Xmas I got a 50 BMG, tell me where to start

[GoldieMI]

with my AR50A1 National Match- Bench Rested and riding on Bags/SWFA 10x42 Glass
Factory 660 Federal/Lake City M33 660 grain- I get ~1.5-2.5 MOA (4.5-7.5") at 300 yards (longest I can shoot within 10 minutes) We did shoot 20lb propane tanks at 1200 yards (lasered distance) with about 70% first round hits once we dialed it in.
Factory AMAX 750grain- I get ~1-1.5 MOA (3-4.5") at 300 yards but the one time we did shoot it at 1200 yards, it was definitely hitting propane tanks with more consistency
My reloads are in the ~1-1.5 MOA range at 300 yards (3-4.5") using GI Surplus 660 bullets that have been sized and cleaned. I freely admit I am not the world's greatest shot, though consistent 4" groups of 5 are common.

I put a SWFA SS 10X fixed for the 300 yards and I have a Vortex PST Gen 1 5-25X for when we get out to the farm to shoot 1200 yards. I love the fixed 10X SWFA SS scopes for the BMG as well as any other centerfire rifle. Inexpensive, good glass, and they hold zero. It's not my S&B PMII Ultra Bright but few are. I have 5 of the SWFA fixed 10X and wouldn't hesitate to buy another one. For under $300.00 and being rated for the 50 BMG, it is a great scope. Just my two cents of course.

 

[GoldieMI]

Plus anyone that's selling 50 BMG for $10 a round must want to keep it. Shop around, you can find it for less than $3 a round.

best sources I found for loaded were Target Sports and at the Gun Shows. Ammoseek will be your friend as well.

 

[Casefull]

I have a BA 50 also and am looking for a brake that reduces recoil more than the factory brake does. Any first-hand experience or recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[bobinoregon]

Is your brake a round one or a square one?

 

[Casefull]

It’s the round one.

 

[bobinoregon]

I have the older square style and it make the rifle really manageable. Friend loves it and she'll put 30-40 shots a session through it with no problem.

 

[Casefull]

Yeah the recoil is pretty stiff with the round brake. I’m trying to find one of the larger brakes that will fit so I can shoot it more without beating myself up. There’s really not that much good info on 50 BMG on the Internet. Not much of a mass market, ha ha. Thanks for the reply

 

[Mk-211]

I take it that they changed the design of the original muzzle brake from square to round? Seems odd that they would change it, maybe just for aesthetic reasons?

You can try Armalite, they used to sale their AR-50 brakes. You'll have to check the threads to be sure that it will fit. I think the thread pitch is 1/14 on the brake.

K&P used to sell one also, looked kinda like a flattened out ice cream cone. Then Serbu sells one, its round also and works well on their .50's.

 

[FL-NC]

Where to start? Very good hearing protection.

 

[Casefull]

I take it that they changed the design of the original muzzle brake from square to round? Seems odd that they would change it, maybe just for aesthetic reasons?

You can try Armalite, they used to sale their AR-50 brakes. You'll have to check the threads to be sure that it will fit. I think the thread pitch is 1/14 on the brake.

K&P used to sell one also, looked kinda like a flattened out ice cream cone. Then Serbu sells one, its round also and works well on their .50's.

Thank you. I am checking with some of those companies you mentioned this week. Yes they did change to round AAC muzzle brake. It is threaded for their cyclops suppressor to go over the outside of it. I have read it is a great suppressor but I do not want to spend 3K on a suppressor which is very long and heavy. Hence the search for an effective clamshell type brake.

 

[Mk-211]

In case you didn't find K&P, it's K&P rifle barrels and Serbu is Serbu Firearms.

Not sure if Fisher-McBros sells muzzle brakes, they had one like the AR-50. Another option for you if they do sell any to the public.

 

[Casefull]

Armalite is going to sell me one of their brakes. Thanks again.

 

[GoldieMI]

once you receive it...let us know how you like it.

 

[Mk-211]

If you have the time, do a before and after on the muzzle brake.

Let us know if there's any change in felt recoil. How many ports are on each muzzle brake, size difference...

Should be a cool comparison and let everyone know how much difference there is in the two.

Might help people who are thinking about doing the same as you make up their mind.

 

[Casefull]

I had a great visit with Remington’s custom shop in Sturgis this morning. They build the BA 50 bushmaster. They confirmed what I’ve found out. I.e. the recoil is much sharper with the factory supplied AAC brake. The fellow that proofs the rifles said there’s quite a difference between the clam shell and round brake.

 

[ACES&8S]

Lots of info so far.
I got another 100 rounds this past week from LUCKY GUNNER, PMC 660 grain fmj bt for just under $5 per round.
Plus they got it here in less than 24 hours & the cases are real clean.
Can anyone tell me how hot the barrel gets with consistent shooting, like do you have to slow down & let it
cool off because I don't want to start off with the impact moving because of heat or anything else. I know it comes in
a Browning MG but I want to keep this one accurate & clean like my other rifles.
My son is good at welding & he would be able to make a very good type lead sled as far as recoil reduction goes.
Does that sound practical? I know from using the real LEAD SLED here up to 300 win & weatherby mag that there is considerable
recoil reduction.

 

[Casefull]

Don’t worry you won’t be shooting it fast enough to get the barrel very hot. Lol I found out why bushmaster went away from the clamshell type brake to the round AAC cyclops brake. It’s because Remington now owns AAC as well as bushmaster and they wanted to use their own product.