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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Need help with choosing 50BMG ammo

Posted: 2/3/2016 9:51:33 AM EDT

I wanted to find out which 50BMG ammo to avoid in general. I have a local guy selling some 50BMG and I wanted to know if I should avoid anything that he has for sale.

FMJ is made by Mauser Ammuntions

API is made by Summit Ammunition

AP is unknown. He said that it has LC headstamp on the brass.

I believe I read on this forum to avoid ammo made in Dominican Republic. What other ammo should I avoid? I also read not to use the Federal/Eagle in Safety Harbor 50BMG rifles (I do not own Safety Harbor so non issue for me).

Posted: 2/3/2016 11:19:22 AM EDT

[#1]

Is the Mauser ammo Mitchell's Mausers? If so, buy all of it as I'm sure it was made for them by Igman. Good ammo and good brass for reloading.

Summit ammo I believe is ok, never used it, maybe someone here can chime in that has.

AP ammo sounds like reloads or remanufactured unless it's sealed in a spam can or you can verify other. If it's sealed in a spam can buy it, post a pic of the can or headstamp. If it's made prior to 1952 it's corrosive if U.S. If it's foreign it's a toss up.

Federal/Lake City is ok to use.

Posted: 2/3/2016 11:36:38 AM EDT

[#2]

Thanks for your reply.

Yes, the FMJ is Mitchell's Mauser ammo.

He said the AP ammo is "sealed", but it doesn't sound like it's in a spam can. He mentioned 10rds sealed, so I'm assuming he's talking about cardboard.

I'm going to see if a search can tell me yes or no on the Summit ammo.

Posted: 2/3/2016 9:48:25 PM EDT

[#3]

I know this doesn't apply to the OP but The deal with Safety Harbor rifle isn't that Federal/American eagle ammo is not recommended but that you should try a few rounds before you buy a case of it to see how it shoots in your rifle.

Posted: 2/4/2016 7:37:39 PM EDT

[#4]

Summit is good to go.

Posted: 2/5/2016 10:39:30 AM EDT

[#5]

Thank you, sir

Quote History

Quoted:
Summit is good to go.

View Quote

Posted: 4/29/2016 8:56:59 AM EDT

[#6]

Anyone know this headstamp for a API round. The seller doesn't know...and I tried to find the manufacturer online, but couldn't find these markings.

At the top
K.53

Bottom
50 1Z

I don't know how to post picture as he sent it to me via text.

Posted: 4/29/2016 2:03:05 PM EDT

[#7]

It sounds like Kynoch ammo made by the British. 53 would be the year it was made.

If Keith Pagel checks in he can give you more details on it. I would treat it as corrosive and clean accordingly.

It should be good to shoot as long as it was stored in good conditions. If it has any corrosion around the primer pocket or between the neck and bullet, I would pass on shooting it.

Same goes for the powder, if you can't hear the powder moving around if you shake the case, don't shoot it.

Posted: 5/1/2016 11:37:40 AM EDT

[#8]

Thanks for your reply. I really don't want to shoot corrosive ammo through a $4k+ rifle, but that's just me, so I'm going to pass on the ammo.

Posted: 5/5/2016 7:15:59 AM EDT

[#9]

Where can I find quality/cost effective API rounds or bullets? I easily found Summit API, Xproducts, and 50BMGSupply API rounds. Any other sources? Any to be avoided?

Posted: 5/6/2016 4:46:09 PM EDT

[#10]

There is a guy that sells API projos on GB for just $200/1000. I bought some and he is a good seller. They are a bit on the dirty side but they are a bargain and do clean up nice in the tumbler.

Posted: 5/20/2016 6:58:59 AM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:
There is a guy that sells API projos on GB for just $200/1000. I bought some and he is a good seller. They are a bit on the dirty side but they are a bargain and do clean up nice in the tumbler.

View Quote

Do you wet tumble them? Or dry tumble?

Haven't tried API ammo before. Guess you have to shoot at paper instead of steel and to have a dirt berm or something behind so it won't catch on fire?

Posted: 5/20/2016 10:37:22 AM EDT

[#12]

Don't wet tumble them, it might ruin the incendiary mix. Keep the area around the targets clear of grass, bushes... to keep fires from starting.

Dirt berms will set off API tips, just be sure the berm is thick enough to contain any sparks. Be sure to have a few big fire extinguishers and some shovels on hand. If a fire does start, put it out as fast as you can.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Need help with choosing 50BMG ammo

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