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Posted: 7/16/2006 8:15:11 AM EDT
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Anyone looking to get out from their 50bmg loading equipment? BTW, what do you guys recommend? a RCBS, or Hornaday press? Which dies? Which trimmer? Primming tools? I have been loading on 550 dillon for more than 8 years now (all sorts of calibers) but this is my first venture with the 50 BMG. Thanks for any help you can provide |
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I went with a Lee press kit. It came with the Full Length Die, the Bullet seater, and primer. Also has the extra parts so that you can load smaller calibers. It can be bought for $150. You will want to get a primer pocker cleaner and a debur/chamfer tool as well. Maybe even a neck turner and primer flash hole tool if you really want to get serious. Lee will also Custom make you a Neck Sizing Dies if you would like. You send them $154 along with two fired cases and one of the projos that you intend to use. I plan on ordering mine in a couple of weeks. |
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Iv'e got the Hornady. A month after i bought it, Lee came out with theirs. I like mine, It's nice. I would definitly pick up a .50 BMG trimmer, and a .50 BMG cartridge gage (OAL?). Early in my .50 reloading, i did'nt have the dies set properly, and the cartridges were too long. The gage fixed that quick. Also, until you know what you're doing 100%, wear earplugs when priming. I had been reloading for a few years, when i started loading .50. I had a primer snag on a primer crimp that wasn't machined far enough. primer detonated, and my ears were ringing for days. |
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I did forget about the trimmer. Lee also sells one that is pretty cheap. You have to get a trimmer, gauge, shell holder, and lock stud. The M2 type style of primer that comes with the kit is pretty easy to use. Even though not trimming enough of the primer staking could be hazardous. The shell holder that you use for priming can be ran all of the way into the press or you can leave halfway up in the threads so when the arm is all of the way down, the primer is seated correctly. It takes some time to get the holder in the right position, so don't be in a hurry the first time around. |
I have the RCBS. It is a good strong press, and the dies are massive.  I would recommend it to anyone. However, with all the good reviews the Lee has gotten you'd be wise to check it out. I have the RCBS trim die and switched to the Lee trimmer and it is so much faster. I also use the Lee bullet sizer which works great. Once again, Lee makes a great product for a great price.
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I have an RCBS setup. Press, dies, the works. It came with my rifle. (had 11 rds through it) It works well, and I like it just fine. Not sure if it is worth the diff in price, as the Lee is getting good reports for mucho less $$. They are both single stage, big assed presses. ETA: Hey Ozzy! Good to see you here. I finally got to put some spotter/tracers through mine. (we finally got some good rain) Way cool, you need to try some. Take care, BW |
From my recent experience you'll still need the following: -Lee Case Length Gage and Shellholder 50 BMG -Lee Cutter and Lock Stud Large 480 Ruger, 500 S&W Magnum, 50 BMG -Hornady 50 BMG Chamfer and Deburring Tool Recommended: -Lee Factory Crimp Die 50 BMG -L.E. Wilson Cartridge Headspace Gage Even if you buy all this it still comes out cheaper than the other 50 BMG kits. ETA: You'll need a bullet sizing die to run any pulled projectiles through. |
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I agree with the quoted post. However for the Chamfer/ deburr tool I use my regular RCBS chamfer/ deburr tool for just chamfurring and a flat file for deburring . I keep the casing chucked up in the Lee shell holder/lockstud and spin the casing with my cordless drill. I also use a countersink bit to cut out the Primer crimp. I have the Lee classic cast 50 bmg kit and really like it, My only complaint is that I've managed to bow the handle slightly while I was Sizing some API projectiles. Jason
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I have the Lee setup, works well. Unless you plan on loading 1000s of 50 BMG you will be served fine. For $150 you have a complete setup, the dies alone from other manufactures are way more than that. Rich V |
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Good, safe load for most current bolt action .50s: 215gr IMR5010 CCI #35 Arsenal primers Join the FCSA and receive the Very High Power quarterly magazine with a wealth of information. (more at the member forum, once it's back on-line too) FCSA Hi-Tech Ammo Pat's Reloading Widener's |
Or 215-220 gr of WC860 gives almost identical ballistics |
I have tried several types of 50 cal dies accessories ect. What works best for me is a Hornady powder measure. It will give me the charge pretty close to being on the money. Dropping 220grs. is not problem for it. The best bang for you buck for a case trimmer by far, you cannot beat a K&M products, It will trim to length beburr and champfer in one step. I have a Lee press that is poorly designed for it's clearence for the length of the 50BMG. So I use it strictly for a priming station. I bought it as a 50 bmg kit. The Lee dies are smaller than the other dies on the market. Which means that the other dies will not fit a Lee press. I use a RCBS ammomaster II I bought bushings from CH4D to use the lees dies in it as well. I also use CH4D dies which will do a better job with runout. You will need to get a primer pocket tool and flash hole tool as well as the K&M case neck turning tool. Now that you think your ready, your not. I got a wake up call on this one myself. Plan on spending an additional $250 on a Bersin tool as well if you want any precision ammunition. It is critical to be able to check runout and adjust it. I was shocked to find the runout up to .030 That is crap ammo and you have no way to know it unless you have a guage to check it. I am heading to a 1,000 yard match next weekend in Nebraska. My match ammo has a runout of .00020 - .00040 And the decimil point is in the correct place. The rifle and ammo are capable of hitting clay birds laying on the berm at 1,000 yards. It depends on what your wanting to get out of your rifle and ammunition. If any of you folks have any questions in regards to 50 BMG reloading, I highly suggest joining the FCSA. I would be glad to help anyone with loading techniques. Nick |
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well, 3 weeks into using my setup, I've had nothing but issues with my Lee setup. Major issue with the Lee sizing die... the decap/sizing pin was off-center when it arrived, and now it will not size the cases all the way without great effort (waiting on Lee to send a new one). Anyone want a cheap used Lee kit? |
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This seems to be a better prices that the one I posted by midway: Same Lee Press, Different web site |
Midway is onsale right now for $139, and its even less if you hold an FFL. |
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