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2/23/2008 11:08:37 AM EDT
I am doing my first batch of Reloads on my Lee setup. I noticed that seating the bullet to 5.450, I am barely at the cannelure. Were military m8 API rounds seated significantly shorter?

I am going to be shooting these through a UL-50. I am starting with 210 Grs of 5010 and working my way up.
2/23/2008 11:33:40 AM EDT
[#1]
5.45 COL is milspec...
2/23/2008 2:22:15 PM EDT
[#2]
I seat to mid cannelure on milsurp bullets.  With a single shot, it doesn't really matter so long as the case grips the bullet enough to hold it straight.  With a mag fed, it'll work just fine if you seat it deep enough to crimp.  The 50 BMG case is so big a few hundredths of an inch isn't going to affect you much on pressure, especially since you are working up from 210 of IMR-5010.  I typically work up from 215 but I'm glad to see you're cautious.  I'm running 230 grains of IMR-5010 behind an API through my State Arms with no pressure signs.  Course your lot of 5010 could be a bit different than mine.  For the record, i'm using the Virgin powder from Pats.

If you are using a semi, i'd suggest crimping the bullet with the LEE factory crimp die.  Best die out there for crimping 50 BMG, or a number of other cartridges for that matter.  It's a 1.25" 12 pitch thread so you'll need either a LEE  Classic cast press OR a 1.5 to 1.25 thread bushing adapter from CH4D to use it in an Ammomaster, Hornady, or other 50 BMG-geared press.  I see you have the LEE.  The adapter is for other folks that might read this later.

-David
Edgewood, NM
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