- Thread starter allie
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Just did a few last night to test a new barrel on a Boys rifle that I did. RCBS Ammomaster press, RCBS dies (they came with the press) CH4D ram priming tool and a PACT powder scale. I only loaded 10rds for the test but I've done it before and wasn't testing ammo....I was testing the barrel. I worked great. There is a good amount of load data out there and components are available from various places. I've been using surplus military components with good result. 645 gr API bullets with 225gr of WC868 in Lake City cases with CCI BMG primers. Never ran this load over the chrono but probably will this summer.
Frank
Frank
ok thanks frank! in my searching i see dillon's sizer die is real expensive. Trying to figure out why they are so much more than others.
Dillon's stuff is expensive because it can be. I've not found their dies to be any better or worse than the others. Some pay for the name though....
You might have a look at CH4D. They do some pretty good dies and are usually priced reasonably. I think Hornady has some .50 stuff too. I bought my .50 cal stuff years ago when there were fewer makers and prices were a lot lower.
Frank
You might have a look at CH4D. They do some pretty good dies and are usually priced reasonably. I think Hornady has some .50 stuff too. I bought my .50 cal stuff years ago when there were fewer makers and prices were a lot lower.
Frank
FWIW, I'm new into 50 loading. Bought the Lee 50 kit and promptly put enough pressure on it to bend the handle and brake the cast metal handle retainer, Lee replaced the retainer. I was using STP for sizing. I also had to send the sizing die back to be trimmed down as i couldn't get enough out of it. The Lee press is now used for 338's.
I then turned around and bought the RCBS 50 set up which I like a bunch more than the Lee. The dies are monsters and heavy and the press can take all I can give it without going TU. The RCBS comes with a trim die also.
Giraud makes a 50 cal trimmer body and cutter head for the Giraud trimmer.
I think that both models need heavier/thicker bodies/mounting surfaces.
I then turned around and bought the RCBS 50 set up which I like a bunch more than the Lee. The dies are monsters and heavy and the press can take all I can give it without going TU. The RCBS comes with a trim die also.
Giraud makes a 50 cal trimmer body and cutter head for the Giraud trimmer.
I think that both models need heavier/thicker bodies/mounting surfaces.
I run a LEE press for reloading the .50, makes good match ammo if you put some though into what you are doing. When sizing .50 brass it is imperative to use Imperial sizing wax for case lube. That stuff will make that press run slick and easy. Other than that the 50 is like loading any other round. I like loading for the 50 cause everything is so much bigger, less tedious to deal with components.
I have the RCBS Ammomaster set up (press and dies) I also use the Imperial sizing wax. I use mostly Lehigh bullets, and H50 powder.
+1 on CH4D .50 BMG dies. Great quality and customer service. They have fixed stuff of theirs that I broke, my fault, without question and on their dime.
I run these dies on an RCBS Ammomaster and the setup works great.
You know, it sounds a little weird to contemplate a 50 BMG "Boys Rifle".
