hunting with the big .50?
 

I have read about several people who have hunted both big game and varmints with the .50 caliber browning. The rifle( to me anyway) would be heavy to carry around all day, but the idea might have some merit in that it might reduce the amount of wounded game. What do you think about hunting with this cartridge?

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

if it would rip the deer in two it would make for easier quartering later on :)

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

Quilly is right in that if your not careful it'll die of coarce but whether you eat any of it or not depends on the shot. Have you watch American Shooter? The host shot through 8 bricks at a 1000 yards just think of a deer!

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

I download a video on the net about 10 min long about the 50 cal...it was very impresive...if i can remember the site i got it form i will post it...they shota small block chevey and the the bullet went right through(armor piercing)

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

My friend's son just bought a 50 bolt rifle. It weighs 47 pounds...so it is obviously not a hunting gun. However, if you did have one light enough to carry, the noise will tear you apart. He ordered if from somewhere in Canada, and the fellas that sent it to him put 2 sets of ear plugs and a bottle of Tylenol right in the box. LOL

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

In some states there is a limit on how big you can go on a rifle to hunt game just because of the long range shots say you shoot an elk at 700-1000 yds but don't get as good a hit as you thought by the time you climb up or over to the anamil it's gone and died off somwhere never to be recovered

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

In a Varmint Hunter Magazine there was an article about the South Dakota DNR. They manage the coyotes with the .50 BMG. They just drive to the hilltops by a river banks. They shoot off the hood of they're truck. Seemed to be pretty effective. It didn't look that bad for pelt damage went right through.

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

Talk about knowing whats behind your target.How many pine trees will it go thru?

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

I haven't seen one of the 50bmg,is this the same bullet that was used in the 50 cal machine gun?I shot the 30 and 50 cal machine gun when in service.I wonder how many shots you get to one Shoulder if it is the same bullet?We used the 50 to shoot at tanks,I read about the marine that used the 50 with a scope for sniper shooting in Vietnam,blowed a kids head off at 2000yds I believe.Makes me wonder how dead is dead for a deer.

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

Quilly...I damn near spit water out when I read your post about Blain. LMAO

I had forgot about the power of the shotgun. still LMAO

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

Can you elxplain the joke about blaine?

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

Blain likes his buckshot. He had so much faith in it that he was going to take it on safari in Africa for buffalo and elephants. We're not making fun of him...just chuckling at his devotion to the scattergun. LOL

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

ic, i thaught it might be like something like that :)

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

I'm only speculating, but you probably could load them down to under 2000 fps with cast lead bullets that would really knock whitetails over, but that would really defeat the purpose of the gun. If you could afford one in the first place, you could easily afford another rifle made for hunting.

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

Deer hunt with a .50? Nah, it would only make a .50 caliber hole all the way through. You would get ZERO expansion on just about anything EXCEPT tanks or armored personel carriers. Those are full metal jacketed bullets folks, remember?

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

I have to agree with TN_Hunter. There is no way that it would expand.

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

I'd like to make a few comments about the .50 BMG cartridge and rifles. I've fired about 5 different rifles in that round the Barret, Bill Holmes', and 3 home-made ones. The lightest weighed about 40lbs; I believe about 30lbs with a good mzle-brake and ear plugs & muffs would be tolreable. FMJ ammo will not expand but imagine the old BRI 12ga sabot slug about 750grs but at about 2700fps!!! It will still transfer energy to its target, remember Buckmaster's comment about shattering 8 bricks at 1000yds! As far as Non-FMJ bullets Hornady's A-MAX .50 is like a GIANT Win Silver Tip. Don't use it at close range boys'n girls unless you like deer burgers; bone'n hair included at no extra charge! <img src=icon_smile_clown.gif border=0 align=middle>

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

My cousin is a guide here in NM; he knows a place in the Jilla Wilderness where 420 + bulls like to hang out, but they are positioned in a island of trees, so it is very hard to get close to them with out their knowledge. He plans to purchace a .50 cal. Barrett Model 95 set up a mile away, and break the NM State record. I wish him luck.

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

Handloader1...Is that hunting?? Or is it target parctice without giving the elk a chance?

I personally wouldn't want a state record that was taken from a mile away where scent, movement, noise and hunting ability don't factor in. JMHO

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

either way if he hit it from a mile away i think that would have to be some sort of state record wouldnt it. damn. id try it

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

You could take the money of of them cost and buy enough prime beef to last several years. Or take a hellva hunting trip. Or? Or?

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

You hit the nail on the head, Eyeball...&quot;I'd try it.&quot;

That's just the attitude that's going to have 3-legged elk and deer running around.

I had to finish off a doe in WV this year because of some guy who thought &quot;he'd try it.&quot; When she ran, her leg was bouncing off her back.

The animals have my respect...This is why I would never shoot an animal from a mile away...or even 500 yards (which is under 1/3 of a mile)

JMHO

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

I fired one a few times in the Military. And yes, Herman, it is the same round the ol Ma Duce fires.
The bullet does NOT expand unless it hits armor. Now, keep in mind, that's military FMJ loads.
If you did get a round off, every critter in 2 miles of you would be gone. Just a brutal blast.
Prolly fun to shoot prarie dogs with at exceptionally long ranges just to see how good a shot you are.

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

As to long distances ,those who can't SHOULD NOT!!!<img src=icon_smile_dissapprove.gif border=0 align=middle>But those of us that can WILL!!!<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>Just rememeber to PRACTICE from a field position at those distances not at the bench!!!! Or you are fooling yourself and maiming game!!!!!

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

The numbers on the 50 weren't as good as I thought. Here they are:

Sighted in 28&quot; high at 100 yards, the &quot;big 50&quot; will be approx 35 ft. low at 1500 yards. (Just short of a mile) Not to mention the 12 feet that a 10 mph cross-wind will blow the bullet. You had better have your beans in a can if you're gonna shoot this gun a mile. If you are off 25 yards in judgement, you're talking about an 8&quot; error.
Here's the link.
http://www.gunnery.net/warwagon/50bmg.htm



Edited by - Pro-Line on 01/05/2002 20:56:00

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

Just because a few special forces snipers can hit stuff 1000+ yards out doesn't mean that every bubba with a $5000 gun can too.

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

I don't think every &quot;bubba&quot; is gonna plunk down that much loot. And the guys that build thier own are serious long range shooters. Besides there are some good ones out there from $2000-$3000. Most &quot;bubbas&quot; will get some wally-world deer package or a Rem. 710.
I'm begining to wander if some people that get so high and mighty at those of us that can connect at long range can even cut paper past 100yds. <img src=icon_smile_tongue.gif border=0 align=middle>

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

If you're referring to me...I cannot. <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> Anymore I limit my shots to 100 yards or so even with my 270. (At chucks I'll shoot my 223 further)

Actually, I used to shoot a lot. I used to shoot out to 500 yards frequently. Then I took up bowhunting and personally don't see the sport in launching artillary at a deer two ridges over.

That said...I am NOT taking anything away from a person that can make those shots. It takes a lot of practice and even more $$$ to do this.

I just hate to see &quot;bubbas&quot; flinging lead past their effective range, which for most isn't more than 150 yards.

If a man can make that shot every time...then he is good, and has the best equipment.

GOOD HUNTING

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

Pro-Line:

My cousin is a Decorated Veteran from Vietnam where he was a sniper. I won't tell you how many confirmed kills he has because it is not any of your business, but believe he will make the shot!

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote<font size=1 face='Verdana, Arial, Helvetica' id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>I'm begining to wander if some people that get so high and mighty at those of us that can connect at long range can even cut paper past 100yds <hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote></font id=quote><font face='Verdana, Arial, Helvetica' size=2 id=quote>

I've said it before and will say it again, there is a big difference between punching paper at long ranges and taking shots at big game at long ranges. There are plenty of people who can make the shots, but I see too many posts on different gun boards asking questions like &quot;How high to I have to sight in at 100 yards to be dead on at 500?&quot; The people who can make the shots know they can, but there are too many people of the other type who 'wonder' if they can make the shot.

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

I agree with Quilly. You know what I'd like to see is the makers of every .50BMG rifle or other long range type rifles to include a paper on the ethics of long range hunting. A basic do and don't list. Besides shooting skill from what I call a field firing position you also have to factor in &quot;BUCK FEVER&quot; and I always subtract 100yds for that. Which puts me at 500yds. Once as a experiment I stood up in full view of some deer at about 400yds and took a few steps parallel to them so they could surly see me move and they bolted back into the woods. Of course that was one instance. But they do recognize the human shape as a danger from greater distances than we may think.

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

Big Ed...you're right, and I thought we were getting along, Quilly...LOL

Like I said I believe there are people that can make these shots consistently. However, I ain't one of em. LOL

Handloader, tell your cousin thanks for protecting our country. However, I never questioned his ability to shoot. I don't even remember meeting him!

The same guy's son I know that has the 50, shoots long range (500+ yards) with a 220 swift. He is amazing. I shot with him, and I was happy to hit paper. I did manage a few good shots, but there is definitely a knack to that! I hate to say this, but I believe he would be capable of a head shot at 500 yards with his swift. Spooky...

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

Id like to add that the amount of homework that also goes into getting a good load worked up can take months and after you have it worked up you need to shoot it at 500 yrds
not a inch high at 200 or anthing of the sort .The group may be good on paper at 100 or 200
but when you throw it out to 500 it can really change. Havent lost one yet
Mike

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

Gentlemen, gentlemen........Please keep in mind that this round was originally designed to pierce armour not take big game. I will atest, however, that there are some SF guys out there that are trained to take game (enemy personnel) with this rifle. Remember, that's ALL they do! They train day and night to do exactly what we are talking about. Most .50 cal. snipers never pick up another long range weapon. Sure...they can shoot the ass out of a fly at 1800 mikes but this is a HUNTING FORUM!

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

Pro-Line:

You need to think before you voice your opinions.

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

It has went South. I think I opened a can of worms or in this case one of 50 year old ball powder! Read what I said above about knowing when and when not to take a long shot at game and about realistic practice to do so. I also think when a topic gets this many replies they get a wee bit off the main subject <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

I would never advocate extreme long range shooting on big game animals, no matter what the weapon or the shooter’s skill level. There are simply too many things that can go wrong. The shooter misjudges the wind, the animal moves, etc. A hit that would permanently cripple and not allow the recovery of a game animal would be considered a success to a military sniper.

Remember if a sniper hits someone in the guts from 1000 meters away or blows his leg off he has done his job. Not only has he taken that individual out as a threat, he has created a situation where that individual ties up resources and personnel to care for them.

Military sniping and big game hunting are drastically different. Just because a rifle is capable of making extreme long-range hits does not mean that it would it be ethical to hunt in this matter.

Having voiced my objections to hunting with the .50BMG I would like to relate some information about what a great military tool it is in the right hands. My brother is a SFC in the Special Forces. He is not a sniper. He belongs to a group called the “Muddy Boots Council” that participates in R&D for new equipment that the Army is developing for the field. He had the opportunity to participate in a demonstration/test session of a .50BMG sniper rifle built by McMillan. The factory guys from McMillan demonstrated the rifle’s capabilities by killing targets at ranges from 800 to 1600 meters. After the demonstration they were encouraged to get some hands on experience. My brother was able to kill 3 milk jugs filled with water with 4 shots at 1600 meters! As I stated earlier he isn’t a sniper and this was the first time he had ever shot this rifle.

I think the .50BMG is an amazing military and long-range target round. I don’t think anyone should be allowed to hunt with it.

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

By not &quot;allowing hunting&quot; with it you fell into stage 2 of the anti-gun trap!!! The first is &quot;sporting purpose&quot;, which the average person out there equates to hunting when thinking about firearms. When we start restricting the use of certain guns for hunting or any use for that matter. We fall right into the other sides trap that they have laid for us!!! Of course we have to be responsible hunters but lets not define exactly what a proper hunting rifle is. Thats giving the anti-gunners the rope to hang us!

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

I think this topic needs to be laid to rest. I'm ouutttaaa this one fer good!<img src=icon_smile_cool.gif border=0 align=middle>

RE: hunting with the big .50?
 

Big Ed - That is totally disingenuous of you to equate my comments with any type of gun control. States already restrict firearms as to their suitability to hunting. Do you think .22 rimfires should be allowed for elk hunting? If not, why not? Simple, because it is not responsible or ethical to hunt animals with cartridges that are inadequate. In my opinion it is equally irresponsible and unethical to advocate half-mile sniping of game animals.

I have not fallen into any trap. If you want to give the other side ammo by crippling and losing game animals as a result of irresponsible longe-range shooting I guess that is your privelage.

&quot;Character is doing the right thing when no one is looking.&quot;