Author Topic: What do you guys think of the 50 AE? (Read 1080 times)

KENTDEP · « **on:** July 18, 2005, 03:10:33 PM »

I saw a nice used Field Grade in .50AE today for a grand. What do you guys think of that caliber? I am feeling an itch that is coming on and I may need to scratch it if you know what I mean.

Jay

myronman3 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 18, 2005, 04:48:19 PM »

a while back there was a guy trying to sell one on g.b.'s forums. i think he wanted 9 bills for it. i tell you, i sure was thinking on it. the only thing that stopped me was i already had a f.a. in 44 mag.

the only downside to the 50ae that i can think of is brass availiblity. bullets might pose a problem depending on where you live. and the brass is going to cost more than a standard calibers. having said that, i have no other experience with the 50ae. never shot one, never have had a discussion with anyone who has smote and animal with one, either. i woud imaging it would work very nicely.

i think it would be a fun gun, definately unique. also, i never heard anyone say "damn, i wish i never would have gotten this f.a." everyone i have talked with loves theirs, no matter the chambering.

TScottO · « **Reply #2 on:** July 18, 2005, 06:49:53 PM »

I do not know enough about the cartridge to make an intelligent comment on the subject.

As far as a FA goes, from what I can tell, a 50 on the used market is the most inexpensive avenue to get into a FA. I do not particularly know why but the fact that FA 50s sell for less, on average, than other calibers on the same platform leads me to believe there is a lot to be desired of the 50AE.

I have the urge as bad as anyone to buy FAs but if you will be patient a while longer you will be able to find a more popular caliber for the price you will pay for the 50.

Take Care and Be Safe,
Scott

redawg · « **Reply #3 on:** July 19, 2005, 08:00:46 PM »

I've often wondered how difficult it is to get an adequate crimp on this round when using it in a revolver. Doesn't it headspace off of the case mouth? If it does, how would a person get a tight enough crimp to keep the bullets from working out from recoil? Do any die manufacturers make a roll crimp die for the 50 AE? I'm not trying to talk anyone out of getting a new gun, I just wondered about this. With all the new bullets coming out for the 500 S&W, the 50 AE would definately be something to consider if loading for it isn't a big hassle.

KENTDEP · « **Reply #4 on:** July 20, 2005, 12:33:47 AM »

Redawg,

I am sure that it would head space at the case mouth. I have a Ruger Bisley that came witha a .45acp that head spaces the same way.

Thanks for the opinions and observations guys. Any others?

Jay

myronman3 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 21, 2005, 12:57:46 AM »

if you are of the mind that you might not be so hot on the caliber, why not try to pick it up cheaper than the asking price? i would offer the guy 8 bills and see if he takes it. if not, hold out for a more suitible caliber. that way if it turns out to be not to your tastes, you can easily get you money out of it.

i also checked my speer manuel for reloading info on the 50 ae, and it doesnt seem like there are special instructions for loading this caliber.

RamBlaster · « **Reply #6 on:** July 24, 2005, 02:47:26 PM »

There is nothing wrong with the 50 AE. Starline makes brass, Speer has the bullets. It is pretty easy to get 1450 fps with a 325 grain bullet from a 7 1/2 inch FA. The recoil is stout, but not as sharp as my 454. It is more like a big shove. That load will split bowling pins like cord wood at 20 yards and will knock the snot out of any deer that walks. I had full pass through (2 shots) on a 250+ pound boar earlier this year. I use RCBS dies and have never had a problem with crimping. I had the same concerns because the cartridge does headspace on the mouth of the case. As a test, I left a loaded round in the chamber and fired 10 shots while checking OAL and never saw slipping. The only problem is that the chambers need to be kept clean. Sometimes unburnt powder granules will cause a round to need a little more force when chambering. I'm not sure if the comment on the 50 AE that was for sale was the one I had posted a while ago, but the only reason I did was because I had 2. One had to go to make room for a 475.

KENTDEP · « **Reply #7 on:** July 25, 2005, 03:38:45 PM »

Thanks for the information guys. I am real interested in the pistol still. I have to either come up with the money or trade something off and at the moment I am not inclined to trade something off. But I do have a substantial amout of overtime coming up and maybe after those checks roll in I might be able to do something about the 50AE.

One thing that I have noticed about big bore guns, handgun or rifles. It seems that when it comes to used guns, the bigger the bore the nicer the condition these used guns are in. It was like that when I raced dirtbikes, the big 500cc bikes were always the best buys when it came to used dirtbikes. Humm?

Thanks again,

Jay

redawg · « **Reply #8 on:** July 31, 2005, 05:00:39 PM »

After reading RamBlaster's post, I'd be pretty tempted to try it. Thanks for the info RamBlaster! I always wondered if loading for this round was worse than loading for a rimmed cartridge. It's always good to hear from someone with actual firsthand experience.