Huston is a hunting enthusiast who believes your success in the field is directly correlated to the amount of preparation at home. [1]) is a .50in (12.7mm) caliber cartridge developed for the M2 Browning heavy machine gun in the late 1910s, entering official service in 1921. What you might be looking for is how these rounds behave in flight, which is what we will look at next. Ammunition is sold in 80-round cases. To use either of these rounds, muzzle brakes and other support is needed to use rifles chambered for these cartridges. Three distinct and non-compatible metallic links have been used for .50 BMG cartridge belts. Ammunition is sold in 80-round cases. With such differences in cartridge specs, we can assume that the ballistic performances are going to be quite different as well. Military use 50 caliber in machine guns and snipers, as well as regular shooters. Subject to political controversy due to the great power of the cartridge (it is the most powerful commonly available cartridge not considered a destructive device under the National Firearms Act), it remains popular among long-range shooters for its accuracy and external ballistics. We are not going to sit and mess around with the short range trajectory. For two cartridges that are touted as extreme distance shooters, the ballistic coefficient is going to be an important factor for potential users. It is strong enough to hold a large volume of pressure. Most people who are using a .50 BMG are not hunting and are looking at extreme distance shooting. Beretta 3032 Tomcat [Review]: A Worthy Self-Defense Pistol? From the bullet seating to the optimal charges and velocities, Hornady Match ammunition is designed to live up to company founder, J.W. The TSX has gained worldwide recognition as one of the deadliest, most dependable bullets you can buy. At present, some US law enforcement use 50 BMG weapons, as well as snipers. To make it as accurate as possible, it is important that you input the most accurate information that represents shooting conditions, your firearm, and cartridge. . Lets take a look at the velocities of each round from the muzzle out to 1,000 yards. The Army then returned to John Browning for the actual gun. This is useful to get a legalized firearm with licenses. [1] It is inversely proportional to the negative acceleration: a high number indicates a low negative accelerationthe drag on the body is small in proportion to its mass. For hunters, stopping power is a critical factor in choosing a certain cartridge. Still, by comparing the recoil energies, it will translate loosely into what you feel. Both of these cartridges are capable of accuracy at extreme distances, and both have enormous stopping power. The caliber depends on the barrel diameter bore of the bullets guns. .338 Lapua Mag vs .50 BMG Cartridge Comparison. I want this to be the best ballistic trajectory calculator out there. These are excellent speeds for long range shooting, especially when shot from a rifle with the proper twist rate to stabilize them in flight. In this section, we will take a look at bullet energy and penetration for comparing the 50 BMG vs 338 Lapua Magnum. Even after the differences between 50 Cal vs 50 BMG, we see that they are quite similar in various features. Some of them operate by recoil principle, while others use gas. On the other hand, a 50 BMG is a type of 50 Caliber round. It has a thick casting of under 4 inches long with a primer end of 0.75-inch diameter. Not match ammo. Thank you. Similarly, .50 BMG weapons have attracted attention from law enforcement agencies; they have been adopted by the New York City Police Department as well as the Pittsburgh Police. The ballistic coefficient or measure of drag for the .50 BMG is 1.05 which, is higher than any other commercially available around. In some cases, it is used to detonate mounted guns or cannons. There are various types of weapons used for 50 caliber bullets. Huge bullets with enough powder to send them downrange at supersonic speeds are going to produce enough kick to knock you down. Ballistics Coefficient (abbreviated "BC") is a bullet's ability to resist air friction and stay airborne. But, if you need the performance, its just something you have to deal with, especially if you dont reload. .50 BMG 100yd Drag Function: G1 Ballistic Coefficient: 1.050 Bullet Weight: 750 gr Initial Velocity: 2820 fps Sight Height : 1.5 in Shooting Angle: 0 Wind Speed: 0 mph Wind Angle: 90 Zero Range: 100 yd Chart Range: 200 yd Maximum Range: 10201 yd Step Size: 20 yd International Standard Atmosphere Altitude: Sea Level (0 ft) All data created using our free ballistic calculator. If you're looking at doing match ammo, you could be paying $5/round just for the bullet, nevermind the powder, primer, brass and other components. Of course, how much penetration you need is going to depend on the game you are hunting. . [4], The development of the .50 BMG round is sometimes confused with the German 13.2mm TuF, which was developed by Germany for an anti-tank rifle to combat British tanks during WWI and against aircraft. By adding trajectories to the panel on the right you may produce charts and graphs that show the different trajectories side by side. The price for both is about equal per 20 rounds, though the 50BMG factory loads often come in boxes of ten rounds. ?Ballistic Coefficient: 1.070?Sectional Density: 0.412?Special attention should . PMC X-Tac Match combines all the performance of world class ballistics with a price point that is friendly for your wallet. Like most cases, there are better performing rounds for each cartridge type, but on average, the 50 BMG rounds excel in this category, and that distinction becomes clearer the greater the distance. 50 BMG basic cartridge dimensions-All sizes in inches (in). However, sectional density, the relationship between . It boasts a BC of 0.874, and some indicators point to a 0.900 BC at 2,900 fps. That all said, there are deals out there. Due to the high ballistic coefficient of the bullet, the .50 BMG's trajectory also suffers less "drift" from cross-winds than smaller and lighter calibers, making the .50 BMG a good choice for high-powered sniper rifles. They are intended mainly for long-range shooting. From a hunting perspective, the advertised ballistic data confirms that all three cartridges have both the necessary sectional density (SD) and initial muzzle energy for both medium and large game hunting applications. [15], A common method for understanding the actual power of a cartridge is comparison of muzzle energies. [38] Connecticut specifically bans the Barrett 82A1 .50 BMG rifle. And this is simplifying the topic since we are leaving out expansion, which is also going to play a role in penetration. The Bullet Has a Superb Ballistic Coefficient compared To Other 50 Caliber Bullets That Have separately Formed driving bands . With ME of over 1,200ft.lb and and ME of over 5,000ft.lb at 1,000yds, there are no restrictions on the type of game you can hunt. The higher the number, the less drag the projectile will experience. Federal Ammunition 50 BMG Ballistic Data. Full Metal Jacket, with boat tail and cannelure. [11] Before that, a British sniper in Afghanistan held the record at 2,475 meters (2,707yd; 1.538mi) using a .338 Lapua Magnum (8.5870mm) rifle. To gain more knowledge and quick learning, a comparison table is always the best form. In ballistics, the ballistic coefficient ( BC, Cb) of a body is a measure of its ability to overcome air resistance in flight. 50 Caliber ITEM NO: 50A BULLET TYPE: FMJ-BT WEIGHT: 660 grain BALLISTICS (barrel length: 36 inches) VELOCITY (feet per second) Muzzle: 3080 100 Yds: 2854 200 Yds: 2639 300 Yds: 2444 400 Yds: 2248 500 Yds: 2061 ENERGY (foot-pounds) Muzzle: 13688 BULLET PATH (inches) Muzzle: +1.50 100 Yds: +3.10 200 Yds: +3.90 300 Yds: +4.70 400 Yds: +2.80 500 Yds: 0 This limitation was entirely tactical in nature and was intended to hide the vulnerable M40 and its crew from the enemy until the main anti-tank gun was ready for firing; however, Parks concludes that some U.S. troops assumed the existence of a legal limitation on the use of .50-caliber projectiles more generally. You make up some cartridges and we'll do some shooting. In regards to their BC a spitzer bullet has a high coefficient and is suitable for long-range shots, and the boattail spitzer is even superior making it one of the best bullets for long-range targets exceeding 1,000 yards. The AccuBond bullet used is perfect for the proper expansion needed while not sacrificing penetration for large game animals. It can disable most unarmored and lightly armored vehicles. I'm Mike, one of the oldest writer of Sniper Country! The common rifling twist rate for this cartridge is 1 in 15 in (381 mm), with 8 lands and grooves. It has velocities that compete with the 50 BMG rounds, one of the flattest trajectories when compared to other .338 LM factory loads, and a ballistic coefficient of nearly .8. Under STANAG 4383, it is a standard service cartridge for NATO forces as well as many non-NATO countries. Answers to Top Questions", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=.50_BMG&oldid=1139367557, Winchester Repeating Arms Co. and Frankford Arsenal, Serbu Firearms BFG-50a (magazine fed semi-automatic), Serbu Firearms RN-50 (single-shot modified break-action), This page was last edited on 14 February 2023, at 19:38. It has a sectional density around 0.44, a ballistic coefficient around 1.13, and it's carrying less than 15,000 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle. While it travels in the air, it causes a shockwave which is equally dangerous to make a severe wound. Dont let the comparison to the 50BMG throw off your judgment as to what this cartridge can do. To handle these rounds in the field, youre going to have to haul around a 30+lb rifle. When this is the case, we will be sure to make it clear what we are doing. The gathered data regarding the projectile deceleration can be derived and expressed in several ways, such as ballistic coefficients (BC) or drag coefficients (C d). Best Mossberg 500 Heat Shields [Ultimate Buying Guide], Best 9mm Ammo in 2021 [Self-Defense & Target], 6.5 Creedmoor vs .243 Win Cartridge Comparison. [39] However, .50 BMG rifles registered prior to the enacted bans remain lawful to possess in California[37][40] and Connecticut. These rounds are listed below. We do know that the recoil energy is nearly double even with the 50BMG using a 30lb firearm compared to the 15lb for the 338. Use this ballistic calculator in order to calculate the flight path of a bullet given the shooting parameters that meet your conditions. ", "How Will Illinois Law Banning Some Firearms Affect Gun Owners? Important: Since there are thousands of bullet shapes the Ballistic Coefficient calculations made below are not 100% accurate, if you are shooting out past 400-500+ yards your going to need to get the exact BC from the bullet's manufacturer. With its trajectory and energy and bullet design options there are no limits to the type of hunting you can do with it. Still, some might be unfamiliar, so we want to touch on what exactly a ballistic coefficient is before we move on to the comparison. Were not going to go too specific with the comparisons here. Please let me know how it can be improved upon. And seeing the stopping power in action, we leave that to you. The surface is dirt and water-resistant. The .50 BMG was developed during World War I when looking for an effective anti-aircraft round. While the .50 BMG round is able to deliver accurate shot placement (if match grade ammunition is used) at ranges over 1,000-yard (910m), smaller caliber rifles produce better scores and tighter groups in 1,000-yard (910m) competitions. Still, by looking at the sectional density (SD) of the rounds, we can get an idea of how well these different bullets can penetrate and gives us a basis for comparison. FMBT bullets. It possesses the ballistic performance to reach out to game at a distance and still carries the energy needed to aid in bringing down big game cleanly. Hornady Match rifle ammunition is loaded with the most accurate, consistent match bullets in the world, featuring our AMP bullet jackets. But a higher ballistic coefficient doesn't necessarily mean it is a better bullet. It couldnt be more clear that the 50BMG carries exponentially more kinetic energy with it than the .338 LM rounds. AP (ARMOR PIERCING) M2 The purpose of this cartridge was to was to provide snipers with a long range round that had incredible terminal ballistics and could penetrate several layers of body armor at extreme distances. "[5], The round was put into use in the M1921 Browning machine gun. There are two to three inches difference between the highest performing 50 BMG round and the highest 338 LM round. This can be useful in comparing cartridges or loads. Get gun deals, hand's on reviews, educational content and updates on law changes daily! Since the mid-1950s, some armored personnel carriers and utility vehicles have been made to withstand 12.7mm machine gun fire, restricting the destructive capability of the M2. The round is a scaled-up version of the .30-06 Springfield but uses a case wall with a long taper to facilitate feeding and extraction in various weapons. This includes the velocity, the BC, and the trajectory of the round. The bullet length, shape, and weight all positively contribute to a much higher BC than the 50 Beowulf bullet. Regardless of what youre using your rifle for and regardless of the cartridge its chambered for we are all going to be interested in its ballistic performance. For example, the G1 BC of a standard 5.5645 55gr FMJ roundusually falls at around 0.243. As we mentioned above, firing these rounds often requires heavy firearms and other pieces of gear that help negate this recoil. .50 BMG Archives - Ballistic Magazine Tag: .50 BMG GM6 Lynx: Testing the Semi-Auto, .50 BMG Anti-Material Bullpup Rifle The saying goes that 5.56 is the "screw you" round. Though they also carry quite a significant amount more powder and as we saw previously, you pay for it with the recoil. We are working on a massive list, but this list won't be ready for a few weeks or months. If we look at the sectional densities of the ten rounds we see that there is not a huge advantage to one cartridge over the other in this regard though the 50BMG cartridge does have two rounds above the .4 mark. The Spitzer is a very popular and aerodynamic bullet shape. Lets first take a look at the recoil energy (ft.lb) of these two rounds in general. The .50 Browning Machine Gun (.50 BMG) was developed for the Browning .50 caliber machine gun in the late 1910s as countries began producing armored vehicles leading up to WWI. [32] Applications requesting firearms in this caliber are assessed by the same criteria as smaller calibers; with the applicant having to prove they have a valid reason for owning such a weapon. The 50 BMG is the winner of this section..50 BMG vs .50 Beowulf: Stopping Power. The trajectory is what just about every hunter or competitive shooter of every skill level will be interested in when comparing two different cartridges. It has a ballistic coefficient of .730. The Heat Shield tip on the ELD Match bullet creates the perfect meplat and outperforms BTHP bullets. [36][37] California prohibits the private purchase of a rifle capable of firing the .50 BMG through the .50 Caliber BMG Regulation Act of 2004. We can estimate penetration based on the sectional density because of what the SD is derived from. Keep in mind this is an approximation and although it is quite accurate it should never replace first-hand experience of shooting your specific firearm and ammunition to determine the bullet drop and windage at different ranges and conditions. Weapons such as machine guns, rifles, and regular hand pistols are easily compatible with this bullet. The TSX was introduced in 2003 and has become Barnes' most popular hunting bullet. It is still a good idea to check legality before making a purchase. The long range (over one mile) between firing position and target allows time for the sniper to avoid enemy retaliation by either changing positions repeatedly, or by safely retreating. A 290 grain 50 BMG is a relatively robust round. Thus, to begin zeroing on an optically centered scope, you have to come down 30 minutes at the start. Hornady's original goal: "Ten bullets through one hole.". If the bullet passes through cleanly, remaining relatively intact, not all of the energy is transferred to the target. [citation needed], In June 2017, a McMillan Tac-50 was used by a sniper with Canada's Joint Task Force 2 to kill an Islamic State insurgent in Iraq, setting the new world record for the longest confirmed kill shot in military history at 3,540 meters (3,870yd; 2.20mi). [12][13], In addition to long-range and anti-materiel, the U.S. military uses .50 BMG weapons to detonate unexploded ordnance from a safe distance. Putting it all Together [30][31] The M15-series metal "push-through" links were used in the M85 machine gun. We suppose it all depends on the type of hunting you do, but if you plan on doing any spot and stalk, you better be in shape. We carefully select every component to ensure uniformity, then load to exacting specifications to provide pinpoint accuracy. Velocity fps: 2940: 2806: 2677: 2551: 2428: 2309: Energy ft lbs: 12666: 11541: 10499: 9534: Most of the cluster around the same amount of energy, but there is some variation. Regardless, a round with a higher BC is going to maintain a higher BC than a second bullet since both would be effected in the same way. Re: 50 BMG goes subsonic at 1500 Yards? So, lets focus on the long range trajectory for these two cartridges. But they are also dangerous and must be used with caution during operations to avoid fatalities. And we know we have harped on this several times throughout the article, but we are going to talk regarding cartridge versus cartridge rather than round to round. Loaded specifically for precision big bore rifles, a wide variety of ammunition is available, including ball, tracer, armor-piercing, incendiary, and A-MAX rounds, with accuracy being priority number one. 50 BMG is one of the types of 50 caliber cartridges used for 50 BMG machine guns. Get gun deals, hand's on reviews, educational content and updates on law changes, daily! The bullet type and powder make the recoil force different between bullets. Apr 23, 2011 #1 Does anyone know the B.C. Another factor that goes into a cartridges stopping power is the penetration of the bullet. This line of ammunition is 100% Lake City made. Machine guns use it as a continuous belt of rounds. 338 LM Federal MatchKing BTHP Gold Medal 250gr, 338 LM Nosler Trophy Grade AccuBond 300gr. I enjoyed reading it. There are several variants of this 50 caliber round. 50 BMG was designed for anti-aircraft weapons during World War I. . Both of these rounds are going to shoot flat at 300 yards, but the real reason is that if you are using these cartridges to take shots at that range, there is no helping you anyway. . The velocity of a bullet is key for both hunting and range shooting purposes. Try these all-copper . It excels in all of the ballistic categories that we have covered in this article. Ballistic Coefficient - BC of 0.364 seems to be way low, standard BC for Ball Ammo should be in the 0.650-0.670 range. To test the power, we see that a .50 BMG cartridge can cross the .9 mark, with a flat projectile motion. Military Requirement: due to the rounds being from Lake City Ammunition . We will bring this up several times throughout our discussion but keep in the back of your mind that your ultimate choice should consider all of these results together rather than focusing on one independent category. Still, we think that we can get some valuable information by examining the kinetic energy associated with our various rounds as the move from the muzzle down range to 1,000 yards. Within the United Kingdom, it is legal to own a bolt action .50 BMG rifle with a section 1 Firearms Certificate. Due to the high ballistic coefficient of the bullet, the .50 BMG's trajectory also suffers less "drift" from cross-winds than smaller and lighter A .50 in caliber cartridge developed for the M2 Browning heavy machine gun in the late 1910s, entering official service in 1921. The .50 BMG cartridge is also used in anti-materiel rifles. Keep in mind this is an approximation and although it is quite accurate it should never replace first-hand experience of shooting your specific firearm and ammunition to determine the bullet drop and windage at different ranges and conditions. And even then, the options you have for 50BMG factory loads is extremely limited, even when compared to the .338 LM. This round is packaged in 150 CT Military Surplus ammo can. Both of these cartridges have found a place in the long range shooting. Velocity fps: 2940: 2806: 2677: 2551: 2428: 2309: Energy ft lbs: 12666: 11541: 10499: 9534: . This is roughly the same as saying that the projectile in question possesses low drag, although some meaning is lost in the generalization. So , lets get down to business. With two decades of chasing all manner of upland game, hooved mammals, strutting gobblers, and any small game that can fit in his Dutch oven, he hopes to offer new ideas and viewpoints on hunting and firearm concepts and traditions. It is when we move out from this marker that we begin to see a general trend between the 338 LM vs 50 BMG. The ballistic coefficient of the Barrett 50 BMG bullet is 0.64. Still, with the categories we have examined so far, we can infer some information in a roundabout way when it comes to the potential accuracy between the 338 Lapua Mag versus 50 BMG. The email address you entered is not valid. 50 BMG Ballistic Coefficient. For hunting, a lot of hunters want expansion to cause a larger wound and more damage. Now, in this section, we are not looking technically at the actual felt recoil but instead at the recoil energy(ft.lb) that is generated when firing these rounds. These are factory loads that are available for purchase. With a degree in Microbiology and several years of doctoral work manipulating bacterial genes, he attempts to merge the rational and unbiased thinking of scientific research with the passions of hunting and fishing. The fact is, both of these cartridges produce large amounts of recoil that can easily cause the shooter to flinch during a shot. only today ! Before we get into our comparisons, there is one more note that we would like to make. The energy is only part of the equation to stopping power, but it is an important one to examine nonetheless. The SD comes from the diameter of the bullet and the weight of the bullet. So, here is a table below: During the war, 50 calibers were used against light armor vehicles and aircraft due to their penetration power. To be able to push such large bullets to speeds that make them useful is going to take a good deal of powder and both have the casings to hold it. 50 Cal 647 Grain Ball pulled bullets. [42] Maryland imposes additional regulations on the sale and transfer of .50 BMG rifles and other "regulated firearms", and limits purchases of any firearm within this class to one per month, but does not impose registration requirements or any form of categorical ban.[37]. This is near impossible to handle accurately unless accessory gear is used to help absorb and stabilize the rifle. Your information will never be shared and you can unsubscribe with one click at anytime. Granted, if youre firing these rounds, you most likely have gear that aids in absorbing the recoil and stabilizing the firearm. It has the power to disable the engines of vehicles and penetrate concrete walls. [4] A skilled sniper can effectively neutralize an infantry unit by eliminating several targets (soldiers or equipment) without revealing his precise location. These include heavy stopping power that can be carried over incredible ranges. It might not compete with some hand loaded cartridges, but you cant get much better when it comes to a factory load. The primer type specified for this ammunition is Boxer primer that has a single centralized ignition point (US and NATO countries). Can a human survive a 50 Cal shot?How many bodies can a .50 cal penetrate? A high number also means that the bullet will retain MORE velocity as it moves down range. kilojoules). This is why their weapons are hard to find and limited in number. Hi! While these two cartridges might overlap in some shooting applications, we think there are niches where they stand apart as well. ShootersCalculator.com is in the process of being massively overhauled. Due to the high ballistic coefficient of the bullet, the .50 BMG's trajectory also suffers less "drift" from cross-winds than smaller and lighter calibers, making the .50 BMG a good choice for high-powered sniper rifles. We will shortly look at the averages of these cartridges, but want to point out again that while some of the numbers might seem like drastic differences, and technically they are, its critical to observe the individual rounds, specifically the .338 LM. The cartridge itself has been made in many variants from armor piercing to tracer rounds, though most factory loads that can be accessed by civilians are the typical bullets. Cases are carefully selected based on strict criteria: wall thickness uniformity, internal capacity, case weight and consistent wall concentricity. To put this into perspective, the 750 gr A-MAX load has essentially the same kinetic energy at 1,500 yards as a 300 Winchester Magnum has at the muzzle. Unsubscribe at any time. A .50 BMG round can effectively disable a vehicle when fired into the engine block. We have done our best to remove any that have major damage, but individual opinions may vary on what . No extra bullets are sent. [34], A 1999 Justice Department Office of Special Investigations briefing on .50 caliber rifle crime identified several instances of the .50 BMG being involved in criminal activities. It will a produce a line graph showing the bullet drop and flight path of the bullet. Since a 50 cal bullet can slice through a body without protective armor, it can also kill someone. 200 yds. With two rounds that are extremely popular in long distance shooting, accuracy is, of course, going to be a category that generated a lot of interest. The Federal Ballistics Calculator lets you quickly determine the trajectory for any rifle or handgun load, and save data for an unlimited number of loads. Retail Price: $478.50. According to the American Rifleman: "Actually, the Browning .50 originated in the Great War. Since 50 BMG cartridges are unique, these have a limited number of sniper rifles built with adequate quality. Basically, BC is a measure of how . The ability to hit distant targets is . This is the Ferret .50; a top-end attachment to an AR15 lower. The majority of these people are using the cartridge for long range hunting on large game such as elk, moose, and even dangerous game. During wartime, especially WW2, the US coast guard, and military used 50 BMG rifles towards helicopters. What we hope you draw from this is that both of these cartridges have a BC that corresponds with highly streamlined bullets. The less a bullet drops during its flight, the easier it is to make adjustments for longer distance shots. This is the web home of Modern Ballistics: the world's most sophisticated small arms exterior ballistics program for the personal computer. There is no doubt that the cartridge has the power and the trajectory to take on this challenge, but there is always the ethical question of taking shots at animals from these ranges. If youre looking to choose between heavy, hard hitting, and far flying cartridges such as the .338 LM and 50 BMG we are pretty confident that you are well aware of the ballistic coefficient. Gain a deep knowledge of ballistic science and access our improved ballistic calculator. But thats the case with just about every round and is one of the many reasons that a lot of us have fallen in love with the sport. Usually, a 50 cal round has a diameter of 12.7 mm diameter. He wanted the round to be used in a machine gun, and wanted the machine gun to be based on a scaled-up version of the M1917 Browning.
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