Pratical use of H50BMG

[firstcoueswas80]

This is one of the ONLY powders I can find on the shelves most days of the week at the local Sportsmans Warehouse....

 

In researching this powder, according to Hodgons burn rate chart (for some reason I cant post the link here), this powder is very close to other powders I have used in my 7 LRM (H1000, Retumbo and US869).

 

Now, with the 180 Gr. Berger Hybrid, it appears that this should/could be a solid combo. It is slower then H1000 and Retumbo, but just a TOUCH faster then Us 869. I have never been much of an explorer when it comes to reloading and trying undocumented/unpublished powders, but there are loads listed on reloadersnest.com with similar cartridges (7 STW, RUM, Mashburn Super).

 

So basically my question is has anyone ever used this powder for anything other then something like a 338 or 50 BMG? How does it behave in say, something in the 7mm or .308 class?

[308Nut]

I've used it in a custom 300RUM with great results. I tried it in a 338 edge with poor results. Heck I packed 85 grains in my 300 win under a 210ablr. It ran 2750'sec and the recoil was REALLY stout. I never pursued it after that.

[firstcoueswas80]

I'm using 71 gr Retumbo with a 180 Hybrid at about 2950, in my LRM. Do you think trying out 50bmg could be worth it, or stick with Retumno?

[308Nut]

It's worth a try. Start with 1#. If it doesn't work, you're only out less than 40 bucks and a trip or two to the range.

 

I think there's more case capacity than 71 grains in the LRM case. Sounds like you need to try it. Like you said, it seems like it's always available.

[firstcoueswas80]

There is, but my rifle shows slight pressure at 71 and goes up from there.

[308Nut]

That's with retumbo. H50 should not show pressure at 71 grains. Nor will you get the same velocity until you add more than 71 H50.

[CraigK]

I'm curious about the results. Firstcoues please post results if you try it out. Also, have you tried working up a load with h1000 for your LRM? Just curious about the velocities and if they were much less then what you were getting with retumbo.

[rcdinaz]

Hodgdon shows 80gr - 86gr on the STW. Don't you have about the same capacity on the LRM? Looks like you should be able to get about the same velocity as the Retumbo maybe a little less. On the LRH site it seems like it was a love/hate for this powder with the 7mm RUM.

 

If it works it seems like a good choice full cases with very stable powder.

 

I personally quit using retumbo in most guns it was just not as stable as H1000. I don't know how many guys test their loads in the summer heat and then in the cold at altitude but when I went through those conditions with the 7mm Dakota, 300 RUM, and 7mm RM I had a lot of variance with Retumbo and very little with H1000. my $0.02...

[darrcolburn]

I use 110 grains of 50BMG in my 30-378 and it shoots great.