Need info/advice for .50 cal rifle.

gregb

gregb

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Victoria, BC
First off - I'm a noob to .50 cal rifles, so I have a few questions about the possibility of even owning one.

1. First off, can I even acquire the ammo in Canada or is it a strictly ' load your own' type deal.

2. Is their such a thing as an semi-affordable .50 cal rifle and what would be your recommendations.

My interest was peaked when I witnessed a few guys shooting these at the range I attend.
 
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Firstly yes, you can acquire ammo in Canada. There are many people out there who stock pile complete rounds. However, that being said it is best to roll your own eventuality as you can cut ammo costs down quite a bit.
Secondly, you'll find very quickly that all things related to .50 cal shooting are not cheap. A starting price for just the rifle would be in that 5K range, plus a few accessories and some ammo, or possibly a reloading setup, all of a sudden you'll have 10K invested. (I know from my own personal experience) Don't get me wrong after my first shot I new I had made the right decision, the hobby is worth every penny. It's literaly a blast! Someone once told me the more fifty's the merrier!!!

PS I run the Steyr HS50 for hardware, I love it, Tacticool and shoots well to boot. Also ATRS has a nice stealthy looking one for that 5K range aswelll. Goodluck!
 
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50 cal ammo , components and rifles ARE certainly available in Canada, we stock a healthy supply of ammo and components, as well as build 50 cal rifles.
There are several other dealers here that also carry 50 cal supplies and rifles.

You need to define "semi affordable" 50 cal is NOT cheap either in the rifle or the ammo and supporting necessities.
Realisticlly to get into a 50 complete with basic optics and the support stuff is going to run you $7K or better, for good optics figure closer to $10K
 
Do you build all yours right there to wat the customer ordeers or do you have a couple to pic from. I notice you have 2 on your web site what kinda price are the swiss ones going for and are they scoped or not. thecustom single shot price is that with or without optics and do all 50 cal's come with a bi pod.

Greg B glad you asked this as I have been on the fence about buying one for a bit.

Redneck
 
A shooting buddy of mine has one that is similar to the one in AB tactical rifles signature block. An absolute dream shoot. No point outfitting a big .50 with anything less than a US optics, or something of that nature. His set up...about $10 K easy. with all the reloading equipment, components, etc, your fast approaching $13-$15 K depending if you are hung up on brand names (lapua instead of IVI, AMAX instead of regular FMJ's (you get the point).

Good luck. Hakx
 
Thanks for all the info guys. Just got off the phone with buddy at Alberta Tactical, he was great and very informative.
The short answer is I am looking to sell a few organs and my first born to get into this .50 business properly.

That wont stop me however, I am determined and will keep researching.
 
Just a suggestion but why not look into a 338 Lapua Mag?

Just as much fun and it's only $5 bills your shooting down range instead of $10 bills.
 
I can only speak for me but I have shot both and 338 lapua and 50 cal are like apples to oranges. If I am going to go, I am going to go all the way.
Must go big or go home.
 
ive wondered this myself, i know nothing about the 50cal's. what does factory rounds go for ? ive only seen the reloading equip. for sale ?

what are some of the cons on the 50cal besides the price ?
 
WolFF said:
ive wondered this myself, i know nothing about the 50cal's. what does factory rounds go for ? ive only seen the reloading equip. for sale ?

what are some of the cons on the 50cal besides the price ?
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Match Ammo $15 , Mil. Surp $10.... I've been reloading and cut my costs down to about $3 a round...Prices seem to be high for the obvious supply & demand reasons going on in this country, in the states 50 cal ammo is alot cheaper... There are no cons to 50 cal shooting OR any shooting for that matter, that I can see anyway. But thats just me...
 
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Depending on where you live....you may or may not have a safe place to shoot it.

I know our range is only certified for 338 LM and below. I would have to find a piece of crown land (not too many long flat areas around here) or private property to shoot one around here.
 
50calshooter said:
Match Ammo $15 , Mil. Surp $10.... I've been reloading and cut my costs down to about $3 a round...Prices seem to be high for the obvious supply & demand reasons going on in this country, in the states 50 cal ammo is alot cheaper... There are no cons to 50 cal shooting OR any shooting for that matter, that I can see anyway. But thats just me...
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Just you wait till your kid runs 2 full ammo cans of ammo out of your 50 in an afternoon, then you will definately see a con:rolleyes:

Good to see you back on the forum again I was fearing you got lost after the last funshoot.
 
redneck74 said:
Do you build all yours right there to wat the customer ordeers or do you have a couple to pic from. I notice you have 2 on your web site what kinda price are the swiss ones going for and are they scoped or not. thecustom single shot price is that with or without optics and do all 50 cal's come with a bi pod.

Greg B glad you asked this as I have been on the fence about buying one for a bit.

Redneck
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We try to build what the client desires within reason. With enough money anything can be made;)
The $2000.00 scope on the 50s on our website are optional, not included.
The Nemesis rifles run about $12000.00
 
50calshooter said:
Match Ammo $15 , Mil. Surp $10.... I've been reloading and cut my costs down to about $3 a round...Prices seem to be high for the obvious supply & demand reasons going on in this country, in the states 50 cal ammo is alot cheaper... There are no cons to 50 cal shooting OR any shooting for that matter, that I can see anyway. But thats just me...
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Ya, I have done some more research and am looking at between $3-$5 a round (reloading) - this of course doesn't include the press and dies, etc.
Lee has a 50 BMG single-stage for around $280 with a basic setup which would be fine for me. Its not like I will be able to afford to churn out 100's of rounds in a weekend.
If I can get the price down to $3 a pop, I think I could at least go out once a month and rock-on.

Next step would be finding a good patch of crown land or confirming my range policy for .50 cal.
 
3 words:

Alberta Tactical Rifle

Rick et al, are the gurus of 50 cal in Canada. They make great rifles, they sell components and if a 50 is truly what you want and need, they will find a gun to fit your needs.

Facts: The guns are big bucks, the ammo is obscenely expensive, barrel life is horrible. You must know what you want and know what you are prepeared to spend. If a 50 is in your future, ATR will set you on the right path.
 
gregb said:
Ya, I have done some more research and am looking at between $3-$5 a round (reloading) - this of course doesn't include the press and dies, etc.
Lee has a 50 BMG single-stage for around $280 with a basic setup which would be fine for me. Its not like I will be able to afford to churn out 100's of rounds in a weekend.
If I can get the price down to $3 a pop, I think I could at least go out once a month and rock-on.

Next step would be finding a good patch of crown land or confirming my range policy for .50 cal.
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yup, thats the same setup I got, spent about $400 with all the accesories and everything i needed. it works jus fine and is strong, plus you get the adapter so you can load for your other rifles. Lee is major bang for the buck. I recommend Higginson Powders(they are a Lee dealer), Jus google them. There great to deal with. good luck
 
Obtunded said:
3 words:

Alberta Tactical Rifle

Rick et al, are the gurus of 50 cal in Canada. They make great rifles, they sell components and if a 50 is truly what you want and need, they will find a gun to fit your needs.

Facts: The guns are big bucks, the ammo is obscenely expensive, barrel life is horrible. You must know what you want and know what you are prepeared to spend. If a 50 is in your future, ATR will set you on the right path.
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Could you please elaborate on the Barrel Life?
 
Obtunded said:
3 words:

Alberta Tactical Rifle

Rick et al, are the gurus of 50 cal in Canada. They make great rifles, they sell components and if a 50 is truly what you want and need, they will find a gun to fit your needs.

Facts: The guns are big bucks, the ammo is obscenely expensive, barrel life is horrible. You must know what you want and know what you are prepeared to spend. If a 50 is in your future, ATR will set you on the right path.
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Regarding ATR I couldn't agree more as I've owned a Rick-built 50 for more than 3 years and the quality of his work and customer support is outstanding to say the least.
As for horrible barrel life...what do you call "horrible barrel life"...compared to what ??
If you're going to burn the rounds thru it like an F-class rifle maybe so, but nobody I know has worn the barrel out of a 50 by taking it out occasionally for target practice. I can understand if my 50 were used frequently then no doubt barrel wear would be a factor, but then so would a lot of other rifles in different chamberings.
 
..It's a different thing all together ....going big ...well big bang ==big boom .....and the look on people's face==PRICELESS when they see a rifle of that caliber and the rounds to go with it .....alot of fun ....I don't regret it at all ........what ever you do ...do it safe and have fun............I shoot an accuracy international....with a schmit@bender scope.....AI-AW 50
 
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