.50BMG APIT Load to Match the API?

[Strykervet]

So here's the issue. The average weight for the API is 647 and I based a charge of 242gr. US869 on a 650gr. ball round that should put the API right at 2910fps.

What I need is a load using US869 for the 606gr. and 619gr. APIT, 5.45 COL. (I weigh 606 but the book shows 619 and I'm not sure what's in the other cases).

I was hoping one of you with the ballistics programs on the computer could find the two charges for 606gr. and 619gr. that parallel the API's trajectory, AND a load for such at 2910fps. The book says to load both to 2910fps, but the trajectory of the API at 2910fps can't be the same as the 606gr. and 619gr. trajectory at 2910fps. So I'd like both loads for both weights please. I appreciate it. The weapon is an M2HB, powder is US869, primer CCI35, LC14 brass, pulled and resized projectiles.

 

[Strykervet]

Nobody has a ballistics program they're willing to input the data into for me? To give me an estimate?

Basically I'm using 242gr. US869 in LC14 used brass with pulled 647gr. M8 API bullets and CCI35 primers. I expect around 2910fps based on the 240 and 242 ball loads I tested.

So basically what I need is a matching load for M20 606-619 APIT bullets. Whatever you could do to give me a matching load to the M8 API would be greatly appreciated. I'm suspecting it'll be slightly heavier charge for the tracer to get it to a similar trajectory to the API.

OR, if you happen to have API/T load data that matches the two already, I'd appreciate that too!

 

[Strykervet]

Still nothing...

No data I can find online, only a discussion another fellow had trying to get the same info I am.

I called Hodgdon of course. And of course I got the typical CYA answers you get from powder companies about untested loads. Said they don't use programs, if they don't fire it and take measurements that way, they don't do it and don't give out guesses. When pressed, he said "start at 265gr.! WTF, maybe they shouldn't be offering advice. 265gr. will accelerate 650gr. @ 3200fps; I suspect a load like that would in excess of the 2910fps goal/or matching trajectory for the M20 to the M8 API.

Nobody belt 4 to 1 API/T?

 

[Strykervet]

I was hoping someone had that program and would be willing to imput the data. I'm not sure I can s wing the program right now and I really only need it for this one round really. I suppose I'll just have to load 'em and compare the trajectory.

If anyone with a program willing to give me a bit of help, I'd appreciate it.

 

[smoooth1]

I would think that if you shot both loads at X distance and record the drops of each, you should be able to work a load up pretty easily?
Also, you have a belt fed M2, it’ll be close enough

 

[Strykervet]

I would think that if you shot both loads at X distance and record the drops of each, you should be able to work a load up pretty easily?
Also, you have a belt fed M2, it’ll be close enough

To a point that's right. Not being the same weight is a real stupid idea and the misses due to following tracer fire with these is legendary. So I was hoping someone could optimize a load on a program that closely follows my API load as well as give me the table velocity of 2910fps.

Just got a grid for an 800m spot but it's still too dry to be firing off tracers in the forests. It's also a chore and a long trip to take this thing anywhere I know of (when I move I'm taking care of that though). I really need to wait until the rains come in and that could be another month before it's guaranteed to be wet enough not to ignite. Depends. This has been cool summer though in general. Anyway, lighting fires with tracers is a good way to fuck it up for everyone so I'm very cautious with this thing. Half the time your bullets don't just impact the berm, they kick up at 90deg. and go all over the place. Only visible with NODs and tracers.

So the data would save me time and material. Still have to test it but expect it to come in somewhere around the minimum. The ~2910fps API load is only 242gr., 2gr. over minimum.

Go buy Quickload and that will help you.

I'd like to have a program but there's a lot of things I'd like. If nobody has one that can enter the data and give me the info, that's cool. I don't know how difficult or time consuming it is, so I don't really know if I'm asking a lot. I guess I'll just start at the bottom and work up with 'em, just there isn't any data for what a minimum load is for 610gr. (or 600, 620, etc.), APIT or otherwise, and US869 that I can find.

If anyone can match it for me on a program, I'd appreciate it and I think I left all the info about the load above but can give any details necessary.

 

[secondofangle2]

Frankly, I don't understand: a.) reloading API and APIT; b.) worrying about their trajectory, especially out of a m2HB; c.) how somebody can provide this information without barrel length and other variables needed for inputs into QL.

No offense intended, but time to buy quickload and see for yourself why you are not getting the replies you expect.