Help Determining Ballistics for "Unknown" 50BMG Rounds

EasyW

Private
Minuteman
Jan 1, 2021
26
8
USA
Hello, I'm new to SH and this is my first post. I hope this is the "Bear Pit" where posts should be placed if unsure of proper forum? Assuming so, here goes:

I am somewhat new to long distance shooting though I have some understanding of the concepts and have taken a couple of courses. Prior to taking those courses, I purchased a few different types of 50BMG ammo (I had the money, but not the knowledge). I bought AP, API, Ball and what was referred to as "Solid Brass Sniper Match" ammo from 50BMGSupply.com. The ammo arrived without any ballistic info (no bullet weight, BC, etc.). At that time I was unaware of the importance of knowing those things for accuracy's sake so a lot of time has passed since I received it. I have since requested ballistic info from the online source I purchased it from but haven't received a response yet.

Can someone provide me with details as to how I can best determine the key ballistic information for each of these different rounds? I'd prefer a minimal cost approach (fewest shots fired etc), because I don't have the spare cash I had at the time I bought the ammo. If there are "low cost but only moderately accurate" and "higher cost/effort but highly accurate" ways of determining, I'd appreciate if both could be shared.

Additional info that may be helpful: I have a Barrett M107A1, and ready access to a 200 yd range (I know that is not much distance). I am also working on access to some private land that has more distance, but not yet sure how far or when I will have access. I have a Kestrel 5700 Elite, laser rangefinder, and should be able to gain access to a chronograph and appropriate scale if necessary.

Thanks for any assistance!
 
Welcome. As you've already learned, you will get a lot of mostly good natured teasing here. The Pit is like that. Kind of like hazing the new guy. Hope you aren't thin skinned. My advice would be to attempt to determine what ammo you have. For instance, your 50 BMG AP is likely M33. The ballistics for that are published. That's a start. Good luck.
 
No joke on the teasing here! Guess the expectation is that participants are a lot more knowledgable than I am.

I agree on your recommended approach, and I've already attempted to determine that in a number of ways but was unsuccessful. The ammo I am most interested in getting ballistic information for (due to its unique, sharp cone shape) is the "Sniper Match" ammo which was supposedly custom made by the folks at 50BMGSupply.
 
You will need bullet weight and muzzle velocity. Only way to determine those is to pull a bullet and weigh it, and fire one with a chronograph. Hopefully, you can get this information from the manufacturer. Now hang on, you'll probably be the evening entertainment for this pack of rabid hyenas on a slow Friday night😁. Take it with a sense of humor and you'll make it here.
 
They look like these?
E8AA611B-8E2B-417C-ADDE-9CD17B716023.jpeg
 
Thank you Downtown, and yes, roostercogburn98, they do look like that (at least the visible part of the projectile).
I went to the website you linked and looked under 50 cal components and all the bullets you bought are shown with the bullet weight in grains...did you not see that?? If you have bullet weight, muzzle velocity and barrel twist rate, then you are essentially there other than for BC. One of the bullets is even labelled M33...which has an approximate BC of 0.64 G1 and 0.33 G7 @2,750 fps
 
I went to the website you linked and looked under 50 cal components and all the bullets you bought are shown with the bullet weight in grains...did you not see that?? If you have bullet weight, muzzle velocity and barrel twist rate, then you are essentially there other than for BC. One of the bullets is even labelled M33...which has an approximate BC of 0.64 G1 and 0.33 G7 @2,750 fps
Yes, I looked recently and again prior to asking here. I bought mine years ago. I'm not sure that any are the same as what is listed now, and the bullets I'm really interested in are not there any more (they were listed as "Solid Brass Sniper Match"). Thanks for the follow up!
 
Pull a bullet and weigh it. Post a high resolution pic of the pulled bullet right here in this thread. It is likely that someone can identify it based on an image and weight. From that ID you can look up the ballistic coefficient. Shoot a few across a chronograph to get an average muzzle velocity. Weight, BC, and MV of the projectile are all that you really need to start down the path of ballistic calculation.
 
All the above is good info but if youre interested in precision shooting you might want to invest in some new high quality ammo and or the components to hand load your own. Its pricey but designed for long range and not blowing up armored personnel carriers or machine guns.

BTW, welcome to the Hide.

Watch out for @1J04, he's going through a 'trans' stage and not sure of his gender orientation so if he makes advances on you just smile.


Ammunition » .50 BMG - Desert Tech
deserttech.com › ammunition › 50-bmg


50 BMG Rifle Ammo - A rifle is only as accurate as the ammunition you shoot. ... Desert Tech builds the world's best rifles, and we also make the best ammunition for them. ... Desert Tech Accuracy Test Target Desert Tech .50 BMG Drop Graph.

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Thanks all!

Update:

I pulled one and weighed it: 746.7 grains. The picture is precisely as posted above, but reposted here for clarity (I'll admit, I don't have equipment to "pull" the bullet...so mine didn't turn out pretty and I am too smart to post the marred hunk of brass here after my last experience in the Bear Pit!).

I bought a chronograph, and will get muzzle velocity as soon as possible and will post.

If the info above is enough to ID so I can get BC, I'd appreciate any feedback. If not, I'll continue as suggested in this thread.

Thanks again!
 

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