Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!usc!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!ames!uakari.primate.wisc.edu!erb1!osnome!hunting From: emory!Dixie.Com!jgd@gatech.edu (John G. DeArmond) Newsgroups: rec.hunting Subject: Re: Barrett .50 BMG Keywords: Barrett pronghorn Message-ID: <396@erb1.engr.wisc.edu> Date: 19 Mar 91 12:48:13 GMT References: <388@erb1.engr.wisc.edu> Sender: news@erb1.engr.wisc.edu Organization: Dixie Communications Services Lines: 48 Approved: hunting@osnome.che.wisc.edu From: emory!Dixie.Com!jgd@gatech.edu (John G. DeArmond) walsh@frith.egr.msu.edu (Stephen J Walsh) writes: >I'm interested in buying one of Barrett's light .50 BMG rifles. Does >anyone have any experience with either the auto or bolt model ? How >does the barrel hold up over time ? I know that these brutes aren't >made for hunting, but I'm thinking about pronghorn hunting with one. >A Barrett should perform well at pronghorn ranges, even if I have too >much bullet mass. Has anyone ever hunted with a .50 BMG ? What scope >type and power is appropriate here ? Can a variable handle the punishment >>from a .50 BMG rifle ? I've shot both the Barrett semi-auto and the McMillian bolt action rifles. I was woefully underwhelmed with the Barrett. It was unweildly to shoot even from a rest, was not terribly accurate and because of the stock design and light weight, the recoil was annoying. The McMillian is a dream in comparison. A single shot bolt action match/sniper weapon, it achieves phenomenal accuracy. The fellow who owns this weapon competes in the 1000 yd and the mile bullseye competition. I've seen 1000 yd targets with groups estimated to be about 4" - hard to estimate when the hole is 1/2" in diameter :-) The recoil is pleasantly firm and "long stroked" and certainly milder than any of the large belted magnums. I think the gun could be a devastating large game weapon out to perhaps 1500 yds if you can get the proper support. Scopes capable of working with the large belted magnums should work just fine. In addition to the gun, you'll need to figure on about $2000 for reloading equipment. You MUST work up a load for your gun if you hope to achieve any accuracy. The military surplus ammo makes a nice bang but is not too hot at long range. If you're really interested, I can get back with my friend and find out what equipment he has. I know that he has a Corbin bullet swager and a floor standing press. I believe that Hodgdon makes the powder and CCI makes the primers. Figure on about 75 cents/round for hand loads if you swage your own bullets. John -- John De Armond, WD4OQC | "Purveyors of speed to the Trade" (tm) Rapid Deployment System, Inc. | Home of the Nidgets (tm) Marietta, Ga | {emory,uunet}!rsiatl!jgd |"Politically InCorrect.. And damn proud of it