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Posted: 8/10/2014 12:23:37 PM EDT
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What precations are needed to reload the 50 BMG with API, Incendiary, tracer, or spotter/tracer rounds
Jim |
| Nothing special and no other safety precautions needed for loading those 50 BMG rounds. Load with the same procedures as regular FMJ's. However, you know that the Spotter Tracer takes a much reduced powder charge and are only designed for velocities around 1800 fps and for instance with 5010 the charge would be around 170 grains of powder. I would add that with the Blue Tip Incendiary that you should closely inspect the bullet base cap and do not load any with loose, damaged, or missing lead base seals. I also shake every Blue Tip to make sure the penetrator isn't loose inside the bullet. Damaged bases or loose cores could cause the Blue Tips to ignite close to the muzzle or even in a barrel. I've shot plenty of them without issue but have seen one go bang about 10 feet from a muzzle, not my rifle. Check all surplus 50 BMG bullets for base caps or damage.. I've had no problemsl lighting Tracers with WC 860 but IMR 5010 is supposed to light them better so I use 5010 for Tracers. Note that tracers and incendiary are big fire starters in dry grass and leaves so be extra careful shooting them and some places ban the use of tracers. Make sure primers in all 50 BMG rounds are seated flush or below. |
| Haven't loaded any premium match type bullets for my 50, only military surplus bullets which are plenty accurate for me at least to 600 yards. If I sort and weigh pulled Ball or AP bullets I get very good accuracy from my rifle. Most of my friends who shoot 1000 yards or matches use Hornady A-Max with commercial 50 powder and not pulldown or surplus. |
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