.50 bmg

[knucklehead 61]

whats the hot set up for a beginner reloader to start loading .50 bmg?
i will also want to load .300 win mag, .308, 30.30, & possibly .44 mag
can one press do them all, or is the bmg press way to big to use on the smaller rounds?

[CSACANNONEER]

Although, you could get a press big enough for 50s and then get reducer bushing to accept the little dies, I would suggest just getting two (or more) presses. When it comes to reloading the little stuff, I guess you should just use the search function. I use a Dillon 550 and a RCBS single stage press.

50s are a whole different ball game. Some guys are having good luck with the Lee kits and some guys continuely break them. I've had one for over 2 years and still haven't opened the box so, I can't speak from first hand experience with it. I use a Hornady press for my BMG rounds. It's really the same as the RCBS press. If you want to spend more on a 50 press, there are three great options, Hollywood, Corbin, and some new swagging press that I forget the name of right now. With any of these three you will need to purchase separate dies. Since, I bet you don't want to spend over 1K on a press and up to $800 a piece for M2 dies, I'd either suggest the Lee 50BMG kit for under $200 or an RCBS or Hornady 50BMG kit for around $500.

Now, before you go spending a lot on 50 stuff, I will suggest joining the FCSA. At a cost of about 10 rounds of plinking ammo or 5-6 rounds of match ammo per year, it's about the cheapest 50 related expence you will have and it will save you a lot of money, time and headaches if you use our resources and discounts wisely.

[ar15barrels]

On many recommendations I read online, I bought the Lee 50 kit.
The press is too short to easily load with it.
It's certainly "workable", but it's not ideal.

I will be ponying up the big money for a better press and selling this one off.

[bohoki]

On many recommendations I read online, I bought the Lee 50 kit.
The press is too short to easily load with it.
It's certainly "workable", but it's not ideal.

I will be ponying up the big money for a better press and selling this one off.

how are the lee dies for the price of the lee press and dies you cant even buy rcbs dies

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=LEE90859

but it does look like you have to place a bullet on the case before screwing on the seat die

[ar15barrels]

how are the lee dies

but it does look like you have to place a bullet on the case before screwing on the seat die

They are typical lee dies.
Functional, but not what I consider "high quality"
They do not compare to what you would expect from the likes of RCBS, Redding or Forester in machining quality.

You adjust the seating die and lock it in.
When you want to seat a bullet, set the bullet on top of the case and put the tip of the bullet up into the die while sliding the base of the case into the shellholder.
This requires you to lean the case/bullet over at an angle while inserting it into the die/shelholder, so be careful you don't drop the bullet while doing it.

This is my main complaint with the Lee setup.
I guess I am just spoiled by every other press where you slide the case straight into the shellholder and then set the bullet on the case before seating...

[CSACANNONEER]

While I have heard about many of the problems with the Lee kit, I also know of a few people who are making and shooting match winning ammo on them. I bought my kit on sale for $125 because it was cheap and, someday I may need a backup loading system on a moments notice. I can just envision sticking a case or breaking somthing on my regular press hours before leaving for a match. Having the Lee kit gives me piece of mind and helps keep Murphy away.

[mrkubota]

I use the Hornady, RCBS Ammomaster, and Lee Classic Cast Presses for my .50 loading. As noted, the Lee has it's quirks, but is a great value for low volume production. If you have room, buy two extra presses, so you don't have to swap dies/configurations around and you'll be time ahead.

If you plan to reload ALOT of .50BMG/DTC, then the new kid on the block is the RCE offering: http://rceco.com/MN.asp?pg=MetalWHill
Similar to the Corbin at a better price!
It's primarily built as a swaging press, but you can reload with it as well and it'll save alot of effort when you're FL sizing those M2HB cases!
It's on my list of things to pick up this summer for my reloading bench..

//Ben

[CSACANNONEER]

Thanks Ben. That's the one I was thinking of but, I didn't remember the name of. Now, if I can only convince my wife that I NEED it for some kind of home improvement project.

[ar15barrels]

Thanks Ben.
That looks like the press I will buy too.

[ar15barrels]

Now, if I can only convince my wife that I NEED it for some kind of home improvement project.

Improving the happiness of the "man of the house" automatically improves the house.

[bohoki]

what poweder and where do you get primers?

i only have about 200 more rounds of talon and i'm starting to get nervous

[CSACANNONEER]

what poweder and where do you get primers?

i only have about 200 more rounds of talon and i'm starting to get nervous

Where are you located? I'm willing to help you but, for liability reasons (legal and moral) I will not discuss load data for 50s on a public forum. There are several different types of powders, primers and bullets on the market. It all depends on what you are trying to accomplish with your loads.

[bohoki]

Where are you located? I'm willing to help you but, for liability reasons (legal and moral) I will not discuss load data for 50s on a public forum. There are several different types of powders, primers and bullets on the market. It all depends on what you are trying to accomplish with your loads.

i dont want load data i would just like to know which powder people prefer

no body is gonna sue me because i say i reload my 45s with bullseye

as to where to get primers how could that possibly cause a lawsuit

these guys got the primers from cci

http://www.wideners.com/itemdetail.cfm?item_id=261

and these bullets seem like a fair deal

http://www.wideners.com/itemdetail.cfm?item_id=3890

[mrkubota]

If you're looking to load match ammo then H50bmg and VV20n29 are popular depending on the bullet type you select.

Otherwise, IMR5010 and WC860 surplus powders are popular for loading plinking ammo with mil-surp bullets.

CCI is about the only game in town for 50 primers anymore unless you want to buy WCC primed factory brass.

[CSACANNONEER]

I don't want someone without experience getting hurt. Plain and simple. Currently, the most readily available primers are CCI #35s. If You find ANY CCI #35 box primers, STOP AND GET HELP! There have been some issues with these throughout the country and with various lot #s. As far as powders go, 5010, 5050, 860, 869, 868, 20N29, AA8700, H50BMG etc. Most match shooters are either using 20N29 or H50BMG. You will need to decide on a projectile and then match it to a powder or visa versa. Also, some powders are very temperature sensitive. As far as bullets go, it really depends on what your goals are. I consider surplus projos to be capable of up to about 1.5 moa depending on which one you use, how you sort them and how you load them. Also, your choice in bullets might be limited depending on where you shoot. Even the ball you linked to has a steel core and is not allowed at many ranges. But, I think that is the best price on it currently. Just remember not to expect a great deal of accuracy from it.