There's a reason militaries worldwide still use a 50 BMG bolt-action rifle for sniping. Find load data for your cartridge. We think a flat trajectory also gives you a little more room for mistakes when it comes to judging distance quickly, as is sometimes the case when hunting. Those values would be correct if you were shooting the ammo out of a "military weapon system" at the upper end of the velocity spectrum in the 3,000 fps range. Again, these numbers can vary based on the variables, but with our consistency, we think the comparisons are more than valid. . 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 should already be clear that the difference just from the bullet diameter is quite dramatic. However, Los Angeles banned this bullet round. Ballistic Coefficient: 0.62 Bullet Weight: 661 gr Initial Velocity: 2750 fps Sight Height : 3 in Shooting Angle: 0 Wind Speed: 0 mph Wind Angle: 0 Zero Range: 100 yd Chart Range: 2600 yd Maximum Range: 7169 yd Step Size: 50 yd International Standard Atmosphere Altitude: Sea Level (0 ft) Barometric Pressure: 29.92 Hg Temperature: 59 F 50 BMG basic cartridge dimensions-All sizes in inches (in). The bigger the ballistic . If we take a closer look at the averages of the round, we see that the 50BMG rounds carry from 200fps (Muzzle-700yds) to 300fps (800-1,000yds) more than the 338LM rounds, which is quite remarkable given how much heavier the 50BMG rounds. We will take a brief look at the origins and histories of these two cartridges and then jump into categories such as stopping power, trajectory, and even price among others. Effect? Fill, sign and download Ballistic Chart online on Handypdf.com No extra bullets are sent. With that, you have a better chance at running into .338 LM rounds than a box of 50 BMG. Informative, interesting and well written. Please let me know how it can be improved upon. The .50 BMG round can produce between 10,000 and 15,000 foot-pounds force (14,000 and 20,000J), depending on its powder and bullet type, as well as the weapon it is fired from. As time goes, they are becoming more popular among shooters and hunters. With such differences in cartridge specs, we can assume that the ballistic performances are going to be quite different as well. This is the best ballistic coefficient of any bullet to date. These include heavy stopping power that can be carried over incredible ranges. This is a hard hitting round with incredible range and power. We have no desire to act as a moral compass, you do what you want, but the arguments are out there, and we wanted to address it. The majority of its use in these circles is through extreme distance shooting though there are small circles that utilize it for hunting purposes, mostly for large or dangerous game at extreme distances. Of course, looking at averages might not be fair as there are .338 LM rounds that carry similar or even higher velocities than some 50BMG rounds. heres what ive seen on a ballistic calculator Trajectory Input Data Manufacturer: Hornady Description: A-Max Caliber: 0.510 in Weight: 750.0 gr Ballistic Coefficient: 1.050 G1 Muzzle Velocity: 2700.0 ft/s Distance to Chronograph: 10.0 ft Sight Height: 1.50 in Sight Offset: 0.00 in Of course, how much penetration you need is going to depend on the game you are hunting. Excellent quality, and great customer service from Dave Moore of Spider Firearms. By adding trajectories to the panel on the right you may produce charts and graphs that show the different trajectories side by side. Any round from this bullet produces between 10,000 and 15,000 foot-pounds force muzzle energies. Lake City 50 BMG Ammo Details. Gun deals, hand's on reviews, educational content and news on law changes, every day! Its tough for us in this situation because the 50 BMG is such as unique round and it makes it seem as if the .338 LM falls short in most categories and this is not the case. I enjoyed reading it. We carefully select every component to ensure uniformity, then load to exacting specifications to provide pinpoint accuracy. This includes the velocity, the BC, and the trajectory of the round. Huston is a hunting enthusiast who believes your success in the field is directly correlated to the amount of preparation at home. Hornady Manufacturing makes the best cartridges for 50 BMG Ammunition 10 Rounds. This is because the bullet is very large, so the wound it makes is also large and deep, but still curable. It might not compete with some hand loaded cartridges, but you cant get much better when it comes to a factory load. The higher the number, the less drag the projectile will experience. 50 caliber bullets can easily enter through a thick, concrete, or brick wall, a large tree, or even a person from a long distance. The auctioneer claims that it is only one of twelve built and the only other known example resides at the Ford Benning sniper school. Most people who are using a .50 BMG are not hunting and are looking at extreme distance 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. Where there are variables, we try to keep them as uniform as possible, but for some cases, it only makes sense to change these variables based on the cartridges. I VLD was designed from the start to be as efficient as possible, remaining supersonic past 2,150 yards. Were not going to go too specific with the comparisons here. This bullet weighs much less even with the large size. PMC X-Tac Match is developed around several award winning loads replicating performance down to a tee. Velocity fps: 2940: 2806: 2677: 2551: 2428: 2309: Energy ft lbs: 12666: 11541: 10499: 9534: .510 diameter. A 50 caliber bullet is measured to be an inch. cartridge. If the bullet passes through cleanly, remaining relatively intact, not all of the energy is transferred to the target. 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 addition, these snipers will have less drift from the winds of the bullet. That all said, there are deals out there. You can find an email form and contact information here. Full Metal Jacket, with boat tail and cannelure. The cartridge itself has been made in many variants: multiple generations of regular ball, tracer, armor-piercing (AP), incendiary, and saboted sub-caliber rounds. It also has a strong recoil force as the cartridge is filled with powder. [4] The Barrett M82 rifle was developed during the 1980s and, along with later variants, has upgraded the anti-materiel power of the military sniper. Teamed with Colt, he produced prototypes ready for testing and, ironically, completed them by Nov. 11, 1918the Great War's end. 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 Caliber has different types of rounds, while 50 BMG is a particular one. Usually with the sniper comes some accessories to clean and use effectively. They are intended mainly for long-range shooting. Even if we had all of the rounds and a couple days to generate some MOA measurements it still might differ on another day in someone elses hands. Its ballistic coefficient is 1.050. 50 Cal is generally known as the bore and the nominal bullet diameter. A .50 BMG round will penetrate most commercial brick walls and concrete cinder blocks. But those that dont assault weapons are accepted by all applicable federal laws and made legal everywhere. To be effective, a bullet must be able to penetrate through sometimes very thick hide and bone to reach vital organs. During wartime, especially WW2, the US coast guard, and military used 50 BMG rifles towards helicopters. When this is the case, we will be sure to make it clear what we are doing. Because this is computer generated data and because each rifle has its own personality, the actual numbers that are going to come from firing one of these rounds from your rifle, the numbers shouldnt be too far off but we wanted to make it clear that these numbers are not set in stone. It is used mainly in machine guns for various shooting and personal uses. The cartridges have two separate links of the machine gun selected. Most importantly, they are designed to reduce the bullets recoil. According to the American Rifleman: "Actually, the Browning .50 originated in the Great War. Caliber Multi: .50 BMG Application: Hunting . Muzzle 100 yds. [3], In response to the need for new anti-aircraft weaponry during World War I, John Browning developed the .50 BMG. But it differs from other types of 50 caliber bullet rounds. Powder is matched carefully to each specific load for optimal pressure, velocity and consistent accuracy. 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 Subsequently, Frankford Arsenal took over from Winchester, producing the historic .50 BMG or 12.7x99 mm cartridge. The 7.62 is the "screw you way over there" round. During World War II the .50 BMG was primarily used in the M2 Browning machine gun, in both its "light barrel" aircraft mount version and the "heavy barrel" (HB) version on ground vehicles, for anti-aircraft purposes. Its also not the most expensive .338 LM factory load that is available. 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. Since 50 BMG bullets are powerful, they can enter through a body part with force. The two most important variables are the Initial Velocity and the Ballistic Coefficient. Think of it paired with the energy of the bullet. The numbers with the 50BMG rounds are astounding, especially to some who might only be familiar with the more common hunting rounds. We arrived at these numbers by using a 15lb firearm for the 338 LM rounds and a 30lb firearm for the 50 BMG rounds, which are common weights for rifles chambered for each cartridge. Now I am curious about the comparison between the LM 338 and the 30-378 weathering magnum. 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. 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. You make up some cartridges and we'll do some shooting. In addition, these snipers will have less drift from the winds of the bullet. 300 yds. While it is only two factors that go into stopping power, they are the best for comparing two cartridges besides comparison in the field. There is no doubt that both are designed exclusively for successful performances in the field. Introducing the latest products from the worldwide leader in ammunition. We are not going to sit and mess around with the short range trajectory. DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) contracted with Teledyne Scientific Company to develop the EXACTO program, including a .50-caliber guided bullet. Since a 50 cal bullet can slice through a body without protective armor, it can also kill someone. The .50 BMG cartridge is also produced commercially in a wide range of specifications, including armor piercing, tracing, and incendiary. With the .338 Lapua Magnum vs .50 BMG, recoil takes on a bit more of an important role. The .50 BMG (12.799mm NATO) cartridge has a capacity of 290gr (19g). Lake City 50 BMG Ballistic Data. Use this ballistic calculator in order to calculate the flight path of a bullet given the shooting parameters that meet your conditions. 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. No one knows who and why is producing these strange slugs in Tarkov, but they just work. I love hunting, so I often have to deal with hunting equipment. Cases are carefully selected based on strict criteria: wall thickness uniformity, internal capacity, case weight and consistent wall concentricity. Three distinct and non-compatible metallic links have been used for .50 BMG cartridge belts. So the damages can be huge, depending on the surface it will hit. The ability to hit distant targets is . Unsubscribe at any time. We are working on a massive list, but this list won't be ready for a few weeks or months. Ammunition is sold in 80-round cases. 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. Its range and accuracy, however, are superior to light machine guns when fixed on tripods, and it has not been replaced as the standard caliber for Western vehicle-mounted machine guns (Soviet and CIS armored vehicles mount 12.7108mm NSVs, which have similar dimensions to .50 BMGs). We have done our best to remove any that have major damage, but individual opinions may vary on what . Each cartridge is loaded with either Hornady A-MAX bullets, our high-performance boattail hollow points, or the new, radically superior ELD Match bullets. Barrel Length inches 36 Ballistics Coefficient (G1) 0.707 Ballistics Coefficient (G7) 0.350 Sectional Density 0.362. We went conservative with the powder weight because these are factory loads and are not normally loaded near max capacities. The .50 BMG was developed during World War I when looking for an effective anti-aircraft round. Be aware you may consider some of them unusable. Muzzle 100 yds. The guns that use these bullets were used to target troops to save from enemy guns. Maybe even more so when looking at these two rounds. In certain aspects and certain situations, sure, there are cartridges better suited to the task than others. The projectiles are high quality hand pulled 647 grain M8 API projectiles which have been cleaned, resized, and inspected before loading. Your information will never be shared and you can unsubscribe with one click at anytime. The caliber depends on the barrel diameter bore of the bullets guns. But they are also dangerous and must be used with caution during operations to avoid fatalities. You might be asking yourself if the velocities shown here are enough for proper expansion of such a large bullet such as the .50cal. With its trajectory and energy and bullet design options there are no limits to the type of hunting you can do with it. The following improvements will be made: Please sign up for our newsletter so that you can be alerted the moment these new features are launched! 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. They all can kill any game animal in the world. This cartridge can easily take shots at 1,000+ yards just as the 50BMG, but there might be more dramatic adjustments needed to be made for these shots when compared to the 50 BMG. [33], The specified maximum diameter of an unfired .50 BMG bullet is 0.510-inch (13.0mm); while this appears to be over the .50 inch (12.7mm) maximum allowed for non-sporting Title I firearms under the U.S. National Firearms Act, the barrel of a .50 BMG rifle is only .50 inch (12.7mm) across the rifling lands and slightly larger in the grooves. [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. The 338LM rounds under our specifications have recoil energies ranging between 29 and 33ft.lb. The .50 BMG Flechette rifle project was contacted out by DARPA in 1960's. The projectile consisted of a saboted depleted uranium dart weighing 11.9 gram ( 183.6 grains ). FMBT bullets. On the other hand, 50 BMG is one of the various types of 50 Cal. American interest in an armor-piercing cartridge was influenced by the marginal French 11 mm design, prompting U.S. Army Ordnance officers to consult Browning. Your email address will not be published. 50 BMg bullets have a high ballistic coefficient of more than 1.0 to resist drifts from wind in flight. You might be strictly a hunter or strictly a competition shooter, but the majority of us are a mixture of both. Although 50 cal is a very penetrating bullet, research has found something to stop it. For hunters, stopping power is a critical factor in choosing a certain cartridge. 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. From over 4,000ft.lb of energy out of the muzzle to between 1,000 and 2,000ft.lb at 1,000 yards, it too has incredible range when it comes to having the energy needed for most game animals in the world. And like the 50BMG rounds, we will revisit this shortly. anti-tank rifle" and that then "Ordnance contracted with Winchester to design a .50-cal. Aaronthal Weapon Systems In ballistics, the ballistic coefficient is used to measure the ability of something to withstand air resistance. It can shoot up to ranges of 330 yards and floats in the air for about seven seconds, before dropping to the ground. The Barrett Mk. A user can shoot easily from a distance of about two kilometers. While this is important to understand, its equally important to remember that the SD, while a good means for comparing two cartridges, only tells part of the story when it comes to penetration. An upgraded variant of the M2 Browning HB machine gun used during World War II is still in use today. You will be sent the quantity of bullets that are ordered. 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 G1 projectiles are flat based bullets such as spritzer bullets, where G7 projectiles are going to cover boattail spitzers. This is near impossible to handle accurately unless accessory gear is used to help absorb and stabilize the rifle. Usually, these can leave a severe wound. Like all Federal American Eagle ammunition, the 50 BMG provides reliable feeding and great ballistics. The firearm has been zeroed in at 200 yards. Firearm Setup. With modern firearms, the majority of centerfire rifle cartridges can be tolerated with regards to the recoil. The higher the ballistic coefficient, the better the bullet can resist wind drag and wind drift which would make the bullet less likely to be pulled off of its flight path and, in theory, be more accurate. A common way of comparing ammo power is checking their muzzle energies. In addition to the usual tables and graphs of drop, velocity, and windage, Modern Ballistics has these unique features: Sight Angle. This American Eagle ammunition was produced by Lake City Arsenal to NATO specifications. The surface is dirt and water-resistant. The round you choose for hunting should be based on the type of game, and this is perfect for the largest animals with the thickest hides. Hi! The common rifling twist rate for this cartridge is 1 in 15 in (381 mm), with 8 lands and grooves. The price for both is about equal per 20 rounds, though the 50BMG factory loads often come in boxes of ten rounds. Putting it all Together The higher the velocity, the flatter the bullet will shoot, with less wind drift, more energy when it reaches the target, and an extended . Price Per Round: $2.90. How important the ballistic coefficient is with shooters often depends on the distance of shots they are taking. Copyright 2023 ShootersCalculator.comALL rights reserved. It will a produce a line graph showing the bullet drop and flight path of the bullet. When we look at the graph, it is quite a stark contrast between cartridges. Decades later, the .50 BMG was chambered in high-powered rifles as well. We are measuring the bullet drop (inches) from 100 out to 1,000 yards. For the .338 LM, we recommend the Nosler Trophy Grade AccuBond 300gr round. The TSX was introduced in 2003 and has become Barnes' most popular hunting bullet. And if you need the performance of the 50BMG, you are probably already aware of what you are in for and with todays modern gear, you are perfectly capable of using this cartridge efficiently. This is especially true if that bullet also has a high ballistic coefficient. You would be surprised how many of them have never given their rounds BC a thought. Best Mossberg 500 Heat Shields [Ultimate Buying Guide], Best 9mm Ammo in 2021 [Self-Defense & Target], 6.5 Creedmoor vs .243 Win Cartridge Comparison. Heck, the BC of a bullet can change based on temperature, altitude, and pressure. (We'll get to the meaning of "G1" in a moment.) [4] A skilled sniper can effectively neutralize an infantry unit by eliminating several targets (soldiers or equipment) without revealing his precise location. Since 50 BMG cartridges are unique, these have a limited number of sniper rifles built with adequate quality. This e-mail address is already subscribed. How To Read Remington Nylon 66 Serial Number Year Codes? '"[5], The American Rifleman further explains that development was "[r]eputedly influenced by Germany's 13.2x92 mm SR (.53-cal.) For the 50BMG, we are not going to give a specific round. Encased in Barrett head-stamped brass, every cartridge is loaded with noncorrosive powder and primers as well as a 661 gr projectile using state-of-the-art machinery. To gain more knowledge and quick learning, a comparison table is always the best form. The BC of a round also plays a large role in the trajectory of a round, which we will look at next. In ballistics, the ballistic coefficient ( BC, Cb) of a body is a measure of its ability to overcome air resistance in flight. Both of these cartridges have found a place in the long range shooting. This is why their weapons are hard to find and limited in number. [9] The former record for a confirmed long-distance kill was set by U.S. Marine sniper Carlos Hathcock in 1967 during the Vietnam War, at a distance of 2,090 meters (2,290yd; 1.30mi);[10] Hathcock used the .50 BMG in an M2 Machine Gun equipped with a telescopic sight. There are some options for bulk purchase which can save you some money in the long run. Bullet mass/type Velocity Energy; 647 gr (42 g) Speer: 3,044 ft/s (928 m/s) 13,310 ftlbf (18,050 J) 655 gr (42 g) ADI: 3,029 ft/s (923 m/s) For the .50BMG, we would recommend the Hornady A-MAX Match 750gr round. Specs. SHTF 50: Safety Harbor's .50-Cal Upper Conversion for AR-15s Caliber means the diameter of the bullet, so a 50 caliber bullet is half an inch in diameter. [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. [35], In the United States, Washington, D.C. disallows registration of .50 BMG rifles, thus rendering civilian possession unlawful. The bullet type and powder make the recoil force different between bullets. These bullets are magnetic. This bullet is 0.50 in diameter and typically 2.25-inch long. They are widely used by civilians as well as military forces. Your email address will not be published. The range and terminal ballistics of the .338 LM were such that its use could fill several niches in civilian use including long range precision shooting and big game hunting. [citation needed], The .50 BMG round was used as a sniper round as early as the Korean War. They have various models for different cartridges. Hornady's original goal: "Ten bullets through one hole.". Calculating Trajectories . A .50 in caliber cartridge developed for the M2 Browning heavy machine gun in the late 1910s, entering official service in 1921. In ballistics, the ballistic coefficient (BC) of a body is a measure of its ability to overcome air resistance in flight. We also hope that we have made clear that the BC is not a point for comparing which bullet is better or worse than others. Shots traveling 1,000 yards are much more prone to these environmental factors, and we would bet that 99% of them are very aware of the BC. Stringent quality control ensures proper bullet seating, consistent charges and pressures, optimal velocity, consistent overall length and repeatable accuracy. Availability: Out of Stock. The energy is only part of the equation to stopping power, but it is an important one to examine nonetheless. They are of premium build to make precise targets with less recoil. Customer Reviews. TMI50BMG ammunition is loaded to precise standards, using only the finest components, and processes. The longest recorded kill using a .50 BMG was over 2 miles away. and the speed of the bullet. With that being said, we wouldnt recommend hunting the majority of game on planet Earth with a 50BMG; it seems pointless with the amount of damage it would cause to perfectly good meat. In regards to ballistics, the .50 BMG has a bigger, heavier bullet that delivers a reliable killing shot at ranges up to 3300 yards and take down medium-sized game at these incredible ranges.. Put me on the Waiting List. The common rifling twist rate for this cartridge is 1 in 15in (380mm), with eight lands and grooves. 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. For a lot of cartridge comparisons we have done, recoil is usually not that huge of an issue. On the other hand, 50 BMG is designed for machine gun operations, which belongs to 50 Cal. We can estimate penetration based on the sectional density because of what the SD is derived from. For this article, we are going to explain the BC in the simplest of terms. For two cartridges that are touted as extreme distance shooters, the ballistic coefficient is going to be an important factor for potential users. Thank you. The .338 LM is no slouch when it comes to long range shooting. Today, there are various types of bullet rounds manufactured that are measured in 50 calibers.