just bought a 50

sixpack340

sixpack340

Thrower of angry avocados
Full Member
Minuteman
Sep 6, 2009
577
85
york, pa
#1
well, i finally made the plunge and against my wifes better judgment, i bought me a 50! i got a grizzly lar 50bmg off gunbroker. so, any thoughts or opinions on this particular setup? i researched a lot about it on here and elsewhere and it seems like a good entry level rifle to get into the 50. im not expecting to go out and shoot one hole groups at 1000 yds but what can i expect out of it? this thing will mostly be used for paper, steel and the occasional groundhog! any other grizzly owners on here?
 
#4
Re: just bought a 50

The giant cases are fun to prep lol. I have never tried to shoot a whistle pig with it... I know what I am doing next weekend hah.
 
#6
Re: just bought a 50

its got a long barrel but since its a shell holder design it really isnt too awful long. the barrel is super thick though. not complaining about that though! i think it'll be a fun gun to shoot for sure. always wanted one, and now its almost here!!
 
#7
Re: just bought a 50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sixpack340</div><div class="ubbcode-body">well, i finally made the plunge and against my wifes better judgment, i bought me a 50! i got a grizzly lar 50bmg off gunbroker. so, any thoughts or opinions on this particular setup? i researched a lot about it on here and elsewhere and it seems like a good entry level rifle to get into the 50. im not expecting to go out and shoot one hole groups at 1000 yds but what can i expect out of it? this thing will mostly be used for paper, steel and the occasional groundhog! any other grizzly owners on here? </div></div>

I'm not a Grizzly owner but I have a Vulcan single shot and I think you'll find that this is the most fun you can have with your clothes on!
Vulcan Link
When I measure my barrel it's 27" not sure how they come up with the 36" barrel, it's only 48" long total.
I've shot mine out to 400yds. and the same zero applies to 100yrds.
I've changed my grip and installed a "Huber Trigger" set at 2lbs.
I think a man needs a fairly long range to shoot these things, but they are still a ton of fun.
Enjoy your new rifle.
Welcome to the Hide.
We will want to hear a range report when you receive your rifle.
 
#8
Re: just bought a 50

Down in York huh? Got a place to stretch it out? If not IM me there's a place up 322 that goes out to 1K.

What optic are you going to use? I have had Premier, Vortex & Leupold on my M82 and they all stand up to the pounding. Ammo I usually use whatever is cheapest to feed the smile machine,. But I'm going to start testing out the 750 Amax offering from Hornady.
 
#9
Re: just bought a 50

my parents have a farm in spring grove. can get up to 350 or so. after that, i dont know where to go to shoot it at any sizeable distance. i havent picked up any optics for it yet. id like to get something with high magnification for sure though. just waiting for the right deal to come along. the place you know of, is it public or private?
 
#10
Re: just bought a 50

If you can find hand pulled AP bullets to load, some of these can give reasonable groups when shooting. The AMAX bullets also work well, but tend to be a little pricey (as if most things that work well are not ;-).

Some of the new M33 ball ammo has been of marginal accuracy, shooting over twice the group size than hand loads with API, even in the late M82A1. Note API is not the best option for use on the farm ;-).

When you are getting optics, consider the max vertical adjustment, just in case you get where you can shoot to a mile plus. A 100 MOA of vertical adjustment is in a few Leupold's and the Nightforce NXS, both which allow a 30MOA + offset base/ring.
 
#11
Re: just bought a 50

i wont be shooting any tracer or api on the farm for sure. we set the range on fire at camp lejuene more than once when we were shooting the m2 during soi. i'll only be shooting ball ammo or possibly the amax if money allows. since the modern 50's have recoil similar to say, a 12ga shotgun, will a budget minded scope still be no good for my new toy? id like to get something on it for now until i can save my pennies for a nf or uso. maybe put something like a bushnell elite tactical 10x or something else in that price range?
 
#12
Re: just bought a 50

Some of the guys had good luck with the SS X10 or X16 power ... some did not, but the warranty was fine.

Now days everyone around here puts a 5.5x22 Nightforce on the 50's and 338LMs ... and does not look back. You can find the Leupold Mk4 4.5x14 for just at a grand at times (take offs of Barrett package deals), which also has a 100 MOA vertical adjustment, but is still over half the cost of the Nightforce.


Regards
John
 
#13
Re: just bought a 50

i noticed a lot of the high caliber rifles have the nf 5.5x22 setups on them. but for now, thats wayyyy out of my wallets capability. a 16x ss would prob work. only thing that stinks about those is that they dont stick around in the for sale section too long. i always seem to miss them.
 
#14
Re: just bought a 50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sixpack340</div><div class="ubbcode-body">well, i finally made the plunge and against my wifes better judgment, i bought me a 50! i got a grizzly lar 50bmg off gunbroker. so, any thoughts or opinions on this particular setup? i researched a lot about it on here and elsewhere and it seems like a good entry level rifle to get into the 50. im not expecting to go out and shoot one hole groups at 1000 yds but what can i expect out of it? this thing will mostly be used for paper, steel and the occasional groundhog! any other grizzly owners on here? </div></div>

My best group to date at 1,000 with mine is 7 1/16", but I've shot a couple 10" groups too. I bought mine about 10 years ago, but just got in to reloading for it about 3 years ago. The bullpup design is something to get used to, and doesn't offer a good rear rest support is my main complaint. I have an old Burris signature 8-32x on mine with a set of their Z rings with 20 MOA off set inserts.
 
#16
Re: just bought a 50

I sold my Barrett when ammo prices went thru the roof and I don't reload .50. A .50 is a hoot to shoot! Blows everything off the bench next to you though! I had some Bosnian machine-gun ammo I let newbies shoot. That stuff must have been about 30% hotter than anything else I shot. Don't know if I'd run it in a Grizzly though. I think the Barrett actions are a little stronger. Enjoy!!!
 
#17
Re: just bought a 50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sixpack340</div><div class="ubbcode-body">well, i finally made the plunge and against my wifes better judgment, i bought me a 50! i got a grizzly lar 50bmg off gunbroker. so, any thoughts or opinions on this particular setup? i researched a lot about it on here and elsewhere and it seems like a good entry level rifle to get into the 50. im not expecting to go out and shoot one hole groups at 1000 yds but what can i expect out of it? this thing will mostly be used for paper, steel and the occasional groundhog! any other grizzly owners on here? </div></div>


Howdy!Good choice there.First thing to do is join the FCSA as any question or info you need is readily available.I designed/and built mine and shoot the crap out of it.I can only do this because I reload.Get a Lee 50bmg reloading package and check Wideners for components.They have new unloaded 690grain ball projectiles for $61 per 100 plus shipping.They shoot great in my rifle.You might want to try my subsonic load with these or similar bullets.Get some Trail Boss powder and start at about 55grns to 72grns maximum for some less disruptive fun.Have a ball and PM me if I can help.
 
#18
Re: just bought a 50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sixpack340</div><div class="ubbcode-body">my parents have a farm in spring grove. can get up to 350 or so. after that, i dont know where to go to shoot it at any sizeable distance. i havent picked up any optics for it yet. id like to get something with high magnification for sure though. just waiting for the right deal to come along. the place you know of, is it public or private? </div></div>

It's private,. But it's well worth it, great club,. easy to join & cheap.

My personal rule on optics,.. " buy once, cry once " stick a Leupold Mk4 on it and call it good until you have the $$$$ for something much better.

FCSA,.. you really should join.
 
#20
Re: just bought a 50

lee kit comes with all most everything. well worth it to reload. And congrates on the the new toy. I have the Ba-50 with an EDM coming soon. Love to shoot them and you either do or don't. The down side is the rush every time you pull the trigger
wink.gif
 
#22
Re: just bought a 50

I've shot spotter tracer, AP, API, Ball and my 750grn Amax.
The spotter tracer is by far one of the funest rounds to shoot.
For a lot of fifty info try biggerhammer.
I'm using the RCBS press. It takes a little bit to prep the cases but it isn't bad.

For the 750 grn Amax loads I am using 220grns of H50BMG (I don't get much out of a 1lb jug, but then I don't send that many rounds down range in one sitting).

I only run 170grns of 5050 for the 800grn spotter tracer to avoid rupturing the dual tracer element in the barrel.
 
#23
Re: just bought a 50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sixpack340</div><div class="ubbcode-body">ironman, whats your opinion on the shell holder design? obviously its never blown up on you. and what height rings are you running? </div></div>

I think the shell holder design is incredibly strong, at least on the LAR. The shell holder design however is not conducive to fast follow up shots, not that that is something common to do with a 50 in the first place. I'm using the Burris Z rings, but the highest ones they sell for a 1" scope tube I feel are just a little too short for the LAR. They do make a higher set of rings for the 30mm scope tubes.

Prices on surplus ammo have come down quite a bit. I would shop around and buy ammo before you get in to reloading. I went with the RCBS ammomaster kit. The big draw back to the LEE kit is the non standard thread pitch on their dies, and press. I can reload my match ammo for around $3 a pop.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kd185</div><div class="ubbcode-body">watch you eye relief when buying a scope
you'll need at least 3" of eye relief </div></div>

Good point to remember, don't forget the eye relief shrinks as the power goes up.
 
#24
Re: just bought a 50

Just shot mine yesterday with some of the SA 690s. First time I have shot it for a while, but it ran well with those. Recovered a couple from the berm, muddy and rifled but fmj all the way lol. They looked almost new hah.

Id grab one of the lee bullet sizers. I caught 4 out of a lot of 50 that were enough oversized that Id not want them in my bore.

I think you should start loading for it ASAP IF you are going to shoot it fairly regularly. The initial cost for the equipment is kinda steep, but well worth it if you are going to be shooting. On the plus side, most of the big presses can be configured to put the smaller rounds together as well. For loading rounds, it is not actually too costly if you run the pulled projectiles and pulled powders. So far they have shot well enough out to 500. You really will notice if you load the match projectiles like AMAX or the solids. Loaded match ammo aint cheap for sure.
 
#25
Re: just bought a 50

thanks ironman. with the scope base on the grizzly as high as it is, it seems like high rings would put the scope wayyyy up there. but i guess not. well see how i feel when i settle into the rifle. the guy im buying this from has 90 rounds for 225. thats about 2.50 a round. for just plain jane m33 ball. might take him up on his offer.
 
#26
#27
Re: just bought a 50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Stefan73</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You can run ball out to 1K all day long!
I used to drop E-type targets at Fort Hood Crittenberg(SP)range at 1500m and shoot targets (can't remember type) at Lonestar 1000m with ball ammo out of my Serbu using a SS 20X.

here are some fifty links,
http://www.patsreloading.com/patsrel/prices.aspx
http://www.hevanet.com/temple/index.html
http://www.biggerhammer.net/barrett/wwwboard/index.cgi?
http://www.fcsa.org/wwwroot/index.php </div></div>

i thought they only let you shoot on the civi side of the zero range,..... or are you talking M2 qual?

from a tripod with T&E 1500m is a simple task of fire & adjust with M33. the 1K range i shoot at i can peg the steel at 1000 with ease (its a 30 inch steel disc) using my M82 & XM-33 and M33

can't wait to pile up on the 750's though......
 
#28
Re: just bought a 50

This isn't the greatest pic of the scope rings. Maybe it's because I have been shooting prone but I forgo the suede cheek rest to get a better sight picture. I have also been using the scope closest to its max power, so the eye relief is short.

87d00c3b.jpg
 
#29
Re: just bought a 50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cruzie27</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Stefan73</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You can run ball out to 1K all day long!
I used to drop E-type targets at Fort Hood Crittenberg(SP)range at 1500m and shoot targets (can't remember type) at Lonestar 1000m with ball ammo out of my Serbu using a SS 20X.

here are some fifty links,
http://www.patsreloading.com/patsrel/prices.aspx
http://www.hevanet.com/temple/index.html
http://www.biggerhammer.net/barrett/wwwboard/index.cgi?
http://www.fcsa.org/wwwroot/index.php </div></div>

i thought they only let you shoot on the civi side of the zero range,..... or are you talking M2 qual?

from a tripod with T&E 1500m is a simple task of fire & adjust with M33. the 1K range i shoot at i can peg the steel at 1000 with ease (its a 30 inch steel disc) using my M82 & XM-33 and M33

can't wait to pile up on the 750's though......

</div></div>
Nope, not M2 qual. This was with my Serbu BFG-50.
Lonestar range only happened because I had some friends and made a couple of deals. Critt happened because my BN CDR thought that my Serbu was the coolest thing he'd seen in a while and he liked to watch me drop the e-types.
I was probably the first person to ever shoot a 50 bmg round on the civilian range in probably darn neer forever. I had to get the lead from range control there to clarify that I could shoot on that range, this was in 2001-2002.
 
#30
Re: just bought a 50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Iamironman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This isn't the greatest pic of the scope rings. Maybe it's because I have been shooting prone but I forgo the suede cheek rest to get a better sight picture. I have also been using the scope closest to its max power, so the eye relief is short.

87d00c3b.jpg
</div></div>
What ammo boxes are those?

If your looking for Viht powder and Lapua projos for the fifty I just ordered 100 750grn projo's and 8 pounds of viht for the 50 and another two pounds of viht from here (this is a while supplies last deal that was posted on biggerhammer),

.50 BMG (750gr.) Projectiles - $2.25/pc.
.50 BMG (800gr.) Projectiles - $2.25/pc.
FOB Bensenville, IL
AND....
20N29-8 VIHTAVUORI POWDER - $23.00/POUND - FOB WISCONSIN.
Contact: Jeannie Bolda
815-505-4104
[email protected]


 
#31
Re: just bought a 50

I wont buy Lapua projo's because they are too damn expensive. Even if I bought some on a deal, I'd have to buy them at the higher price later. Same goes for 20N29. I can get H50 for about $70 less than VV 8lb jug. My 7" group was shot with TenX bullets, and the 10's with Lehigh's both were in the 800gr range, and are $2/ea. Those ammo boxes are MTM 12 gauge boxes with foam inserts from J&J products. J&J makes a better box, but they are too short to hold my match ammo.
 
#32
Re: just bought a 50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Iamironman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I wont buy Lapua projo's because they are too damn expensive. Even if I bought some on a deal, I'd have to buy them at the higher price later. Same goes for 20N29. I can get H50 for about $70 less than VV 8lb jug. My 7" group was shot with TenX bullets, and the 10's with Lehigh's both were in the 800gr range, and are $2/ea. Those ammo boxes are MTM 12 gauge boxes with foam inserts from J&J products. J&J makes a better box, but they are too short to hold my match ammo. </div></div>
I hear you!
They are addictive.
 
#33
Re: just bought a 50

I have a similar gun I built from the maddi griffin plans about 11 years ago. Mine shoots very well. I think the best advise I can give you is proper hangfire procedure for this type gun. If you have a hangfire, do not move for 1 minute. Some surplus rounds can occasionally have a delay from deteriorated primers (has not been common for me). After 1 minute get up and keep the barrel down range. support the gun with 1 hand and use the other to open the bolt with your hand approaching the bolt from the BARREL END of the gun. Very important you do not have any part of your hand/body blocking the bolt from exiting the rear of the gun if the round goes off as the bolt is opened. Also clear anyone from behind the weapon if at a range/ firing line.
I have seen this several times on several weapons where the round goes off as soon as the bolt is moved to open it, as well as a bolt go flying at one of the RMFCSA shoots. The most common issue I have seen is the firing pin is threaded into the piece that contacts the sear. If the pin works loose and backs in a little you get weak primer strikes. If you pull off the buttpad there is a flathead slot in the back of the pin to adjust protrusion. If you run into an issue just set it and locktite the pin.
I would also recomend you pick up a muzzlebreak for an AR-50. It will make it alot more fun to shoot. The brake that comes on these is not nearly as efficent.
 
#34
Re: just bought a 50

I have a Barrett 99.The only thing I don't like about it is the muzzle blast.Shooting the rifle it doesn't effect you as much as when someone else is shooting it.even standing directly behind the rifle with your mouth open it feels like someone slapped you in the nose.After 10 or 15 shots the next day it still feels like someone slapped you in the nose.I have sinus problems.could that be the problem?Has anyone else had this problem?Anyone have any ideas how to stop this other than not letting anyone else shoot the rifle?
 
#35
Re: just bought a 50

I hate shooting 50's. The concussive blast gives me a headache within ~10 shots. Id love to shoot a suppressed 50, but the entire setup would run far more than I can afford to spend.
 
#36
Re: just bought a 50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: maccrazy2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I would also recomend you pick up a muzzlebreak for an AR-50. It will make it alot more fun to shoot. The brake that comes on these is not nearly as efficent. </div></div>

The AR-50 muzzle brake is not a direct replacement (for the LAR). You would have to take your gun to a gunsmith and have the barrel turned down to the diameter of the AR-50 to use that brake.

No one I have found yet will make a muzzle brake big enough for the LAR barrel. I have been waiting almost a year and a half for K&P, so they can go squat. I have been meaning to call Anzio Ironworks to see if they can build something. I'm not cutting my barrel on mine.
 
#37
Re: just bought a 50

the most ive shoot my 50 in one day was 98 rounds
i had a good bruise on my shoulder but no sinus problems or head aches
are you keeping your mouth open when firing it?
 
#38
Re: just bought a 50

going to pick it up now!! i cant freakin wait to see my new beast in all its glory! the gun shop called and said its here and i immediately dropped what i was doing with the wife to get a quick shower and zip out the door. but...she wants to come too. so now i gotta wait for wifey to get all dolled up. grrrr...
 
#39
Re: just bought a 50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kd185</div><div class="ubbcode-body">the most ive shoot my 50 in one day was 98 rounds
i had a good bruise on my shoulder but no sinus problems or head aches
are you keeping your mouth open when firing it? </div></div>80 rounds for me. It was Marks old muzzle break design (I have since upgraded).
 
#40
Re: just bought a 50

kd185
Yes I keep my mouth open and use ear plugs and muffs.The 99 is the only .50 I have shot.How does it rate with other ones?What kind of accuracy can I expect with good hand loads if I do my part?The trigger is not the best,it has some creep.
 
#41
Re: just bought a 50

I just shot some ball ammo and 1 amax round through the serbu.
Good day for me, bad day for a pumpkin. The pumpkin didn't explode or anything, I only left quarter size holes going in and quarter size holes going out.
 
#42
Re: just bought a 50

well, its here. i went and picked it up yesterday afternoon. im going to shoot it today at the local public range. i looked and havent found anything saying i cant have my new 50 at that range. i only have 10 rounds for it and the range only goes to 100. so i wont be having a lot of time behind it today for a thorough range report. i put a cheapy 6-24x50 on it that my brother had laying around. itll work for now i guess...as long as it doesnt snap in half! haha. i'll let you fellas know how it goes when i get back.
 
#43
Re: just bought a 50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jaybird39</div><div class="ubbcode-body">kd185
Yes I keep my mouth open and use ear plugs and muffs.The 99 is the only .50 I have shot.How does it rate with other ones?What kind of accuracy can I expect with good hand loads if I do my part?The trigger is not the best,it has some creep. </div></div>

most guys with barrets are getting around 8"-12" with hand loads @ 1,000 yards
a few are getting under 8"
the barrets run such a big chamber its tough to get under 8" with them
there are a few screamers out there but only a few
 
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