Published: May 2026 | Last updated: May 2026
Disclaimer: Specifications and pricing in this article are drawn from manufacturer and retailer sources current at time of publication. Always verify current pricing before purchasing.
The 50 BMG cartridge presents a powder charging problem that standard powder measures cannot solve. A standard measure with a universal metering chamber tops out at approximately 100 grains of most powders – adequate for even large belted magnums but nowhere near the 220-250 grain charges that 50 BMG loads require with powders like Hodgdon H50BMG, Hodgdon US-869, or Alliant Reloder 50. Attempting to use a standard measure for 50 BMG results in having to drop multiple partial charges per round, which is impractical and introduces cumulative error. The Hornady Lock-N-Load 50 BMG Powder Measure is purpose-built for this application: a large-capacity drum designed specifically to handle the charge volumes that 50 BMG and other large-bore anti-materiel rifle cartridges demand.
At a street price in the $130-170 range, this is not a casual purchase. It is a specialized tool for a specialized application. The 50 BMG is an expensive cartridge to shoot – components cost significantly more than standard rifle components, and the investment in a dedicated measure that drops accurate charges in a single throw is rational given the cost of the ammunition it produces. A 50 BMG handloader who attempts to charge cases by weighing every charge individually on a scale with a standard measure is spending twenty minutes per round; a dedicated large-capacity measure drops the charge in one pull.
The Hornady Lock-N-Load 50 BMG Measure is aimed at a narrow audience: the 50 BMG handloader who runs a Hornady press or wants Lock-N-Load bushing integration, and anyone who needs a large-capacity rotating drum measure for extreme-range cartridges in the 200+ grain charge range. For anyone who does not load 50 BMG or an equivalent cartridge, this measure has no application.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Hornady |
| Model | Lock-N-Load 50 BMG Powder Measure |
| SKU | Not available at time of publication |
| UPC | Not available at time of publication |
| Metering System | Micrometer-adjustable rotating drum |
| Charge Capacity | Up to approximately 265 grains (powder-dependent) |
| Primary Application | 50 BMG and large-bore anti-materiel rifle cartridges |
| Mounting | Lock-N-Load bushing system (Hornady presses); also standard 7/8-14 threading |
| Construction | Aluminum body and drum |
| Baffle | Powder baffle included |
| Compatible Powders | Large-grain slow rifle powders: H50BMG, US-869, Reloder 50, IMR 8133, Vihtavuori N570, and similar |
| User Rating | Not available at time of publication |
| MSRP | Approximately $149.99 |
| Approx. Street Price | $130-$170 depending on retailer |
The 50 BMG Charging Problem and Why a Dedicated Measure Matters
A standard powder measure drum – even a large-capacity one designed for magnum rifle cartridges – cannot physically accommodate a 240-grain charge of Hodgdon H50BMG in a single throw. H50BMG is a very coarse, slow-burning ball powder with a bulk density that puts a 240-grain charge at approximately 18-20 cc of volume. Standard measures are designed around drum cavities of 1-10 cc. The gap between what a standard measure handles and what 50 BMG requires is not marginal – it is a factor of two to three in cavity volume.
The practical consequences of trying to charge 50 BMG cases with an inadequate measure are real:
- Multiple partial charges per case – throwing two or three partial drops and combining them on a scale introduces cumulative metering error and slows the loading process to an impractical rate
- Bridge formation – coarse, large-kernel powders like H50BMG and Hodgdon US-869 bridge across the small openings of standard drum cavities, producing partial or empty throws without warning
- Kernel cutting – the drum shear mechanism in a standard measure cuts 50 BMG powder kernels, producing fines and dust that alter the effective burn rate of the charge
The Hornady Lock-N-Load 50 BMG Measure addresses all three problems by scaling the drum cavity to the actual charge volume. Its micrometer-adjustable drum handles charges in the range relevant to 50 BMG handloading – from approximately 220 grains at the light end through 265 grains at the maximum – without bridging, cutting, or multi-drop compromises. One pull of the throw arm drops one complete charge. That basic function is the product’s core value.
The measure also handles other cartridges in the same extreme-large-charge territory. The 20x110mm Hispano and related large anti-materiel calibers, wildcat 50-caliber variants, and custom large-bore rifles built on magnum actions with extreme powder charges all fall within the measure’s operational range. For any cartridge requiring more than 150 grains of a slow rifle powder, this measure is worth evaluating.
Build Quality and Design
The Hornady Lock-N-Load 50 BMG Measure is aluminum construction throughout, consistent with Hornady’s broader powder measure line. The drum is machined to accommodate the large charge volumes required, with a cavity geometry that handles coarse-grained 50 BMG powders without the bridging problems that occur in smaller drums. The micrometer adjustment ring provides stepless charge adjustment and a graduated scale for recording settings.
The Lock-N-Load bushing integration is the Hornady ecosystem feature that matters most in a 50 BMG context. Hornady’s Lock-N-Load bushing system allows the measure to be removed and replaced in any Lock-N-Load die station in seconds – a meaningful practical convenience when the 50 BMG press setup may involve moving the measure between the charging station and a storage position on a press with multiple die stations. On a Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic or Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press, the measure drops in and locks without threading.
The standard 7/8-14 threading on the measure body also allows it to mount to any standard press die station without the Lock-N-Load bushing – important for 50 BMG handloaders running other press brands. Single-stage presses designed for large-bore cartridges, including dedicated 50 BMG presses from various manufacturers, use standard die threading and accept the Hornady measure without modification.
The hopper capacity is proportionally larger than a standard measure to accommodate the large powder volume needed for extended loading sessions. Running out of powder mid-session requires re-zeroing after refilling, which adds a step; the oversized hopper allows more complete loading sessions before a refill is needed.
The throw arm and drum mechanism scale up from the standard Lock-N-Load Bench Rest Measure design. The mechanical stops, drum rotation geometry, and cavity-to-housing fit are consistent with Hornady’s established design approach, adapted for the larger charge volume. The lever arm provides adequate mechanical advantage for smooth operation with the coarse powders this measure is designed to handle.
Setup and Operation
Mount the measure to the press or stand as appropriate. If using Lock-N-Load bushing integration on a Hornady press, insert the bushing-equipped measure into the die station and rotate to lock. If threading to a standard press die station, hand-tight plus a quarter turn is sufficient.
Fill the hopper with 50 BMG powder. Do not use this measure with standard pistol or rifle powders – its large drum cavity produces imprecisely large charges with fine-grained or ball pistol powders, and the micrometer settings bear no relationship to standard charge weight tables for those powders.
Set the micrometer ring to the approximate starting position for the target charge using any published data for the powder and projectile combination. Consult the Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading or other current manual for 50 BMG load data. Starting loads for 50 BMG typically begin at approximately 10% below maximum – with charges in the 220-250 grain range, that starting reduction means beginning at approximately 198-225 grains. Do not begin at maximum charge for 50 BMG.
Throw five test charges into a powder pan and weigh each on a calibrated scale with sufficient capacity – a standard 500-grain reloading scale cannot weigh 50 BMG charges. Use a scale with at least 300 grain capacity; 1,000 grain or gram-range digital scales are more practical for 50 BMG charge verification. The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Precision Scale at 1,500 grain capacity is adequate; so is any gram-range digital kitchen or laboratory scale verified against a known reference weight.
Adjust the micrometer ring until thrown charges average within 1 grain of the target weight. For 50 BMG hunting and long-range work at this charge volume, ±0.5 grain variation in a 240-grain charge represents a 0.2% deviation – proportionally smaller than the ±0.3 grain variation in a 42-grain charge that a precision rifle loader accepts. Record the micrometer setting.
Important: 50 BMG cases must be inspected for primer pocket condition before every loading session. The extreme pressures of 50 BMG rounds accelerate primer pocket wear significantly faster than standard rifle calibers. Loose primer pockets are a genuine safety concern at 50 BMG pressures. This is not a powder measure issue, but it is the most common safety failure mode for 50 BMG handloaders and belongs in any 50 BMG loading article.
Where It Fits – Use Cases
50 BMG handloading is the entire use case. The Hornady Lock-N-Load 50 BMG Measure exists because no standard measure handles 50 BMG charge volumes in a single throw. Any active 50 BMG handloader who wants to load more than a handful of rounds per session needs either this measure, the Redding Competition LR-1000, the Dillon Precision Belted Magnum Powder Measure, or an equivalent large-capacity dedicated measure.
Hornady press ecosystem users benefit from the Lock-N-Load bushing integration. A 50 BMG reloader running a Hornady single-stage press with Lock-N-Load bushings can swap the measure in and out of the die station in seconds, which matters when the press is also used for other calibers and the 50 BMG measure needs to be removed and stored between sessions.
Long-range anti-materiel rifle shooters who load 50 BMG for precision work at extended distances – 1,500 yards and beyond – will use this measure alongside a scale for charge verification in the same way a precision rifle loader uses a standard measure with a trickler. Throw a near-weight charge with the measure, verify on a high-capacity scale, and trickle the final fraction of a grain if the application demands it.
Wildcat and custom large-bore rifle loading with charge weights exceeding 150 grains falls within this measure’s operational range. Custom rifles chambered in 14.5x114mm, 20mm anti-materiel calibers, or wildcat 50-caliber designs all require large-capacity charging solutions that standard measures cannot provide.
Competitive Analysis
Hornady Lock-N-Load 50 BMG Measure vs. Redding Competition LR-1000: The Redding LR-1000 is a direct competitor, designed specifically for 50 BMG and other large-charge cartridges. Redding builds their LR-1000 to the same machined aluminum quality standard as the rest of their competition powder measure line, and its micrometer drum is calibrated for charges in the 50 BMG range. The LR-1000’s drum fit and micrometer mechanism reflect Redding’s higher manufacturing standards compared to Hornady’s measure; this translates to slightly better charge-to-charge consistency at similar settings. The LR-1000 typically costs more than the Hornady unit. For a 50 BMG handloader who is not in the Hornady ecosystem, the Redding LR-1000 is the preferred option on build quality grounds. Choose the Hornady Lock-N-Load 50 BMG Measure if you run a Hornady press and want Lock-N-Load bushing integration. Choose the Redding Competition LR-1000 if build quality and charge consistency are the primary criteria and brand ecosystem is not a factor.
Hornady Lock-N-Load 50 BMG Measure vs. Dillon Precision Belted Magnum Powder Measure: The Dillon Belted Magnum measure is designed for large magnum rifle cartridges including 50 BMG, intended for use on Dillon progressive presses. It handles the charge volume range required but is designed around the Dillon press system and progressive loading workflow rather than single-stage use. A handloader who loads 50 BMG in volume on a Dillon progressive setup will find the Dillon measure the natural choice within that ecosystem. For single-stage 50 BMG loading, which is the most common approach for this cartridge, the Hornady or Redding dedicated measures are more appropriate. Choose the Hornady Lock-N-Load 50 BMG Measure for single-stage or Hornady-press 50 BMG loading. Choose the Dillon Belted Magnum measure if you run a Dillon progressive press for high-volume 50 BMG production.
Hornady Lock-N-Load 50 BMG Measure vs. Weighing Every Charge Individually: Some 50 BMG handloaders charge every case by scale rather than using a powder measure, using a large-capacity scale and transferring powder from a scoop or funnel. This approach provides maximum per-round verification but is extremely slow – 50 BMG charge weights of 240 grains take significant time to trickle accurately on even a fast digital scale, and the scale must have adequate range. For a shooter who loads 10-20 rounds per year for a single annual long-range event, individual scale charging is practical. For anyone loading 50 rounds or more per session, a dedicated measure is the practical choice. Choose the Hornady measure for any meaningful production volume. Use scale-only charging only for minimal-quantity premium applications.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Hornady LNL 50 BMG Measure | Redding Competition LR-1000 | Dillon Belted Magnum Measure | Standard Universal Measure (any brand) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Charge Capacity | ~265 grains | ~300 grains | ~265 grains | ~100 grains |
| Primary Application | 50 BMG; large anti-materiel calibers | 50 BMG; large calibers | 50 BMG; large magnums (progressive) | Standard rifle through belted magnum |
| Adjustment | Micrometer drum | Micrometer drum | Volumetric | Micrometer drum |
| Construction | Aluminum | Machined aluminum (tighter) | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Lock-N-Load Bushing | Yes | No | No | No (standard measures) |
| Press Ecosystem Fit | Hornady presses (native) | Any press | Dillon presses (native) | Any press |
| 50 BMG Suitability | Yes – purpose-built | Yes – purpose-built | Yes – purpose-built | No – insufficient capacity |
| User Rating | N/A | ~4.6/5 | ~4.4/5 | N/A |
| Price Range | $130-$170 | $160-$200 | $120-$160 | $60-$130 |
Troubleshooting
Measure drops inconsistent charges – variation over ±2 grains. At 50 BMG charge weights, ±2 grains is roughly 0.8% of the total charge – more than acceptable variation for most applications. If variation significantly exceeds this, check technique first: full lever travel to both stops on every throw, consistent speed, no pause mid-stroke. If the powder is Hodgdon H50BMG or Hodgdon US-869 and bridging is occurring in the drum cavity, the hopper may be too full – keep the hopper at half to two-thirds capacity and ensure the baffle is correctly seated. Bridging with very coarse powder at high hopper fill levels is the most common consistency issue with large-capacity measures.
Drum rotates stiffly or binds. Coarse powder kernels have packed into the drum-housing interface gap. Disassemble the drum from the housing, clear all powder residue from the drum exterior and housing interior, and reassemble. Apply a light dry lubricant to the drum’s exterior cylindrical surface. 50 BMG powders produce more debris at the drum gap than fine-grained pistol powders; cleaning after every session of 50+ rounds is appropriate.
Micrometer ring is difficult to adjust. Powder residue has accumulated in the micrometer threads. Disassemble and clean the micrometer thread surfaces with a dry brush. Do not use liquid solvents that could leave a residue – dry cleaning only. The coarse texture of 50 BMG powders makes thread contamination more likely than with fine-grained powders; periodic thread cleaning is preventive maintenance, not corrective.
Charges are consistently light compared to the micrometer setting from a previous session. Powder lot has changed – different lots of Hodgdon H50BMG or Vihtavuori N570 have slightly different bulk density, meaning the same volume produces a different charge weight. Always verify charge weight with a scale at the start of each session, especially after opening a new powder container. Record micrometer settings by powder lot, not just by powder name.
Scale cannot read the full 50 BMG charge weight. Standard reloading scales with 500-grain capacity are insufficient for 50 BMG charge verification. Use a digital scale with at least 1,000 grain capacity and 0.1-grain resolution. A gram-range laboratory or kitchen scale rated to 200+ grams (3,086+ grains) works well for charge verification once the operator is comfortable with grain-to-gram conversion (1 gram = 15.432 grains). An alternative is a balance beam scale with extended capacity weights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hornady Lock-N-Load 50 BMG Measure suitable for 338 Lapua Magnum or 300 Norma Magnum loads? Yes, though it is considerably oversized for those calibers. The 338 Lapua Magnum charges top out around 93-98 grains of Vihtavuori N570 or Alliant Reloder 33, and the 300 Norma Magnum runs similar charge weights. Both fall within the capacity of a standard universal metering chamber. The Hornady 50 BMG measure will handle these charges but operates at the very low end of its micrometer range – where small adjustments produce proportionally larger charge changes – making fine charge weight control less precise than it would be on a standard universal measure. For 338 Lapua and 300 Norma, a Redding Model 3 or Redding Match 3BR at the top of their range is the better tool.
What powders work best in this measure for 50 BMG? The powders designed specifically for 50 BMG – Hodgdon H50BMG and Hodgdon US-869 – are the primary choices and meter through the large-cavity drum without bridging under normal conditions. Alliant Reloder 50 is another dedicated option. General slow rifle powders sometimes used in 50 BMG – Vihtavuori N570, Vihtavuori N568, IMR 8133 Enduron, Norma MRP – also fall within the measure’s operational range. Always work up from minimum charge with any powder in any rifle.
Can I use this measure for standard rifle cartridges when I’m not loading 50 BMG? Technically yes, but it is not practical. The drum cavity is sized for 200+ grain charges; most standard rifle charges of 40-80 grains produce very low micrometer settings where fine adjustment is difficult. The measure is better thought of as a dedicated 50 BMG accessory that stays on the 50 BMG press setup rather than a shared measure used across multiple calibers.
Does this measure work on presses other than Hornady? Yes. The 7/8-14 threaded die body mounts to any standard press die station. The Lock-N-Load bushing is a feature for Hornady presses but is not required for use on other press brands. The measure simply threads into any standard die station as any other die would.
How important is scale verification for 50 BMG charges given the large charge weights involved? Scale verification matters proportionally less in percentage terms – a ±1 grain variation in a 240-grain charge is 0.4%, compared to ±0.3 grains in a 42-grain 6.5 Creedmoor charge which is 0.7%. However, the absolute safety margin of a 50 BMG overcharge is smaller than it might appear given the already extreme pressures the cartridge operates at. Verify charges at the start of each session, after any micrometer adjustment, and whenever changing powder lots. A high-capacity scale capable of reading 50 BMG charges accurately is a required component of a proper 50 BMG setup.
What press is recommended for 50 BMG loading? 50 BMG requires a press specifically rated for the cartridge. The case dimensions and required die forces exceed what standard reloading presses are designed for. Hornady’s Lock-N-Load Classic is rated for 50 BMG; so are dedicated large-bore single-stage presses from RCBS, Redding, and several specialized manufacturers. Confirm your press is rated for 50 BMG before loading this cartridge. The powder measure is the least structurally demanding component in a 50 BMG setup; the press, dies, and shellholder are where the force requirements become a safety concern.
Conclusion
The Hornady Lock-N-Load 50 BMG Powder Measure is a purpose-built solution to a specific problem: how do you drop a 240-grain charge of a coarse slow rifle powder accurately and efficiently in a single throw? Its large-capacity drum handles Hodgdon H50BMG, Hodgdon US-869, and Alliant Reloder 50 without the bridging and cutting problems that plague standard measures when used with 50 BMG powder volumes. The Lock-N-Load bushing integration is a genuine convenience for Hornady press users. The micrometer adjustment provides setting-return capability that eliminates the need to re-verify from scratch at every session once a working charge is established.
The Redding Competition LR-1000 offers tighter machining tolerances for a handloader who prioritizes maximum charge-to-charge consistency and is not in the Hornady ecosystem. The Hornady measure is the practical choice for a Hornady press user, and a defensible choice for anyone who wants a capable 50 BMG measure at a slightly lower entry cost than the Redding.
For the 50 BMG handloader evaluating their first dedicated large-capacity measure, both options are worth pricing and comparing against current availability. Either one solves the problem that motivated the purchase.
Choose the Hornady Lock-N-Load 50 BMG Powder Measure if you actively handload 50 BMG or an equivalent large anti-materiel caliber requiring 200+ grain charges, run a Hornady press and want Lock-N-Load bushing integration, or want a capable large-capacity measure at a modest price advantage over the Redding alternative.
Choose the Redding Competition LR-1000 instead if maximum charge consistency and Redding’s tighter machining tolerances are the priority, particularly for precision long-range 50 BMG shooting where charge weight consistency directly affects group size at extended distances.
Choose the Dillon Precision Belted Magnum Powder Measure instead if you run a Dillon progressive press and want native progressive press integration for higher-volume 50 BMG production.
Do not attempt to load 50 BMG with a standard universal metering chamber measure regardless of brand – the charge volumes are fundamentally incompatible with standard measure drum capacity, and the resulting multi-drop charging workflow introduces unacceptable error and safety risk.
Disclaimer: Specifications and pricing in this article are drawn from manufacturer and retailer sources current at time of publication. Always verify current pricing before purchasing.
Editorial note: Originally published May 2026. Initial publication. The article covers the Hornady Lock-N-Load 50 BMG Powder Measure’s large-capacity drum design for 50 BMG charge volumes, Lock-N-Load bushing integration, setup and operation for 50 BMG loading, scale verification requirements for large charges, and competitive positioning against the Redding Competition LR-1000 and Dillon Precision Belted Magnum Powder Measure.
