why dont people use...

[field989]

I would like to know why people dont use a .50BMG instead of some of those huge monster cartridges?

it may be a stupid question but im curious :-)

[Redhawk1]

I would like to know why people dont use a .50BMG instead of some of those huge monster cartridges?

it may be a stupid question but im curious :-)

Because of the recoil and the weight of the guns. I had two 50 BMG's  and they both top the scale at over 30 pounds. Not quit a good hunting gun in my opinion.  :-D

[JD338]

And some of the Western states have a rifle weight limit around 16 lbs.

JD338

[nasem]

a .50 BMG was originally desgined as a cartridge for anti-vehicle's assult, or bringing down airplanes in worldwar II......why would ANYONE in thier right mind use that for "hunting game",.... do you know what happens when you shoot a living creature with a .50 bmg ? if you take a .50 bmg and shoot it at a human being at a distance of OVER 1000 yards, the human pops..... litterally, it doesn't make a hole in you, it cuts your body in half (where-ever it hits)

I have a friend who was a marine in Iraq from 2003 till end of 2004.... he says the ugliest thing he ever saw in his entire time in Iraq was when the guy sitting atop the .50 plasting away at Iraqi's when they were attacking....the bullet has SO MUCH energy, that when it simply flys 6 inches from your flesh (not hitting), it rips the meat off the arm, and if it strikes you, you pop.

[Smokin Joe]

[Redhawk1]

nasem, that may be a little over exaggerated. I have been on many 50 BMG boards and have owned two 50 BMG's. I have heard of people shooting game with 50 BMG's. If jacketed bullets are used, it makes nice 50 cal holes in both sides. What most of them guys use is frangible bullets to take game. I personally would never consider a 50 BMG as a big game rifle.  

[victorcharlie]

I would like to know why people dont use a .50BMG instead of some of those huge monster cartridges?

it may be a stupid question but im curious :-)

I think that's a very good question!  With a lot of folks that think they have to hunt with the biggest, flattest shooting, gollywhopper Super duper Ultra Magnum made, I'm suprised that more people don't find their way into the deer woods with one.

Don't be suprised if you don't find someone to post they have tried it on deer and don't be suprised if someone asked if it is enough gun to kill a deer.......or if it's over kill, or if it leaves a good blood trail.  Don't be suprised if someone tells you you need a barnes "premium" bullet to shoot through it....(although I'd probably believe it with this caliber).

Also, don't be suprised if someone tells you they don't think the round has much recoil.

Seriously, I've hunted with a 50 caliber for years........170 grain patched round ball over 70 grains of FFFg.........works great, and has for near 200 years......

[Redhawk1]

I would like to know why people dont use a .50BMG instead of some of those huge monster cartridges?

it may be a stupid question but im curious :-)

I think that's a very good question!  With a lot of folks that think they have to hunt with the biggest, flattest shooting, gollywhopper Super duper Ultra Magnum made, I'm suprised that more people don't find their way into the deer woods with one.

Don't be suprised if you don't find someone to post they have tried it on deer and don't be suprised if someone asked if it is enough gun to kill a deer.......or if it's over kill, or if it leaves a good blood trail.  Don't be suprised if someone tells you you need a barnes "premium" bullet to shoot through it....(although I'd probably believe it with this caliber).

Also, don't be suprised if someone tells you they don't think the round has much recoil.

Seriously, I've hunted with a 50 caliber for years........170 grain patched round ball over 70 grains of FFFg.........works great, and has for near 200 years......

Do you always find it necessary to take your jabs at "biggest, flattest shooting, gollywhopper Super duper Ultra Magnum made, or Don't be surprised if someone tells you you need a barnes "premium" bullet to shoot through it"  And your comment " Also, don't be surprised if someone tells you they don't think the round has much recoil." was directed at me.  If I did what you always do, I would be blasted. You seem to take every opportunity to blast anyone that suggest magnum rounds or "premium" bullet. Don't you ever get tired of stirring the pot?
At least I have had hand on experience with shooting and reloading the 50 BMG.  Have you??? And as for recoil, it is not bad. The muzzle blast is the killer. My son at 14 shot my 50 BMG a lot. A 30 pound rifle absorbs a lot of recoil. Fact from someone that shoots a 50 BMG.

[dukkillr]

When I go to the hospital I don't want an MRI, CT, anesthesia, or any other modern invention.  After all my grandfather lived to 89 without any of those things so they must not be better right?  I ride a horse to work and I only listen to AM radio.  

Some people like things the old way, why they need to bring it up at every opportunity, I don't know.

[corbanzo]

Though the .50 was designed for war, and does a good job at that, it actually is finding a place in hunting.  More and more goat and sheep hunters are starting to use them, and for very good reason.  Goat and sheep hang out on places humans arent meant to go, and sometimes the only shot you can get is very far away.  With the balistics the BMG has, it can shoot acurately at these distances, and more importantly, carries enough power to drop an animal where it stands, meaning that it can be retrieved, even from very far away.  Up in AK you hear lots of stories about hunters taking shots they shouldn't, wounding an animal, and never seeing it again...  Its funny thinking about a massive catridge supporting responsible hunting....

[victorcharlie]

I would like to know why people dont use a .50BMG instead of some of those huge monster cartridges?

it may be a stupid question but im curious :-)

I think that's a very good question!  With a lot of folks that think they have to hunt with the biggest, flattest shooting, gollywhopper Super duper Ultra Magnum made, I'm suprised that more people don't find their way into the deer woods with one.

Don't be suprised if you don't find someone to post they have tried it on deer and don't be suprised if someone asked if it is enough gun to kill a deer.......or if it's over kill, or if it leaves a good blood trail.  Don't be suprised if someone tells you you need a barnes "premium" bullet to shoot through it....(although I'd probably believe it with this caliber).

Also, don't be suprised if someone tells you they don't think the round has much recoil.

Seriously, I've hunted with a 50 caliber for years........170 grain patched round ball over 70 grains of FFFg.........works great, and has for near 200 years......

Do you always find it necessary to take your jabs at "biggest, flattest shooting, gollywhopper Super duper Ultra Magnum made, or Don't be surprised if someone tells you you need a barnes "premium" bullet to shoot through it"  And your comment " Also, don't be surprised if someone tells you they don't think the round has much recoil." was directed at me.  If I did what you always do, I would be blasted. You seem to take every opportunity to blast anyone that suggest magnum rounds or "premium" bullet. Don't you ever get tired of stirring the pot?
At least I have had hand on experience with shooting and reloading the 50 BMG.  Have you??? And as for recoil, it is not bad. The muzzle blast is the killer. My son at 14 shot my 50 BMG a lot. A 30 pound rifle absorbs a lot of recoil. Fact from someone that shoots a 50 BMG.

I do it so you can find a little joy in your day!  You have so much fun moaning about someone that doesn't agree with you that I couldn't bare not expressing my opinion just to see how your going to moan about it!

Everyone that doesn't agree with you isn't necessarlily jabbing at you......(but some might be)......  Another thing.......when the pot is stirred, your the one who smells the stink......not me.......

You kind of remind me of my ex wife......she was always right.......but I like you Redhawk1......your so predictible........heck....guess I am too!

Really though.....you shouldn't take things so personally.......some might think its a flaw in your character.........you might want to talk to a professional about your complex.  

[Redhawk1]

victorcharlie, at one time I though maybe we could have a good conversation, but you again have proven me wrong.  I could careless if you agreed with me, but it is your content nagging like an old lady, talk about someone that reminds me of an ex-wife. I would rather put up with my EX than keep trying to have a conversation with you.  If it doesn't fit your needs it is no good. I think you have proven your worth here.  :roll:  I don't think we need to destroy another good thread with such nonsense.

[dukkillr]

coincidence that you both have ex-wives?

[nasem]

Well, lets talk some logic here, what is the actual recoil of a .50 BMG (without a muzzle break) ? somewhere between 150-180 ft-lbs ? (I dunno the numbers Im just estimating them)  

Im guessing these numbers becuase the mighty .460 weatherby pushing a 450 grain bullet has about 7000 ft-lbs of energy with 100-ftlbs of recoil, but of course the muzzle break drops that by 60%, so your looking at about 40 ft-lbs of recoil (WITH A MUZZLE BREAK)....

a .50 BMG, even on a 30-lbs rifle, its GOT to have atleast 40-60 ft-lbs of energy (unless you load down your rounds), I mean, seriously a 40-60 ft-lbs of recoil energy might not sound alot, but thats 2-3 times the recoil of a typical 30-06..... thats still alot of recoil......

I dunno about you guys, If I had all the money in the world I still would never get a .50 BMG for hunting purposes, MAYBE 338 lapua, but not .50 bmg

[nomosendero]

No, I will not be hunting with a 50, I do think they would be fun to shoot
if properly set up.

Nasem, when you started throwing these numbers around, did you forget about the weight of the weapon or if not what does this mythical weapon
weigh? Some tell me their 50's don't kick too bad because of the brake &
they are heavy bench guns. I hope to find out at a Memphis range soon &
then I will REALLY know for myself.

[nasem]

those numbers for the .460 wby are very close to actual numbers on a rifle weighing about 12-13 lbs.....

but the .50.... I did say "estimating" so it was just a guess

[victorcharlie]

victorcharlie, at one time I though maybe we could have a good conversation, but you again have proven me wrong.  I could careless if you agreed with me, but it is your content nagging like an old lady, talk about someone that reminds me of an ex-wife. I would rather put up with my EX than keep trying to have a conversation with you.  If it doesn't fit your needs it is no good. I think you have proven your worth here.  :roll:  I don't think we need to destroy another good thread with such nonsense.

Darn it Redhawk1 now you done went and hurt my feelings.........your the one who's nagging.......not me!  Sorry you got your panties in a wad.......heck.....I even agreed that this is one round that a barnes bullet might  make sense.....and your still not happy?  I suggest if you can't stay in the conversation then drop out!

I guess what impressed me most by the .50 BMG wasn't so much the recoil but the muzzle blast.......this isn't one to shoot off the hood of a car!

I don't remember the concussion as much when firing the round in a military configuration.

The one and only civilian version I've fired weighed 41 lbs.  I think I got off 6 rounds and called it quits.   The concussion from the muzzle blast will pick up small rocks and raise quite a bit of dust off the ground.......

[Redhawk1]

I shot my 50 BMG one time without the muzzle brake and I could not shot a rifle for over a month. I thought I did permanent damage to my shoulder.  I now realize how effective the muzzle brake is.

dukkillr, you may have something there.  :-D

[nomosendero]

nasum, no 50 that I am aware of is that light, many times 2-3 times more
& that is why I brought it up.

[msorenso]

ok back to the actual subject,

I did see ( of course I can't remeber which forum ) where a guy did shoot a deer with a 50 bmg..  Yes its over kill but interesting..  i agree with the author that i am surpised as well why more poeple haven't used them..  Elephant, Rhino, Cape Buff, american Bison..  Yes I realize they are heavy but it doesn't really matter ..  Someone could easily set up with driving around on their own a pluck one off from 1000yrds.  Right this isn't a true hunt but is using a 50 bmg??  I guess I would like to give it a try!  I do not own a 50 bmg but would love too..  Redhawk what can a person due to help with the concussion???  This sounds like the biggest problem if I am not mistaken??

[Redhawk1]

msorenso, there is not really any thing that can be done. Good hearing protection and shooting glasses.  I had a 30 inch barreled 50 BMG and a 18 inch barreled 50 BMG. The 30 inch was not bad but the 18 inch was a nightmare. I had to wear double ear protection, shooting glasses and a rag around my mouth and nose. The concussion and muzzle blast would push back and force air up my nose. I was able to shoot the 18 inch 50 BMG off hand, but I would not use it for hunting. When I shot the 50 BMG at my range, people from the pistol range would come over just to see what all the noise was. Some would want to shoot it and others did not want anything to do with it. When I shot over 20 rounds, my body ached and I got head aches. The concussion alone takes its toll on your body. The recoil was like shooting a 3 1/2 inch magnum from a shotgun. After the local shooting range did not allow 50 BMG's any longer, I sold both of my 50 BMG's.  

[msorenso]

I got ya!  If i was to get one the 30inch would be what i get..  Did you still need the double hearing protection for the 30inch as well??

[Redhawk1]

I got ya!  If i was to get one the 30inch would be what i get..  Did you still need the double hearing protection for the 30inch as well??

 
I wore double ear protection no matter the barrel length when shooting the 50 BMG.  The 50 BMG will rattle people 4 or 5  tables down.  

[victorcharlie]

I got ya!  If i was to get one the 30inch would be what i get..  Did you still need the double hearing protection for the 30inch as well??

The one my buddy has came with a much longer barrel than 30".   It fits on an ar15 lower and the bolt screws into the barrel with a 1/4 inch rachett.  It looks like a small anti tank weapon.  The concussion is more of a low frequency thing than a sharp crack.  You can feel it when it hits you, and almost see the wave moving........Definately moving a lot of air.  When fired prone laying on a blanket it will pick up the blanket and blow it around.

If a fellow could afford a Barret auto loader it would probably be more comfortable to shoot but with a price tag of $6000 or over I've never seen one at the range.

The .50BMG is rumored to penetrate a 2" steel plate at 500 yards and quite honestly I've never felt good about firing it for fear that a round might leave the range.   I read somewhere that someone was stealing the manhole covers off the street and using them as targets.  Someone posted a picture of one on another forum and it will go through them.

[NONYA]

ROFL I heard that if you even hear the muzzleblast of a 50 bmg it will rip the skin off the inside of your eardrums.... :-D

[Redhawk1]

ROFL I heard that if you even hear the muzzleblast of a 50 bmg it will rip the skin off the inside of your eardrums.... :-D

Now that was funny.    :-D

[msorenso]

Yeah, I think I will shoot it when no one is around..  I am sure they enjoy it when someone fire one of these bad boys!

[Questor]

The 50BMG "instead" of a big monster cartridge? What's more monstrous than the 50BMG? Are you referring to 20mm cannon?

The blast from a 50BMG is something to behold, as is the noise!

[Smokin Joe]

Interesting .50 BMG penetration video:

http://democrats.reform.house.gov/features/fifty_caliber/guns_marine_video.rm

[nasem]

I can't view that file, windows media player isn't playing it