Open call to Guncrafter Industries : Ballistic gelatin test of .50GI cartridge

[Socrates]

JE223:
Sorry I couldn't be of more help. What velocity did they say these bullets worked at?

I wonder if cutting a Safe Stop ridge in the HP would work????

Still, if you can find a lead bullet that works, in an HP mold, that might be better. Make sure that the GI doesn't operate like the Desert Eagle, and, has a gas port that may plug when lead bullets are used.

S

 

[GregGry]

Imagine a 50 caliber Gold Dot

It already exists: http://www.speer-bullets.com/ballistics/bullet_detail.aspx?id=215

And they sell loaded ammo for the 50ae. Problem is, the expansion is iffy considering the 50AE is so much more powerfull then the 50gi.

 

[Cosmoline]

300 gr at 700 fps would be capable of expanding to .779" and still penetrate 13",

I know quite a few guys around here with bellies that thick. A foot of penetration ain't enough anymore.

 

[Brass Fetcher]

Socrates,

Thanks for the advice regarding the gas port. As far as I know, the .50GI 1911 is designed the same as a M1911. What exactly is a 'Safe Stop ridge'?

Right now, it looks like a pure lead bullet would be the best choice in bullets. The advantages there is that the expanded diameter can be controlled as a function of the strength of the lead, which of course is varied by it's alloy percentage with other metals. Additionally, the expanded diameter of a lead hollowpoint is exceedingly easy to measure - the measurements made on hollowpoints with the 'petals' are somewhat less certain. Ensuring a more accurate 'average diameter' goes a long ways towards making any adjustments to the bullet composition, weight or velocity as the dynamics of pistol bullet penetration are very well documented and any refinements would be based upon this.

So, it is looking like things will start out as a pure lead bullet ... unless Speer would be so kind as to change the materials on their .50AE Gold Dot just for these tests...

 

[Brass Fetcher]

Update:

As of end of business day Friday :

We are still waiting to hear back again from GI, hopefully we will know more early next week.

As for the bullets - does anyone have experience with the Barnes 275gr XPB bullet? It has been my experience with the X-bullet in both rifles and pistols that lower-than-normal velocity has not been an issue. IE they work great out of a 1 7/8" snubnose .38 and out of a .223 with a 14.5" barrel. Both of these barrels are much shorter than the standard test barrels, so I have hope for this round.

Anyone have any experience with down-loaded 50 caliber hollowpoints?

Thank you,

JE223

 

[Ituzaingo]

So, what's up?

 

[mbartel]

JE223-

The Barnes 275 XPB bullet will be too long for the .50 GI. Since it is all copper and has a very deep hollow point, it is very long for it's weight. In order to work through the magazine of the GI, it would have to be seated very deep in the case, leaving very little room for the powder. However....Rainier makes a very nice 275 gr. Plated hollow point, that is quite soft. Power Pistol works very well in this cartridge. I would start at about 8 grains and go up 1/2 grain at a time, until 1000 fps is reached. This short bullet should be seated far enough out to just work through the magazine. With maximum powder space available, and the soft plated bullet, this velocity is easily a safe goal in the Model 1. Expansion should be impressive. And the .50GI case is PLENTY strong. I get over 1200 fps with this bullet in my .50 GI chambered BFR. After numerous max loads, the cases are still in great shape. Tight primer pockets and minimal case head expansion.

 

[Brass Fetcher]

Unfortunately, nothing new to update...

Thank you for the info - I am definitely leaning towards the maximum pressure, softest, heaviest expanding bullet that will work in this caliber.

In the meantime - I've been in contact with GI, they tell me to hang tight because something new is in the works. I will get back with them again soon - please help me/everyone who is interested out - if you are interested in this caliber... a gelatin test showing just how good it is would help it become more popular, perhaps standardized at some time in the future. So, contact GI and tell them that you would like to see this happen! It is easily demonstrable, even without shooting gelatin, that the .50GI is more effective than the .45ACP. Something to think about.

The only thing stopping me from a gelatin test like this is getting a gun and the reloading dies...

 

[475AR10]

Other Ideas

I to am very excited about the 50 GI, but as many the price is heavy, so I deceided to get someone to make me an Encore bbl for it which I hope will be done soon. When I get it I will test bullets and loads. As to the bullets, I also make .500 jacketed/lead bullets in .500 diameter (to feed my 500 S&W) here is what I hope will be a great bullet for the GI:





This bullet is 300gr pure lead and should expand very well. I think that anyone that gets the 50 GI should look into finding the small custom bullet makers and see if they will/can make what you want, or get a custom mold made and cast your own. I am working on getting some custom jackets that have a wall of .020 and I think I will be able to make jacketed bullets that will expand.

 

[Brass Fetcher]

There it is - at 300grs, if it expands to, say, 80 caliber it's a winner. That looks like the right bullet for the job.

If you would like to test your ammo in ballistic gelatin, I hope that you will look me up.

 

[jwerlc]

JE223

These folks may be able to help with the ammo situation. They have a great rep around these parts...
http://www.reedsammo.com/