Best long range .50?

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spook22

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Hey i have been looking to get a .50 rifle and want the most accurate one for long range target shooting. Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks
 
Ditto on McMillan.

I had a 'Ferret .50' top end for AR lower, and it was worthless,

I have a AR-50 and it's spot on,
Traded a Barrett 99 for the AR and never looked back.
Nothing beats the Gail McMillan built bolt .50 for accuracy.

I had one, but let it get away (Trade)...
I'm looking for another one simply because the one I had shot so well.

I'd have to say McMillan and/or ArmaLite, although I have two guys I shoot with that have Cobb rifles, and they can keep up with the AR-50 also...

If you are not married to the idea of a .50 BMG, then consider a .338 Lupua from Accuracy International.
Those guys are hammering targets at 2,000 Yards pretty regularly...

Also, the .416 Barrett is supposed to be hyper accurate compared to the .50 BMG rifles.
Personally, I'll stay with a caliber I can 'Plink' with military surplus ammo and reload before I start buying .416 stuff...
IF the military adopts it, I'll consider one.
 
The .408 is supposed to be WAY accurate.

But ditto on the .50 being a millitary round, and it's more bada$$!!!!!

But I'd look at the .338LM.
 
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Isn't the McMillin the gun the Canadian sniper used for that 2500 yard kill shot?

Just checked. 2657 yards, and it was the Mcmillan Tac 50 that he used.
 
The word "best" is a reletive. There are a couple that are considered top shelf such as the McMillan, you could also throw in the Accuracy International AIAW50 and then there are the cutom builds. Owning and shooting the 50's now days certainly is not for the faint at heart and does require a little money invested.
 
spook22 do you have a place to shoot where the small improvements in accuracy will make any difference? Unless you live out west, there are few places where you can shoot 1K yards. A lot of folks want the most accurate rifle, and spend a premium on it, when they don't have a place to shoot it to it's potential, and don't have the skills to use it to that level. I guess if you want bragging rights with your buddies, this is the way to go. You might be better served with less gun for a lot less money. I have a .50 that is capable of <1 MOA at 1,000 yards, but don't have a place to shoot it that far. It's accuracy is more than acceptable for the distances I shoot, and I paid a lot less than those top of the line, specialty rifles.

You must also look at what type of rifle you want, the most accurate will be a bench rest rifle that probably weighs in excess of 50 pounds. Or do you want a tactical rifle, that you can more easily carry around.

Exactly what do you want to do with it?

How much is your budget for this rifle?

Do you handload? Are you capable of making your own brass from other casings?

How much are you willing to spend for factory ammo? (you might find $100+ a box is expected for good ammo.)

How many rounds do you plan on shooting through the rifle per year?

Can you afford $2,000 or more on optics? (good scope + a good spotting scope)

Answers to these questions will help others direct you to an appropriate choice.
 
I have owned several .50's and have shot most of the rest. I also shoot .338 Lapua and a variety of smaller long-range calibers.

If you want to shoot 1000-1800 yards, there are calibers that are much, much cheaper to shoot than .50 or .338, and are only a little behind (if any) in ballistic performance.

Honestly, for targets at 1500 yards I would rather shoot my 7mm RM than my .338 or a .50.

Within 1200 yards? Build a nice .260 Remington. You'll thank me later.

-z
 
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