Cost Of 50 BMG Reloading

[peeplwtchr]

Hi All-

I reload for a few calibers, and I assume reloading this caliber has the same benefits; more accuracy, not dependent on factory ammo shortages etc.. But is it possible to save money per round by reloading this caliber? I wouldn't count the cost of a new press, as it's a Capital cost which is unavoidable, or shooting more, because I like shooting.

Thanks!

 

[Soonerpesek]

Not sayin' you gotta use Dillon, but you prolly got to load a LOT...

.50 BMG "BIG FIFTY" RELOADER

The "Big Fifty" Reloader is a four station semi-progressive press. With the heaviest built frame in the industry, made of high-strength ductile iron and high-strength carbon steel, finished in zinc phosphate parkerizing and black oxide, the BFR50 is suitable for match-grade ammunition as well as...

www.dillonprecision.com

Carbide Full Length Sizing / Depriming Die | .50 BMG

The only full length solid carbide sizing die in the industry, utilizes a solid carbide expander ball for easier operation. Manufactured to low chamber tolerance specifications, Industry standard 1 1/2"-12 UNF threaded die body, Considerably less force required to size case, Greatly improved...

www.dillonprecision.com

Bench Mounted Primer Seater | .50 BMG

This tool primes .50 BMG cases off the reloading machine. This can be converted to swage 50BMG primer pockets using the .50 BMG Swager Conversion #50004

www.dillonprecision.com

Primer Seating Die |.50 BMG

While this die is included with the Dillon BFR, it fits on any 1-1/2"-12 Thread loader. This primer seating die included both cupped and flat-based primer seating punches, and is adjustable for consistant and desired primer seating depth.

www.dillonprecision.com

RT-50 | Electric Case Trimmer | .50 BMG

The RT-50 Electric case trimmer for 50 BMG uses 1 1/2" thread die that fits the Dillon BFR Loading Machine as well as the RCBS and Hornady 50BMG loading tools. The trim die holds on the case neck only, does not size the shoulder or body of the case. Industry standard 1 1/2"-12 UNF threaded die...

www.dillonprecision.com

And that"s just getting started....................................................... ...........................................................I read that you aren't counting the cost of the press but..............................sheeeeeeesh............!.............

 

[Mk-211]

If you can find surplus ammo, that's a good way to get some brass. Like all reloading, even the 50 BMG has taken a hit.

Once fired factory brass is running about $1 each, surplus projos are about $1 each. It's been awhile since I priced primers and powder.

Factory projos are about $1.50 to $3, depending on the type you're looking for.

I would avoid any surplus brass that's been fired out of an M2. If the headspace was set on the loose side, it could be stretched beyond useful in one firing.

I don't know if you have a press, the Lee 50 BMG press loads good ammo. Only drawbacks, the dies are smaller than industry standard and if you load long match rounds, you have to tilt the case to get it out of the die.

 

[Lo-Profile]

I've got a Barrett M82 I bought it used years ago. Very sweet shooter, but it's got a kick.
I stocked up on ammo back then and well. When it was "only" about $1.50 a round. Bought reloading stuff for it as well. Lee Press kit, #35 Primers, WC867 and various bullets.
Doesn't get shot much anymore.

 

[peeplwtchr]

Not sayin' you gotta use Dillon, but you prolly got to load a LOT...

.50 BMG "BIG FIFTY" RELOADER

The "Big Fifty" Reloader is a four station semi-progressive press. With the heaviest built frame in the industry, made of high-strength ductile iron and high-strength carbon steel, finished in zinc phosphate parkerizing and black oxide, the BFR50 is suitable for match-grade ammunition as well as...

www.dillonprecision.com

Carbide Full Length Sizing / Depriming Die | .50 BMG

The only full length solid carbide sizing die in the industry, utilizes a solid carbide expander ball for easier operation. Manufactured to low chamber tolerance specifications, Industry standard 1 1/2"-12 UNF threaded die body, Considerably less force required to size case, Greatly improved...

www.dillonprecision.com

Bench Mounted Primer Seater | .50 BMG

This tool primes .50 BMG cases off the reloading machine. This can be converted to swage 50BMG primer pockets using the .50 BMG Swager Conversion #50004

www.dillonprecision.com

Primer Seating Die |.50 BMG

While this die is included with the Dillon BFR, it fits on any 1-1/2"-12 Thread loader. This primer seating die included both cupped and flat-based primer seating punches, and is adjustable for consistant and desired primer seating depth.

www.dillonprecision.com

RT-50 | Electric Case Trimmer | .50 BMG

The RT-50 Electric case trimmer for 50 BMG uses 1 1/2" thread die that fits the Dillon BFR Loading Machine as well as the RCBS and Hornady 50BMG loading tools. The trim die holds on the case neck only, does not size the shoulder or body of the case. Industry standard 1 1/2"-12 UNF threaded die...

www.dillonprecision.com

And that"s just getting started....................................................... ...........................................................I read that you aren't counting the cost of the press but..............................sheeeeeeesh............!.............

I've got a 750, but I had no idea the 50 cals were that much off the charts. Thanks . Food for thought.

 

[Mk-211]

If you're interested, I have a Lee 50 press that's gathering dust. I used it to load about 100 rounds before getting an RCBS press.

PM me and we can work something out.

 

[Soonerpesek]

I've got a 750, but I had no idea the 50 cals were that much off the charts. Thanks . Food for thought.

I'm NOT trying to deter you by any means.......................................
I was sorta shocked at the cost to set up..........................................................but to load that gargantuan behemoth, gonna have to pay the piper I suppose......

 

[PWC]

When I started reloading years ago in my search for powder in Phoenix I came across Thunderbird Cartridge Co. I did buy 30-06 powder that was pink and it came in a paper sack. It worked ok, but I never went back because it was aways from me and I had to drive across the dry Salt River bed. Now the area has grown up and they aren't as far out in the desert. I'm sure there ia a better way to get to them now. Their primary business now is .50 Cal. You might look them up and see.

 

[ballman6711]

I looked into it a few years back, factory ammo was about $5 per round at the time. I priced components out and figured between $2.75 and $3.50 was about the cheapest I could do, depending on the bullet I used. This didn't count the cost of brass, since there was already some once fired factory brass in the house.

IIRC a pound of powder would be good for 30~40 rounds. I never got around to pricing equipment since the gun never really gets shot, and we still have some factory ammo.

chris

 

[ballman6711]

Out of curiosity I looked at 50 BMG prices again. Midsouth has 10 rounds for $90. Bullets are in the $3 range, give or take, and a pound of powder will get about 30 rounds at most. So you could probably save a few dollars per round, but you'd go broke trying to recoup the equipment cost!

chris

 

[Charlie98]

It's funny... during the initial primer shortage a few years ago, over at my local Cabelas... the only primers on the shelf were... 50BMG primers.


It kind of boils down to, if you can afford a 50 cal rifle, which is expensive enough... 'if you have to ask, you can't afford it.'

And, again, it's the Circular Handloading Argument... I handload so I can shoot more, but I shoot more so I have to handload.

 

[jmorris]

But is it possible to save money per round by reloading this caliber?

Sure, just depends on what ammunition you choose to compare with. Its a lot harder if you are trying to match old pull down ball stuff.

It's still an expensive round to shoot but the MFG's still get the same ~30 rounds from a pound of powder though.

 

[GoldieMI]

See if Brian at Pat's Reloading has what you need and in stock (Pat's Reloading in Ohio)
if he has it, you can reload the 50BMG for cheaper than you think- especially for practice/plinkers.
They carried surplus powder and pulled bullets at great prices.
for Match quality though- that's where the price goes way up on the bullets. Hornady Amax 50BGM are pricey.

 

[R44 flyer]

Hi All-

I reload for a few calibers, and I assume reloading this caliber has the same benefits; more accuracy, not dependent on factory ammo shortages etc.. But is it possible to save money per round by reloading this caliber? I wouldn't count the cost of a new press, as it's a Capital cost which is unavoidable, or shooting more, because I like shooting.

Thanks!

I think this is what you are looking for.

Lee 90859 Classic Cast 50 Caliber BMG Press Kit

This is "Lee 90859 Classic Cast 50 Caliber BMG Press Kit" by Lee Precision on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

vimeo.com

 

[Mk-211]

So here's some quick math.

Pat's has WC860 @ $95 per 8 pounds if you buy 4 at a time. I use 215grs of power per round, so we'll use that.

8 x 7000 is 56,000 grains of powder per jug ÷ 215 is 260 rounds per jug, 1040 rounds per 4/8 case. So, 36.5 cents per round.

CCI 35 primers, $89 per 500 works out to 17.8 cents per round.

I looked around and saw brass and projos for about .80 cents to over a dollar each, depending on where you are looking. This is for brass that's been shot through a bolt or semi, not an M2. Projos are pull down ball. Let's keep it at $1 each for these.

So, 1+1+36.5+17.8= 2.54 a round at today's prices and I didn't include shipping into the price. Figure $1 less per round once you're on the second reload. If you keep your reloads mild, brass can last up to 20 firings.

My rounds at 215grs are mild, will get any projo to 2000 yards and don't beat the brass up.

You can find good ammo for the .50 for just under $4 a round right now. If you reload, you are saving money on the first reload and more on the second....

The days of reloading 50 BMG for under a $1 went away years ago. Keeping it under $2 is still possible in this market if you're frugal.

Just remember that as soon as you say 50 BMG, you'll see dollar signs roll up in people's eyes.

 

[mm93]

Not a .50BMG, but a .50-3.25" or .50-140 Sharps I bought a year ago. I got a very good price, and the seller gave me not just the Sharps rifle, but also about 300 pcs. of brass, some loaded ammo, and a mold for casting 500 gr. bullets. Thought I was set, and no other purchases needed!
Then I ordered a set of C&H4D dies for almost $275. Next I put them in my old RCBS Rock Chucker press and realized the cartridges were too long. Ordered a Rockchucker Supreme press for another $150. Sure I was ready then, but discovered my Lyman case trimmer wouldn't accommodate those long cases either, so bought a Lyman Universal Drill press trimmer. And finally a 25 lb. case of 1 1/2 fg Swiss blackpowder, since it eats a lot per cartridge!
By the time I was done I could have purchased a pretty decent gun with what I spent to begin loading for this .50-140!
.50-140 next to one of my 530 gr. .45-70 loads. The .50-140 is a 678 gr. paper patched bullet.

 

[ManlyMatt]

People here are mostly avoiding the initial purchase cost, and if you have equipment capable of doing .50 BMG then you can – but most reloaders don't have stuff that's big enough. Even most brass tumblers are barely big enough to accommodate those big cases, not to mention priming tools, a press and of course you'll have to shell out for dies. Some powder measures won't even get you to 200+ grains.

I very proudly reload almost everything I shoot, but unless I get regular access to a range with at least 1000 yds or preferably 2000 or 3000, I don't see ever justifying the initial outlay or even needing the sort of increased accuracy I can get out of my handloads, even aside from the time required. Nobody likes paying even the minimal $3+/rd for BMG, but I'd recommend you objectively consider how much you'll really shoot it and whether you, the shooter, can really do better with your own rounds.

 

[dobedo]

People here are mostly avoiding the initial purchase cost, and if you have equipment capable of doing .50 BMG then you can – but most reloaders don't have stuff that's big enough. Even most brass tumblers are barely big enough to accommodate those big cases, not to mention priming tools, a press and of course you'll have to shell out for dies. Some powder measures won't even get you to 200+ grains.

I very proudly reload almost everything I shoot, but unless I get regular access to a range with at least 1000 yds or preferably 2000 or 3000, I don't see ever justifying the initial outlay or even needing the sort of increased accuracy I can get out of my handloads, even aside from the time required. Nobody likes paying even the minimal $3+/rd for BMG, but I'd recommend you objectively consider how much you'll really shoot it and whether you, the shooter, can really do better with your own rounds.

A bud de-caps and brings his BMG rounds to my house as I have a 22L ultrasonic cleaner. He had a Barret, and use to buy his ammo, and saved all his rounds which was a couple hundred. He then invested in everything to reload spent a lot of money. Finding primers was a bitch and powders were also hard. Also, he only gets about 30 rounds from a pound of powder. It is a pricy gun to shoot.

 

[Mk-211]

And when you compare 50 BMG to other large caliber rounds, 50 BMG is cheaper than most.

The cheapest .338 LM is just under $5 a round.

.300 WM is right at $2

.375 CT is about $10.

I fully believe that myself and anyone else that reloads, can and does reload better ammo than you can buy.

Dillon, CH4D, Corbin, RCBS, Hornady, LEE, all make presses and dies that are capable of doing so. It comes down to your budget. All of these can load smaller caliber rounds with a thread adapter.

LEE press from Amazon with dies is $322 with free shipping.

Dillon press is $1,950 without dies.

As far as shooting your .50, yes, distance is nice to have. Plenty of people shoot theirs at less than 1000 yards. Most people probably don't have access to over 500 yards at their local range.

As with any hobby, your budget will determine the level of extreme. Same as offering any promises you might obtain for spending more than other people.

 

[Mark_Mark]

that Big Fifty is ALSOME !!!!

 

[Mark_Mark]

Lee should make a Lee Loader for .50 BMG

 

[Mk-211]

@Mark_Mark

This is the Hollywood senior press, it was the cats meow in 50 BMG presses.

Unfortunately, the owner of the company wasn't as good at running a business as he was a machinist.



Finding one for sale is an experiment in patience. That and having the money to afford it. This one on ebay is $3,500!

 

[peeplwtchr]

So here's some quick math.

Pat's has WC860 @ $95 per 8 pounds if you buy 4 at a time. I use 215grs of power per round, so we'll use that.

8 x 7000 is 56,000 grains of powder per jug ÷ 215 is 260 rounds per jug, 1040 rounds per 4/8 case. So, 36.5 cents per round.

CCI 35 primers, $89 per 500 works out to 17.8 cents per round.

I looked around and saw brass and projos for about .80 cents to over a dollar each, depending on where you are looking. This is for brass that's been shot through a bolt or semi, not an M2. Projos are pull down ball. Let's keep it at $1 each for these.

So, 1+1+36.5+17.8= 2.54 a round at today's prices and I didn't include shipping into the price. Figure $1 less per round once you're on the second reload. If you keep your reloads mild, brass can last up to 20 firings.

My rounds at 215grs are mild, will get any projo to 2000 yards and don't beat the brass up.

You can find good ammo for the .50 for just under $4 a round right now. If you reload, you are saving money on the first reload and more on the second....

The days of reloading 50 BMG for under a $1 went away years ago. Keeping it under $2 is still possible in this market if you're frugal.

Just remember that as soon as you say 50 BMG, you'll see dollar signs roll up in people's eyes.

Great analysis, you saved me alot of time!

 

[Mark_Mark]

@Mark_Mark

This is the Hollywood senior press, it was the cats meow in 50 BMG presses.

Unfortunately, the owner of the company wasn't as good at running a business as he was a machinist.

View attachment 1198794View attachment 1198795View attachment 1198796

Finding one for sale is an experiment in patience. That and having the money to afford it. This one on ebay is $3,500!

$3500! didn’t know presses was collectable

 

[R44 flyer]

@Mark_Mark

This is the Hollywood senior press, it was the cats meow in 50 BMG presses.

Unfortunately, the owner of the company wasn't as good at running a business as he was a machinist.

View attachment 1198794View attachment 1198795View attachment 1198796

Finding one for sale is an experiment in patience. That and having the money to afford it. This one on ebay is $3,500!

Even though it is a big press I don't think it could full length resize a 50 BMG. The linkage is a simple toggle linkage not a compound linkage found on modern presses. Fred Hunington of RCBS fame held the patent on the compound linkage and it was valid to the late 60's. Loading rifle cases on older simple toggle linkage presses pretty much sucked. However they worked well on straight wall handgun cartridges. The Coax press was actually a work around of the Hunington patent.