50bmg

[Johnson184]

May finally start reloading 50BMG after accumulating enough Federal brass. Surprised I couldn't find a sticky/thread here for 50BMG. Guess it's not nearly as popular as I thought.
Mine will be shot primarily through a Barrett M107A1 so I was considering using surplus powder like WC860, WC870, or WC872 and FMJ pull down bullets. Not sure I'd see a difference using new commercial powders from Hodgdon or new match bullets. If I'm wrong, please correct me.

 

[diverdon]

You might want to consider joining the Fifty Caliber Shooters Association, I'm sure they have some good info. In one sence you are correct that the Big Barret is not known for great accuracy and many never feel the need to move beyond surplus ball ammo. But you do ask, so it could not hurt to pick up a box of something like Horanady 750gr A-Max and see what they will do in your rifle. If the differenc in preformance is not significant to you then their is no need for you to chase it.

 

[Fixr]

+1 on joining the FCSA, there are plenty of people there shooting semi auto that will share data and tips. I only shoot a bolt gun with a long throat so not much help.

 

[dleeds]

Johnson- I am in the same boat as you. I have jugs of 860, 870, and 872. I also just scored some Lake City Primed unfired 50bmg brass. My first goal is to figure out what each surplus powder is equivalent to on quickload. I am loading up some 7mm Rem mag with equal amounts of each and doing some velocity testing. I do know from a previous session that the WC870 gives velocity that corresponds to Accurate 8700, and NOT Hodgdon H870.

 

[7mmFanBoy]

have some load data serbu 36"-->wc860 647 fmj 228g 2792/ H50 647 fmj 245g 2988 / H50 750 Amax 220g 2573 ,5.9 oal not finished no pressure . Test factory ammo Federal 2886 , hsm 750g 2579
WC860 surplus 150fps spreads , H50 60fps spreads
upgraded muzzle brake armalite ar50 huge help over serbu muzzle brake
only for bolt 237 h50 750 A-max 2780 5.9 oal max

 

[Ledzep]

Blasting plinking load;

610ish grain API or APIT seated to cannelure
215gr H50bmg
CBC 50 brass
CCI #35 primer

No idea on velocity, probably fairly slow but it was just for fireworks.