50 cal really worth it?

[christmasstorm]

I have been building up my collection and recently purchased a 308 to get into some medium range shooting. I have not even ran a round through my 308 yet because all I can do is look at the EDM windrunner in 50DTC. From what I have been told long range shooting requires time AND money... I guess my question to you big gun owners out there... How much do you shoot it and is it really worth the 7k + for the rifle and optics?

[voiceofreason]

Are you regularly shooting out past 800 yards?

If not, then no.

[christmasstorm]

probably not... Its that little voice in my head (not the good guy) telling me "its a 50 cal you need it. I assume I would shoot 80 rounds a year through it at best.

[MQUnlimited]

I so want a BMG50 from AA. I keep trying to syke myself into why i need it. Main excuse is, it's not as much as a 338 Lapua.

[yankee-pete]

Have you ever shot one? If you have the $ to spare and you shoot one, you will likely buy one. I've shot .50, it is very fun and is a big time attention grabber. I don't own one, but if you get one I'd be happy to shoot yours.

[bomb_on_bus]

I went out and got a .50DTC Windrunner. Mine was 5k for the rifle used but a good deal none the less. IIRC it had around a dozen rounds down the pipe. If you look around you can find one used for a good price. A couple of sellers had some on Calguns when I was looking a couple of years back.

Its not cheap but its not impossible to get into.

depending on the route you go you could get up and running for around 7k

Figure 5k for the used rifle.

1k for a decent optic.

500 for a decent used reloading press.

another 500 for used .DTC dies.

The Lyman case trimmer although not the best on the market goes for a decent price. Used can be had for around 50 dollars.

If you look hard you can find powder for cheap. Last I looked the 8lb keg of 5010 that I have went for under 100 dollars.

New brass can be had for under a dollar a piece if you wait but on the most part around 2 dollars is more the norm. Same thing can be said for projos.

The #35 CCI primers that I run usually go for around 175 dollars for 500.

You will be glad you got one. I had a stint of buyers remourse but that was taken care of with the first shot from the gun. I had a grin that even made the wife happy I bought one LOL. Then she took her turn on it and that was it.

Once you get the initial start up cost down. It won't cost as much to keep it running as you might think.

A few guys here on Calguns shoot .50 and they can give you some good advice to get into it as well.

MrKubota, CSACANNONEER and .50BMG were the go to guys for me.

[50 Shooter]

Do you really want the WR? You could get a 50 upper and get into shooting them for a lot less. If you don't reload MrKubota is a FFL licensed loader and can help you out. If you do plan on reloading and need help, he's helped other guys learn how to set up and reload 50 DTC.

[christmasstorm]

So you are suggesting I build one? The only reason I like the WR is it looks sweet. Oh and it breaks down into a manageable size... Crap. Ugh, that point when you realize the wrong voice in your head is going to win... It will be mine, oh yes it will be mine.

[Ryououki]

I did a 50BMG rental at the local range a while back. While I only got 1 shot, I knew I had to have one.

The Windrunner is really nice, but it's honestly more than I would spend on something I'd only use 10% of the time compared to my other firearms. If you can easily afford it and/or will make use of it a lot, then it is a great choice.

After doing a lot of reading and joining the FCSA (Fifty Caliber Shooters Assoc) I decided on the Spider Firearms Ferret50. It is single shot bolt action, but it's supposed to be very accurate and well built. Plus it only costs less than half of what a Windrunner costs.

As 50Shooter stated, MrKubota is a great supplier of 50DTC rounds. His product is top notch.

[christmasstorm]

Oh man... that Ferret50 looks like it could be the ticket... This might happen sooner than I thought.

[christmasstorm]

Anyone have the single shots out there and wish they had one with a mag?

[Colt562]

If you have deep pockets go for it! I made an attempt to get into long distance shooting. Bought a 110BA and put a Nightforce on top. I put 80 rounds of .338LM through it before I decided I could not afford to feed the rifle...

this!!

[50 Shooter]

There are 50 uppers like the Ferret50 that are mag fed, check out Safety Harbor Firearms.

Remember that the upper is just a part and doesn't have to go through an FFL but in CA it still has to be 50 DTC. You can buy 50 BMG but keep it seperated, attach it out of state to be legal.

[50BMGBOB]

Single shot doesn't matter in long distance. Best to study a little and joining the FCSA is a good start too. Don't rush, do it right the first time. We have a match in a few weeks at Coalinga. Come by and get a chance to see a lot of different guns at once, I can probably even get you a chance to shoot one or two of them. PM me if you want more info, the match is May 31-Jun 2.

[navin r]

I was surprised to find out Corporal Craig Harrison's 2009 2,700 yard shots were with a 338 Lapua, not a 50 cal:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Harrison_(sniper)

Here's a good History Channel recreation of those shots:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGEIpCkqlOc