Lets talk about 50cal. BMG

[Harve Curry]

I have just got a MaadiGriffin almost done, waiting on the bolt & bolt cap.
So I have alot of questions being I've never shot one.
What ammo do you recommend, sources?
Reload or buy ready mades, surplus?
Scopes? , I was thinking of a fixed 40 power.
What do you think of those sabots for shooting 30cal bullets at 5200fps??
Anything, info, discussion, would be of help and appreciated

 

[Zak Smith]

Reloading will be most affordable. Get a Hornady or RCBS 50BMG press, then I recommend the CH4D bushing neck-only size die, to conserve brass life.

IMI brass is a good choice at about $1 per each. If you get surplus LC brass, it will require significant prep.

Using surplus #5010 power will be the cheapest if you can buy it in bulk (around $1-2 per lb). Otherwise Hodgdon H50BMG is the commercial powder of choice.

Again for bullets, the surplus bullets will be the cheapest. If you want more accuracy, the 750gr Hornady AMAX is a good choice that shoots good in almost everything.

Primer choice is limited. CCI 50BMG primers are the most practical way to go.

Follow the published reload data, and start low.

I would recommend a variable power scope of less than 40x because locating the target in anything but benchrest will be very difficult at 40x. Even shooting to 1 mile, I rarely use more than about 18x (goes up to 22x).

Let us know what other specific questions you have--

[ link to LARGER image ]

 

[texasguy]

awesome rifle!!!

 

[bratch]

Hang out awhile and you'll see his entire collection with tears in your eyes.

 

[Harve Curry]

Thanks Zac,
I was looking at a 40X Leopold, thinking I wouldn't be using this rifle at anything much under 500 yards. Where I live it is normal to shoot long range. Also I thought that a fixed power scope would be more durable with the recoil, maybe that's false.
What variable scope would you recommend, any range finding reticles?
What scope does the military use on the Barrett?
Burris Scopes were also recommended.

 

[Zak Smith]

I recommend looking at the Leupold MKIV or Nightforce NXS lines as starting points.