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Posted: 3/25/2009 9:23:22 AM EDT
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I'm having a hard time finding reloading data for the .50 BMG. I own an AMAC/Iver Johnson and when I purchased the gun it came with some reloading equipment. I've decided I want to start reloading for my 50 but can't find much info.
The gun came with some Thunderbird T5070 powder that the old owner was using to reload but the limited data I've found haven't shown this powder. If anyone knows of applications for it specifically I would love to know, but any info would be appreciated. The recipe he was using was 250.0 grains of the T5070 behind a 647 grain Speer FMJ-BT. Any help would be great. |
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Call T-Bird ammo and ask them about the 5070 and what they reccomend. I've never used it but 250 grs. sounds like an extremely hot round and I would be worried about using/shooting it.
Most guys run about about 215-220 grs. of powder when reloading and get very good results. Some guys do run loads that are hotter then this but they have worked up to that load. Hot rounds will shorten the life of the brass, they will beat you up shooting them and more then likely will burn the throat out of your barrel faster also. Some of the companies currently making powder will have load info on the jugs, these are suggested loads and it's always advisable to do your own load work. Just remember to look for pressure signs when doing load work, flattened primers, hard extraction, case head failure are some of the things to look for. |
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250 sounded high to me too. I have found a few loads that are at or above that number but most were around 220. I just couldn't find any with the powder that I have.
Thanks for the replys. I will try contacting the manufacturer to see what they have to say. Nice group Donner. I would be completely happy if I get that kind of accuracy out of mine. |
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250 grains is too hot for MOST bolt rifles. I'd definitely not start there. Might end up there but I doubt it.
750 Amax and 214 to 220 gr of H50BMG is a common long-range accuracy load. I have a few buddies that are loading 240 to 250 grains of VV20N29 behind 800 grain solids but they are running on the ragged edge of pressure and using McBros benchrest guns setup for boreriders. I would start out around 215 grains and work my way up 2-3 grains at a time. When the bolt starts to get tight when you open it, reduce the charge 2 grains and consider that your max. -David Edgewood, NM |
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This test is from a chart I wrote down and I don't remember the source.
DO NOT USE THIS FOR RELOAD DATA––IT MAY BE TOO HOT!! It's just one test somebody did comparing different surplus powders. Surplus powders do vary in burn rate so your lot may be slower or faster burning. CCI 35 primer IMI 647 ball oal 5.460 235 grains of each type powder LC 91 brass 33.1" barrel temp. 66-78 degrees POWDER –––––– AVG VELOCITY –––––– STD. DEVIATION –––– PEAK PRESSURE H5010 –– 2991 –– 25 –– 585 T5020 –– 2979 –– 21 –– 609 T870 ––2947 –– 15 –– 578 T5070 –– 2927 –– 14 –– 546 H870 –– 2921 –– 12 –– 578 WC872 –– 2915 –– 28 –– 560 AA8600 –– 2913 –– 24 –– 541 AA5010 –– 2896 –– 22 –– 539 AA8700 –– 2895 –– 9 –– 543 24N41 –– 2867 –– 15 –– 495 RVO70 –– 2811 –– 40 –– 535 DO NOT USE FOR LOAD DATA––THIS IS JUST ONE TEST COMPARING POWDERS T5070 is near to WC872 from what I've read. Since in this test T5070 gave 2927fps and that is warm as far as expected velocity from 647 bullets in a 33" barrel I'd definitely think that your load using more powder would be hazardous. Like mentioned maybe your supplier could give some input as far as load data? |
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Just to let you guys know, I had no intention of starting at 250. I just mentioned it because that is the load the prior owner was using with that powder. I won't be shooting further than 300 yards so I don't feel the need to squeeze extra velocity out of a round I am just beginning to load. I was just looking for some input from those of you that have been working with the round for a while.
Thank you all for the replies and info. One more questiion, what is the minimum powder charge for the 50 case? |
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Most folks start at 214 grains for 50 BMG. I'm sure 170 grains would launch a mil-spec bullet but you'll get wicked neck smoking below 214 grains. Probably will get to the point after a few rounds that you can't chamber a round because of all the soot in the chamber.
214 is what I consider to be the minimum load with all but spotter tracer projectiles. -David Edgewood, NM |
| make sure you do exatly as nmmi9100 says he knows everything about everything. Reloading is a learned process, he says not to go below 214gr. 210gr in your gun might be the perfect load, 225gr might be, its mostly trial and error. Find the best load between 200gr and 230gr of H50BMG and you will be good. |
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Quoted:
make sure you do exatly as nmmi9100 says he knows everything about everything. Reloading is a learned process, he says not to go below 214gr. 210gr in your gun might be the perfect load, 225gr might be, its mostly trial and error. Find the best load between 200gr and 230gr of H50BMG and you will be good. I think you should check your scale! |
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Not sure what the minimum is but even at say 170 for the spotter tracers the thing to look out for is having a void in the case between the powder and primer. This can and will cause an explosion in the chamber/receiver and won't be good for you or your rifle.
If you do use a reduced load be sure to stand the case upright before chambering it so that the powder is stacked against the primer. This is only a caution, if the load is still to low it might not cover the primer and you'll get a detonation. You could use a filler to be safe and to keep the powder in place. Another thing to consider is that if the charge is to low the bullet could lodge in the barrel, if you don't notice it and attempt to fire another round it's going to be ugly! 
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| Check my scale? What does that have to do with anything here? Different loads shoot differently in all guns. I havent been reloading that long but even I know that. The danger associated with to small a powder charge is a real one, but you would have to be WAY less than 150gr for the bullet to not come out of the gun. |
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