.416 vs .510DTC (I've searched)

[montrose818]

Hello. I searched (a lot), but am finding surprisingly little information, mostly from (some very) old threads, so I would like to ask you guys to get an up to date answer, since things change..

Between the .416 (Barrett M99) and other .510DTC rifles, what is the preference these days? I see both praise and critique for the .416.

Another factor is, ammunition. I see mention of Mr Kubata who sells DTC reloads, but I am not sure why there are a lot of (though expensive) .416 choices available, and almost nothing for the DTC?

Was the .510 DTC a California only project, with very little supply as far as ammo and such? Is the .416 a widely more available rifle and round?

Considering a rifle with some power, but not sure if the .510 DTC is a "phase". Also seeing some folks mention ammo issues for it after 2018.

Thank you for your input

[firefly416]

510 DTC was developed in Europe to get around the same kind of laws there where California has banned 50 BMG by name. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.510_DTC_EUROP

416 Barrett was specifically created to give the State of CA a big "FU" from Barrett for banning 50 BMG, but has seen some adoption elsewhere.

I haven't looked to see if 510 DTC rounds are available. I know the brass for it can be easily formed from 50 BMG as it is a minimal variation. I do know that 416 Barrett factory rounds and reloading components are available. I am also not too familiar with the ballistics of 510 DTC, though it is said to have nearly same ballistics as 50 BMG, but I do know that 416 Barrett is flatter shooting than 50 BMG, quite like what 6.5 Creedmoor is to 308 Win.

If you were to ask me which one I would go with it would be 416 Barrett.

[CSACANNONEER]

First of all, if you are planning on getting either one and actually shooting it, you should be reloading. It's the ONLY way you'll ever the the most out of either one. There is a lot more availability and a much better and broader selection of 50 components than there ever will be of .416 components. The .416B compares more to a 50 Spotter than a 50BMG so, if you are looking for something comparable to a BMG, the DTC is it. If you are looking for a proprietary round that will never be developed to it's maximum potential, is too big for BR competition and too small for FSCA competition, the .416B is a good choice. Don't get me wrong, it's a fun little cartridge but, unless you really have a purpose for it, it's pretty much a bastard round that people get so they can pound their chest and say "look at me". Yes, a lot of people get 50s for the same reason but, some of us are competitive with our 50 caliber rifles. Personally, I'll stick with 50s as serious rifles and .416Bs as novelty range toys. The bottom line is no one can recommend which chambering is right for you until we know your wants and needs.

[JMP]

In CA, it's not unreasonable both. A practical way to go is to buy a 416B rifle, and then get it fit with a 50DTC barrel. If you go full custom from the start, I'd go with the 50DTC. I am just learning to shoot the 50DTC. I have a 416B, but I don't like the cartridge. I've had much better results with 375CT for ELR shooting. What I don't like about the 50s is the shockwave concussion. I don't think I would ever want to compete with 50s unless I wore a motorcycle helmet on top of ear plugs.

[Mute]

A lot of people bought .50 bmg for the big boom and if you're looking to duplicate that and have the big daddy cartridge, just get the DTC. If you want extreme long range precision, you're better off looking and one of the Cheytac rounds.

[montrose818]

Thank you, that answers my questions

[mrkubota]

PM sent...

[Neil McCauley]

Also, if you get the M82A1 you can always swap the barrel for a 50bmg should you leave the state, the lower and bolt is exactly the same, just need barrel and magazine for a 50.

[Divernhunter]

The M82A1 is no longer legal in Ca in 50bmg to my limited knowledge. I could not get one when I got my 2 other 50bmg rifles before the ban.

[CSACANNONEER]

The M82A1 is no longer legal in Ca in 50bmg to my limited knowledge. I could not get one when I got my 2 other 50bmg rifles before the ban.

Before the AB50 took affect, Barrett was making a hinged mag 82 is 50BMG so, it was not an AW and could have been purchased.

[Divernhunter]

OK I know I missed the boat when they were selling for about $2000-2800 which actually was less than what was cost them to build them in the beginning.

[sigstroker]

The best thing about DTC is the wide variety of relatively cheap and fun bullets from military pulldowns available. Of course the most fun stuff like incendiary and tracers aren't legal in Cali.

[petergriffin]

I owned both and now only own 416B. Sole reason is because I'd rather not reload ammo anymore; "more money than time."

For 416B you can click and buy factory ammo anytime, no wait, from a bunch of stores. I've even seen it for sale in two LGS between Sacramento and Modesto. In the two different Zel uppers I have it shoots well out to the 600 yards+ I had regular access to, but I've also witnessed a trained shooter make shots on 2' x 2' targets at a hair under 1300 yards seem routine. My point is, absent a need for match performance, IMO factory 416B rounds are no slouch when it comes to having a great time out in the desert, mountains, farmland, etc.

But if you do handload it, it can do incredible things e.g. the King of 2 Mile competition.

Also, there are at least 2 semi-custom makers of outstandingly accurate 416B rounds using GS or CT target projectiles, too.

AFAIK there is literally only one person in the US making "factory" 50DTC ammo. Turnaround time for the orders wasn't too bad, and while its good stuff, due to chamber variations you may have to load up the rounds in the press and adjust OAL, anyway. YMMV.

If you are committed to reloading, 50DTC is great, lots and lots of cheap components, and converting BMG brass is pretty painless. But you *have* to reload even if you just want some "plinking" ammo.

Hope this helps.

[firefly416]

For 416B you can click and buy factory ammo anytime, no wait, from a bunch of stores.

If you're talking about ordering online, good luck trying to do that after Dec 31 2017.

[Neil McCauley]

The M82A1 is no longer legal in Ca in 50bmg to my limited knowledge. I could not get one when I got my 2 other 50bmg rifles before the ban.

You can I bought mine from Turners last year with bullet button chambered in .416. I've have not seen anyone ship any featureless at Turners but sounds like easy thing to do.