chrome lined. It was pressed into the M99, and yes I understand it is a costly thing to change barrels.
As for my round count .... Maybe 1200 max. I have 650 ish on my barrel, but I will not be using it in competitions this year.
Yes, it does take a considerable amount of work to get the trigger manageable.
Cutting Edge makes the best bullet.... That is my opinion but I will qualify my statement by saying I received support from the company.
The 416..... Again in my humble opinion really needs a long long barrel to squeeze every ounce of BC out of that bullet. 32" isn't long enough for a KO2M type event. That being said .... A 100% stock m99 finished 2nd last year. It is a accurate system. Ronnie performed very well with it.
The M99 can be made very accurate with quality components and time behind the complete system. I am a fan of my M99, but chose a custom built by Mitch Fitzpatrick built specifically for ELR/ULR competitions..... A lot of thought went into the change..... Several months of thought.
Good luck my friend
Chris Schmidt
Hey Chris, Im happy to hear about another person who has agonized over the thoughts of re-barreling the m99. Its such a sweet package with the interrupted thread bolt, bullpup, and overall light weight. Would you be willing to share some more info about your m99 build, ie barrel length, twist, velocity, load data? Im getting close to finalizing my next 416 build. Thanks!
My barrel is a 12 twist like all of the M99's. 32". The velocity band using reloader 50 and cutting edge 472 grain bullet is 3160-3170 fps. It is a pressured load and was tested for pressure in Barrett's tunnel. I don't suggest over pressuring a load, but we were looking for that proven accuracy band. The new ruag brass will allow you to do it. Using the old brass and you would need a hammer to open the bolt.
I tested several powders and reloader 50 seemed the best for the CE bullet. I would be afraid to give my exact charge weight for fear of someone doing something stupid, plus the powder lots vary greatly. I was in the high 180's with one lot, and middle 190's in another lot. Same reloading practice, same dimensions and same brass. Go figure.
If I were building a 416, I would get a 40" finished bartlein barrel and use one of CE's new lazer single feeds.
The CE 375 400 grain laser and the 472 grain MTAC are curiosly close to the same BC. Maybe the new CE 472 laser will have a even higher affected BC. Great bullet, great company and two of the finest individuals you will ever meet (Dan and Trap)
Gotcha thanks for the info, I assumed you re-barreled with something other then a 32 1:12. I'm currently running a 32 1:10 with the hopes of running the heavier projectiles (525 gr), but pressures were too high with RE50 and H50 and US869 did not launch fast enough out of the 32 inch to better the 472gr& re50 at 3125-3160 ish. We are in the same range with re50, mtac 472s and Raug brass. Im looking hard at a 38-40 in barrel, and the new 500 - 525 ish CE bullets, or turning my own. But unsure about twist, I see the .375 guys are doing 7-8 twist, for bullets in the same bc/caliber class. That just seems soo fast for such a big projectile.
Thanks again!
The PPU brass's head stamp says "BARRETT 416" and the new RAUG brass says "BARRETT 416 BARRETT". I agree no neck turning needed with RAUG, and I use a busing die. Shooting the 472 also at 3120 (ish). Getting about 6-7 firings before the pockets are gone. Beltram is prototyping some new brass, that is much tougher. I have a few pieces, gonna let her rip this weekend.
Check out https://www.facebook.com/groups/1716401015333728/ (416 Barrett Rifles) quite a few of us over there sharing information.
I'm assuming you mean Bertram. Is that the brass that Ed Hubel has been trying to get for his 416 HSM cartridge or one of Mark Fox/Pro's cartridges?