Freedom Arms 50 AE

[gjn]

I have one and have been happily shooting it with Ken O' Neils suggested load of 21 grains 0f 2400 with the Speer 325 HP at 1127 fps. As bullets get harder to find I've been debating buying a 356 grain Corder designed mold from Accurate Molds. My question is does anyone have any experience shooting cast bullets in the 50 AE Freedom Arms? If so just wondering what loads/bullets you're using and what kind of success you have had. Are cast bullets more likely to jump the taper crimp than copper? Not looking for any more than 1100-1200fps. Thank you for any insight.

[magnumwheelman]

ended up answering your PM... if done right you're likely to like cast better than jacketed in the single action revolver

[bigbrowndog]

I don’t know your reasons for shooting the 50ae at those velocities but it becomes a very effective game gun with a jump in velocity to 1400-1500 using 325’s or 275’s at 1600ish. Using jacketed bullets or monometal ones I’d rate it close to the 480 Ruger. I’ve not shot the 380gr. Cast I have, as the 325 A frame, is providing great performance and there is no need for more penetration,....yet.

Trapr

[magnumwheelman]

Thought I'd post my PM response here, if it helps anyone else...

I actually like lead bullets in my custom Super Blackhawk 50 A.E. I've never had a bullet jump crimp, but I do keep loads sane ( I have a 500 JRH if I need more power ) so I don't hot rod the cartridge... & I do use either a Lee Factory Crimp or a Redding Profile crimp die ( I use both & forget which I have for the 50 A.E. )

only thing I'd look at, is to make sure the bullet profile will work with your chamber throats ( mine has a custom made & chambered 5 round cylinder, & my smith was planning on it being shot with cast bullets ) & Freedom Arms are known for tight chambers...

if everything works out, you may like it better with cast bullets

[gjn]

I just found no need for more power than 1100-1200 fps with cast lead flat nose bullets. I have shot elk, deer and hogs and usually get full penetration and they don’t go very far.

[Encore64]

I have to agree. I have two BFRs in 500 JRH. One 5.5" and the other 7.5". Both have auxiliary cylinders in 50 A.E.

With cast bullets, velocities of 950-1200 fps work just fine. Bullet pull has not been a problem.

[bigbrowndog]

I’m sure once my spare cylinder for the 555 gets reamed to 500jrh I’ll put a bit more separation between the two. For now I enjoy running mine like a .50 version of a 480 Ruger.

Trapr

[Encore64]

Feb 4, 2021 10:17:59 GMT -5 bigbrowndog said:

I’m sure once my spare cylinder for the 555 gets reamed to 500jrh I’ll put a bit more separation between the two. For now I enjoy running mine like a .50 version of a 480 Ruger.

Trapr

Are you trying to rechamber a 50 AE Cylinder to 500 JRH?

[bushog]

That Bowen custom 50 AE that's for sale on GB right now would be a shooter!

[jfo4]

I picked up a .454 cylinder off of Gunbroker recently and set it to JRH to be rechambered and fitted to .500 jrh.

Quick and reasonable, being shipped back to me as we speak.

~J.O.

[bigbrowndog]

No those two won’t work, 50ae exterior dimensions are larger than a JRH.

jfo4, I didn’t realize Jack could do that without the revolver frame, or did you send that also??  My problem is not wanting to be without my 555 long enough to send him everything, so I’m procrastinating.  I need to send him my stuff though before things get truly stupid.
Trapr

[jfo4]

Yeah, I sent my 83 in .500 WY Express and both cylinders.

The .454 cylinder was rechambered and fitted to the frame.

~J.O.

[Encore64]

Feb 4, 2021 14:20:41 GMT -5 bigbrowndog said:

No those two won’t work, 50ae exterior dimensions are larger than a JRH.

jfo4, I didn’t realize Jack could do that without the revolver frame, or did you send that also??  My problem is not wanting to be without my 555 long enough to send him everything, so I’m procrastinating.  I need to send him my stuff though before things get truly stupid.
Trapr

Reason I asked is I've wondered about shortening 500 Linebaugh Brass and making 50 AE Rimmed. I'll eventually try it out...

[leadhound]

Feb 4, 2021 14:39:24 GMT -5 Encore64 said:

Feb 4, 2021 14:20:41 GMT -5 bigbrowndog said:

No those two won’t work, 50ae exterior dimensions are larger than a JRH.

jfo4, I didn’t realize Jack could do that without the revolver frame, or did you send that also??  My problem is not wanting to be without my 555 long enough to send him everything, so I’m procrastinating.  I need to send him my stuff though before things get truly stupid.
Trapr

Reason I asked is I've wondered about shortening 500 Linebaugh Brass and making 50 AE Rimmed. I'll eventually try it out...

Wouldn't that be the close or same to the 50 special (not 500 special)?

[Encore64]

It would except it would have a slight taper and require .500" bullets.

Opening the back of a BFR 50 AE Cylinder to take the rim would permit the use of modified 500 Linebaugh cases or factory 50 AE brass. Providing the plan works. Will certainly require more research.