Desert Tech HTI 50 Build

[Stovetop535]

I have wanted a DT HTI in 50bmg for awhile now. I ran across a NIB chassis and decided to jump on it and start the process. I do not currently own a 50 and dont have any experience with setups in this caliber.

I was looking for advice on buying the 50 bmg conversion kit from eurooptic or if I would be better off buying a bolt/magazine/barrel/brake separately. I realize this is an expensive platform/caliber but the $2500 conversion kit (approx) from eurooptic makes me question If I could better spend my money elsewhere.

Thanks
Alex

 

[Dogtown]

You could buy it piece by piece, but that's generally more expensive. The factory conversion kits are good to go - the only thing I would change out on the .50BMG barrel is the brake. It's just not very effective and will kick your ass if you're shooting without a suppressor. You could buy a custom barrel from ES Tactical and choose a bolt & mag as additional items. The advantage of that is that you could get a custom barrel length/twist/profile, but you'll likely have to wait a while like everyone else.

 

[Stovetop535]

Thanks for the input.

I will have to save up for a few months before I can get the rest ordered, so timeline wise I dont mind the wait. Ill check out the ES Tactical webpage. Accuracy/Quality and barre life comparable between the standard conversion kits and the ES Tactical offerings? A suppressor is not currently in the cards for this build, I would rather put that money towards the necessary components up front.

 

[RedBreast21]

If you're still debating, it seems like the 50 barrels from Desert Tech are fantastic . . . but their .375CT's are somewhat less impressive (not that you asked about the .375s).

ES Tactical is good to go (I had him do a custom 6mm barrel and it's fantastic). I assume both his 50bmg barrels would also be well done. You can buy the whole kit (bolt, magazine, barrel) from him, too, but I'm not sure exactly what the prices is. He's right down the road from Desert Tech, so he just goes and gets what he needs from them.

If you're new to the .50, realize that IT IS NO JOKE. I shoot quite a bit of .338LM, and when I shoot 50BMG, it's still always a surprise. You've seen Kentucky Ballistic's video, you have some idea. I would only shoot either my own handholds or loads from Hornady. There's no room for error with your face literally on top of the bolt as is the case with the HTI.

Be safe and enjoy!

 

[Mk32784]

I would never go to ES Tactical for a barrel ever again. The one I ordered took 14+ months and another guy I know had to wait months longer then the promised ETA to. (both ordered well before COVID).

The barrel shoots well... but the whole process left a lot be desired. http://dmr-llc.com/ Spins me my barrels now and takes usually less then a month.

 

[Stovetop535]

I havent ordered anything yet. Ive got another month or two of saving before I can get anything ordered. Thats good to hear that the DT 50 barrels are good to go. A 375 barrel will be a down the road purchase.

Was the 'whole process with ES Tactical more of a lack of communication issue, or did you end up with flaws/imperfections?

 

[Mk32784]

I havent ordered anything yet. Ive got another month or two of saving before I can get anything ordered. Thats good to hear that the DT 50 barrels are good to go. A 375 barrel will be a down the road purchase.

Was the 'whole process with ES Tactical more of a lack of communication issue, or did you end up with flaws/imperfections?

Well... the barrel didn't wanna chamber a around and had someone else's muzzle break on it when i got it back the first time.... sent it back... and more waiting, it shoots well now. To be fair to the guy, he was moving and snowed out of the shop for a bit. Still doesn't excuse the number of months for me.

Just why bother? When you can go somewhere else and get a barrel turned around in weeks it really isn't rocket science.

 

[alfmoonspace]

Does LRI do DT barrels? I would hit them up if they do.

 

[Mk32784]

Does LRI do DT barrels? I would hit them up if they do.

They don't advertise they do, but 100% confident Chad could figure it out.

 

[Strykervet]

Oh yeah, it's a brute for sure. So I load for an M2HB also and it takes around 240gr. of US869 to move a roughly 617gr. bullet around 2.9k IIRC. 12ga. recoil my ass. The first time I had the motherfucker out I forgot to put on my ear pro after I took the can off and put the brake on... I also didn't have enough eye relief and I probably didn't shoulder it tight enough either. Well, I won't be doing that again. I couldn't hear shit for a couple weeks and it gave me a black eye. I'm lucky it didn't cause permanent deafness and a broken ocular orbit.

The HTI can handle full power M2 ammo. But you won't want to. I water 'em down to around 210 or 220 for similar loads. It's still plenty.

Elite Iron cut me a custom Harris brake (he makes the brakes for Harris) and it's indexed to the barrel and requires no shims. Has wrench flats like the can, which is also indexed to the barrel so I can swap 'em in the field easy. I'd recommend that can if you can at all do it. Elite does amazing work and it's reasonable too, he's the best kept secret really.

For a barrel, I'd look at Krieger or Lilja, I think they both do BMG barrels. You'll need the barrel extension and bolt from HTI.

If I had it to do over I'd probably just get the M107. But I've got the M2HB and it's a LOT more fun so I don't really give a shit anymore. It's nice to have though and doesn't require a tripod or an AG and it doesn't go through nearly as much ammo. FWIW, a 100rd. can of belted and loaded API with pulled projos was about $500 before the current bullshit. I load, but gearing up for that cost more than the weapons did (well, I did score enough shit for 10k rounds at once so yeah).

That USO is probably a good choice for this monster, whatever you choose just make sure it has a lifetime warranty. You may need it. The Badger rings seem to be nice.

 

[Hairball]

When shooting a 50 (more than just a few rounds), weight is your friend and the DT just does not have the weight for spending an hour or two shooting 30-50 rounds. Have shot plenty through Barrett and EDM but I only shot a few through a DT. JMHO but if you really want a 50, get a Barrett. While I have an EDM and like the rifle, they don’t make them anymore and don’t come up for sale much.

 

[Stovetop535]

Elite Iron cut me a custom Harris brake (he makes the brakes for Harris) and it's indexed to the barrel and requires no shims. Has wrench flats like the can, which is also indexed to the barrel so I can swap 'em in the field easy. I'd recommend that can if you can at all do it. Elite does amazing work and it's reasonable too, he's the best kept secret really.

How effective is the brake he made in comparison to the stock DT? I have no problem swapping the brake if it makes the rifle more enjoyable.

 

[deersniper]

Oh yeah, it's a brute for sure. So I load for an M2HB also and it takes around 240gr. of US869 to move a roughly 617gr. bullet around 2.9k IIRC. 12ga. recoil my ass. The first time I had the motherfucker out I forgot to put on my ear pro after I took the can off and put the brake on... I also didn't have enough eye relief and I probably didn't shoulder it tight enough either. Well, I won't be doing that again. I couldn't hear shit for a couple weeks and it gave me a black eye. I'm lucky it didn't cause permanent deafness and a broken ocular orbit.

The HTI can handle full power M2 ammo. But you won't want to. I water 'em down to around 210 or 220 for similar loads. It's still plenty.

Elite Iron cut me a custom Harris brake (he makes the brakes for Harris) and it's indexed to the barrel and requires no shims. Has wrench flats like the can, which is also indexed to the barrel so I can swap 'em in the field easy. I'd recommend that can if you can at all do it. Elite does amazing work and it's reasonable too, he's the best kept secret really.

For a barrel, I'd look at Krieger or Lilja, I think they both do BMG barrels. You'll need the barrel extension and bolt from HTI.

If I had it to do over I'd probably just get the M107. But I've got the M2HB and it's a LOT more fun so I don't really give a shit anymore. It's nice to have though and doesn't require a tripod or an AG and it doesn't go through nearly as much ammo. FWIW, a 100rd. can of belted and loaded API with pulled projos was about $500 before the current bullshit. I load, but gearing up for that cost more than the weapons did (well, I did score enough shit for 10k rounds at once so yeah).

That USO is probably a good choice for this monster, whatever you choose just make sure it has a lifetime warranty. You may need it. The Badger rings seem to be nice.

View attachment 7621908

What can ?
How does it compare to a brake ?

 

[AK74U]

Looks to be Elite Iron Alpha.

What can ?
How does it compare to a brake ?

 

[kgall005]

I ordered mine 4 weeks ago and now we wait… Ordered the EI Alpha direct from EI, as a former LEO it was significantly cheaper than going through DT..