essayons21
Member
I just acquired an Armalite AR50. Factory .50 ammo costs are heart-stopping, with match ammo running $6-9 a round. Now that I finally have a .50 and a place to shoot it, this is just unacceptable, so I'm going to start reloading for the .50 BMG.
I have been reloading for traditional cartridges and making pretty good precision rifle ammo for some time now, so I have the basics covered. I'd like to get some input on some of you veteran .50 shooters and reloaders out there to keep me from making the mistakes you may have made while learning the quirks of reloading this cartridge.
I'm planning on picking up the Lee .50 BMG kit. I've had good luck with Lee products, and it is far, far less expensive than the competitors. Any concerns with this setup?
I have a RCBS 1500 and a pretty good sized powder measure so that shouldn't be a problem. My case trimmer is too small, are there any options out there that don't involve buying a new .50 specific trimmer?
As far as powder choice, I'm going for economy to start with. I've found WC860 for $48 per 8 lbs, less if you buy more. I've heard you get 8-9 charges per lb? Yikes. Any issues using this powder in an AR-50? Any better prices?
Bullets will also be cheap at first, surplus ball ammo for $.45 each. Any better prices?
Brass I am ok with as I got about 100 rds of LC reloads with the gun, and I won't be loading up any more than that at one time.
I have still yet to check my LGS's to see if they stock .50 primers. I really would hate to pay hazmat shipping fees.
Anything I have forgotten? Any advice for a budding .50 reloader?
Thanks.
I have been reloading for traditional cartridges and making pretty good precision rifle ammo for some time now, so I have the basics covered. I'd like to get some input on some of you veteran .50 shooters and reloaders out there to keep me from making the mistakes you may have made while learning the quirks of reloading this cartridge.
I'm planning on picking up the Lee .50 BMG kit. I've had good luck with Lee products, and it is far, far less expensive than the competitors. Any concerns with this setup?
I have a RCBS 1500 and a pretty good sized powder measure so that shouldn't be a problem. My case trimmer is too small, are there any options out there that don't involve buying a new .50 specific trimmer?
As far as powder choice, I'm going for economy to start with. I've found WC860 for $48 per 8 lbs, less if you buy more. I've heard you get 8-9 charges per lb? Yikes. Any issues using this powder in an AR-50? Any better prices?
Bullets will also be cheap at first, surplus ball ammo for $.45 each. Any better prices?
Brass I am ok with as I got about 100 rds of LC reloads with the gun, and I won't be loading up any more than that at one time.
I have still yet to check my LGS's to see if they stock .50 primers. I really would hate to pay hazmat shipping fees.
Anything I have forgotten? Any advice for a budding .50 reloader?
Thanks.