Hello everyone,
I'm new to the forum and also to handloading and I have a question about .50 AE. The other calibers I reload have a readily available max cartridge gauge, but I can't find one for .50 AE. I realize that the rebated rim means the cartridge headspaces off the mouth of the cartridge. Is OAL and cartridge measurements the only way to assure proper headspacing? I just like to have more than one means of making sure the cartridge is safe, because I'm so new to reloading. Thanks in advance!

LOL this must be a stupid question as nobody wants to touch it! I'll cross my fingers!

The 50 AE headspaces off the case mouth. You need a taper crimp but don't roll crimp or taper crimp too much or you can interfere with proper headspace.

It's unlikely you'll ever have to trim 50 AE cases but if you do, make sure you don't go under the recommended length or headspace will be excessive. The COAL of the cartridge doesn't matter as long as it will feed through the magazine; it's only the measurement from case head to mouth that matters as far as headspace is concerned.

Don't agonize over this too much, don't trim and load up and I'm quite sure you'll be fine.

Thank you very much!