Thread: Anyone shooting .50 BMG target rifles?

Savage is the Zen of gun making. A smple product that works to perfection....Cheap too.. And one of the most accurate of of the box rifles you can buy..Saying that I do like the Tikkas now that I am getting older. They are lighter and I find that I can get around esier with one. I think I will get one for elk this year.

^^Russ,

For sure, it is a bit limiting here as well. I was just looking at the HPS website - 75 GBP for 1 kg of the 20n29 (recommended for the cartridge). Thats quite expensive. Best deal I have found in Canada was $175 for 8lbs of Hodgdon. Trouble is you can't just import powder from the US...

Originally Posted by bharner

You need to find a bigger range. 200 yards is a bit short for that beast. I routinely take my .30-30 out to 150yds (thank you hornady lever revolution ammo) and shoot tennis balls. Hell, my 10/22 with stock barrel can keep it within an inch and a half at 100.
Someday I need to get me a big boy rifle but if I want a lot of range time the .22lr is all I can afford... the 30-30 breaks the bank if I want to use it more than every couple months (granted, if I'd stop futzing about with my .357 and .41 mags I could afford more rifle ammo but I really enjoy the simplicity of SA wheel guns not to mention there is an indoor pistol range in town for year round happiness).
Range time is key. As is lack of fear from the recoil. When I've spent a lot of time on the .22 and neglect the .30-30 my first shot is spot on then I get skurred for the next two or three shots. Have fun with that beast and don't forget to keep some $ around for RAD after you buy ammo.

Yes, hoping to take it out farther soon. We actually start at 25yds for sighting in on paper and then make adjustments to save on ammo expense. Hornady does make great ammo! I was not sure what to expect with the .50 as far as recoil but I must say its not bad at all. The combination of weight and the break works quite well. I'd say its less than the marlin 1895gs .45-70 and some shotguns.

Makes sense but the mental image of you shooting a target at 25 yards with a .50 is pretty dawgone funny. I'm guessing it's more fun on squirrels than a 12g slug...

What is the distance from which you actually need a spotter? Or do you always require a spotter no matter the distance? For example, a secret service sniper shooting from an elevated position, 200 yards or so. Does he need spotter?

Originally Posted by Bruno

What is the distance from which you actually need a spotter? Or do you always require a spotter no matter the distance? For example, a secret service sniper shooting from an elevated position, 200 yards or so. Does he need spotter?

Your spotter will usually have an M4/M16 style weapon for close in support. From what I understand SS works in larger teams and has constant radio communication like the police. Sniper teams are trained to work autonomously. Very different missions. Sniper teams are not always sent out to shoot. They fill many underestimated roles such as Intel gathering etc.
200 yards can be done by your average soldier after going through basic with iron sites easy.

Originally Posted by JohnnyNorth

Yes, hoping to take it out farther soon. We actually start at 25yds for sighting in on paper and then make adjustments to save on ammo expense. Hornady does make great ammo! I was not sure what to expect with the .50 as far as recoil but I must say its not bad at all. The combination of weight and the break works quite well. I'd say its less than the marlin 1895gs .45-70 and some shotguns.

That does sound like a good time...but yea, i fogot about the expensive rounds. I never had to worryabout that in the Army..also always check your muzzle break before firing. I had a soldier take off a GEM .50 fire suppressor and screwed the muzzle break back on (not tight enough) , and that was probably the funniest thing that i ever saw when the break came off with the shot...that kid was in the hurt locker for a week after that.

Largest thing I have is a 338 Winchester mag in a long barrel Browning. Kicks like a mule. I use a 200 grain ballistic tip hand load for hunting. It was my elk rifle that I adapted to deer. Took one at 530 yards once in a walnut grove. My club has a variety of shooters. I was at the club last weekend working on digging out footers for concrete to mount our new benches on. One of the guys had his bolt 50 on the 100. Every time he shot, leafs fell of the trees at the 15 yard range. We have a few class 3 holders in the auto club. One guy has a hummer and every now and then he shows up with his mini gun mounted on it. Talk about a buzz saw, WAAAAAAAAAAPPP! There goes 500 rounds...

Originally Posted by cannonfodder

Largest thing I have is a 338 Winchester mag in a long barrel Browning. Kicks like a mule. I use a 200 grain ballistic tip hand load for hunting. It was my elk rifle that I adapted to deer. Took one at 530 yards once in a walnut grove. My club has a variety of shooters. I was at the club last weekend working on digging out footers for concrete to mount our new benches on. One of the guys had his bolt 50 on the 100. Every time he shot, leafs fell of the trees at the 15 yard range. We have a few class 3 holders in the auto club. One guy has a hummer and every now and then he shows up with his mini gun mounted on it. Talk about a buzz saw, WAAAAAAAAAAPPP! There goes 500 rounds...

Sounds like fun. Too bad us Canadians have to line up for an hour at the Gun Store in Las Vegas to shoot an auto

Originally Posted by JohnnyNorth

^^Russ,

For sure, it is a bit limiting here as well. I was just looking at the HPS website - 75 GBP for 1 kg of the 20n29 (recommended for the cartridge). Thats quite expensive. Best deal I have found in Canada was $175 for 8lbs of Hodgdon. Trouble is you can't just import powder from the US...

Look up graf and sons supply out of missouri. Their powder is usually dirt cheap and their service is amazing.