50 BMG for Hunting?

[rexelbion]

I've been reading some articles regarding what calibers to be used on dangerous game and I was wondering why the 50 cal BMG wasn't mentioned? Does anyone use this round for hunting and what would be the best bullet type manufacturered for this application. I would think that with it's ballistics and bullet size, that this round would be prime for buff and phant.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[cookhj]

people out west use them for prarie dog hunting. most won't take a shot closer than about a mile though.

 

[MarineTech]

Just what kind of dangerous game are you talking about?

For elephant, rhino, or cape buffulo the .50 BMG might be a viable option assuming that you could get it through customs in the appropriate countries (probably not). Also, due to terrain, most shots in Africa on dangerous game have a tendency to be a fairly close range affair. This eliminates the range advantage of .50BMG. Also, since most .50BMG rifles are usually 25+ lbs, they're not something you want to try and haul around all day.

There really isn't any game in North America that warrants the .50BMG as a choice. Even the great bears fall to the more common magnums and big game cartridges that are available in more compact rifles.

 

[H&Hhunter]

I've been reading some articles regarding what calibers to be used on dangerous game and I was wondering why the 50 cal BMG wasn't mentioned?

I get asked this about 3 times a week.

And here is my answer.

While the 50 BMG is obviously capable of handling any critter on earth with ease it is a totally impractical round for hunting. Unless of course your hunting from a fixed position.(Sniper style)

The rifles that are cambered for the .50 are to large and combersome to be used in effective spot and stalk style hunting. They are so frikin loud as to be damaging to the unprotected ear especially with the huge parachute breaks thay have. They are to heavy to be shot off hand effectivley though I've done it with a MacMillian just to do it, it wasn't pretty. Even the lightest ones arent balanced for effective off hand shooting.

While they could certainly be used to snipe buffalo or elephants from a fixed position at long range that really kind of defeats the whole reason we hunt dangerous game. That whole getting close and personal thing is what true DG hunting is all about.

So the answer is yes the caliber is fully capable yet impractical.

I have set on a hill side with a .50 waiting for hogs but as of yet have not had the chance to shoot one with it. I'm sure that somebody has...

 

[TallPine]

I have a neighbor that claims he uses his to shoot stray dogs ....

Don't know if that is so, but he does crack it off every now and then. Pretty loud even from 1/4 mile away.

I guess it takes all kinds. He is not around a lot, though. Off on these "special operations" missions much of the time.

 

[twoblink]

I was at a range once when they were shooting it WAY down range.. and you can "feel" it going off..

A 30-06 will take anything in North America down without much problems. I dare say a 375H&H will do almost anything you need on earth.

A .50Cal is intended if you are being attacked by a tank or need to sniper someone from a mile away...

The sucker is HEAVY and forget about hiding your position!! When I say heavy, Mean you aren't gonna walk around with it. 25lbs in a very awkward balance..

 

[mete]

I was told about a hunter with a disability so he couldn't get around . They put him in a good location and he got his elk with a 50BMG round at 600 yds. That's a good application for the 50 !

 

[Chuck Jennings]

The question had to be asked eventually . . .

 

[Diggler]

Temporary cavity?

 

[DadOfThree]

Temporary cavity?

You don't have to worry about tearing up the meat. The trick is to shoot a couple of inches over its head. The shock of the bullet passing that close will kill it. Of course it may ruin the antlers


Come on, everbody knows that!!