50 BMG powder -- What options?

[Red dog]

I'm a longtime reloader/shooter. I got the bright idea I wanted a .50 BMG rifle this year. I am looking for powder at the moment. Hogdgon 50 BMG or Vihtavuori 24N41 were my first choices. Not finding any, I ran across SW 50BMG from Shooters World. My understanding is that this is a decent European powder. I'm hoping to get some feedback from anyone who may have experience with this powder. Thanks.

 

[precision.riflecraft]

Since the .50 BMG ban was enacted up here in Canada, for now at least, the dream of acquiring and loading for a Cadex Tremor is over for guys like me. Whichever rifle you choose, enjoy it for both of us. I can't speak to that powder specifically, but I've often read that spherical powders are temperature sensitive. That's all I can really contribute.

 

[Fuj]

At Powder Valley..... US869 (Hodgdon)

 

[rckendall]

PM sent.

 

[Kurz]

http://www.patsreloading.com/patsrel3/Items.aspx?category=Powder

http://www.surpluspowder.com/gunpowder.html

 

[Red dog]

Got some powder at Pat's! Thanks.

 

[DRNewcomb]

Got some powder at Pat's! Thanks.

Back in the early '90s before 50 cal was as big as it is now, some buddies bought a drum (e.g. 40-50 lbs) of "5050" something powder from Pat McDonald at something like 50¢/lb. They tried every big bore load imaginable to use that powder to no avail. It was just too gosh-darned slow to be of any use. Then the 50 cal fad hit and they sold it for a tidy profit.

 

[Kurz]

T-5050 and T-5010 were products from Thunderbird Cartridge Company, Inc. TCCI went under so their remaining powder was sold as surplus.

http://www.castpics.net/LoadData/Thunderbird powder Info.pdf

 

[Zero333]

Viht. N-570
RL-50
RL-33
H-870
Viht. 20N29
H-50BMG
AA-870
Viht. 24N41
H-US869
Even Retumbo works good with 647-650 gr bullets.

 

[Red dog]

Thanks. Good to know. I need to hit my reloading manuals.

 

[slm9s]

http://www.patsreloading.com/patsrel3/Items.aspx?category=Powder

http://www.surpluspowder.com/gunpowder.html

Which powder did you choose?

 

[Red dog]

WC860

 

[Old Navy]

http://www.patsreloading.com/patsrel3/Items.aspx?category=Powder

http://www.surpluspowder.com/gunpowder.html

Thanks for the links. Have a friend that is almost out of 4831.

 

[Ray123]

I have used most of the powders listed like H870 when it was $1.89 per lb
Another I got 8 lbs for free..Ireco 85 works in the 50bmg but it only shows up at gun shows, been out if business since 1985 I believe. I got a 8 lbs of IMR 5010 for free and another 8 lbs for $20. Most of it is gone. RL25 works good 200 to 207 gr with 650 gr or 620 gr. SW 50 BMG 247 gr is a good 650 gr fmj load. RL50, US 869 is a high velocity powder, and H 50 BMG is accurate. Surplus powders available from Pat's reloading, but I haven't used them. RL 25 shot a .6" 5 shot group with a .510 dia bullet, the pristine (no pull marks) 620 gr APIT...I bought no pull mark bullets by the thousand, after resizing a few thousand. I skim neck turn into the sholder and machine primer pockets on the lathe, and trim to length, champher, inside and out in one operation with a tool I made using the Bridgeport mill and a dead length collet in a collet fixture, very fast.
I use red dot and trail boss powders for accurate subsonic loads.

 

[ebb]

Zero 333 ohhhhh to have H870 again, you are cruel to even mention it.

 

[rockhound78]

Think I saw two 1 pounders at the LGS yesterday, of H870??
I have used Trail Boss with cast bullets in my 50. About 1600fps with an 850gr.

 

[Hankpac]

So far, mine have been with Lehigh 510-130 800gr Solid with Reloader-50.

 

[cuznguido]

Zero 333 ohhhhh to have H870 again, you are cruel to even mention it.

Tip my glass to you sir. Let us commiserate together