In some cases you might be surprised. .510 diameter. 2023 Optics Bible - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, 50 Cal Vs. 50 BMG : Which One To Choose [ Know Differences], 223 vs 3006: What to Choose After In-Depth Comparison. Going the Distance - Shooting Times This is because the bullet is very large, so the wound it makes is also large and deep, but still curable. The numbers with the 50BMG rounds are astounding, especially to some who might only be familiar with the more common hunting rounds. As you can imagine, the bigger the game, the more energy you are going to need to cause enough damage for a clean kill. The higher the velocity, the flatter the bullet will shoot, with less wind drift, more energy when it reaches the target, and an extended . Hi! This includes the velocity, the BC, and the trajectory of the round. Barrel Length inches 36 Ballistics Coefficient (G1) 0.707 Ballistics Coefficient (G7) 0.350 Sectional Density 0.362. So when game time comes make sure you are ready and enjoy the accuracy of Federal American Eagle 50 BMG ammunition! Rifles chambered for the .338 LM are a bit heavy to haul around the backcountry for most people, but it is much more manageable than a rifle chambered for a .50 BMG. . The ballistic coefficient is derived from an equation that uses several bullet and cartridge variables. It has the power to disable the engines of vehicles and penetrate concrete walls. Basically, BC is a measure of how . The 50 BMG does have several rounds that break the .9 and even 1.0 mark, but the 338LM is nothing to scoff at either. Thank you. How much energy is required to take down an animal varies and the amount that actually gets transferred to the target varies. 50 BMG 750 gr A-MAX Match Item #8270 | 10/Box We carefully select every component to ensure uniformity, then load to exacting specifications to provide pinpoint accuracy. [37][41] In Illinois, it is legal to possess a .50 caliber rifle only if it was acquired by January 10, 2023, and it is registered with the state police by January 1, 2024. In this Article: RecoilBallisticsTrajectoryStopping PowerAccuracyPrice & AvailabilityPriceApplicationsBest Rounds In this cartridge comparison, we are going to take a look at the 6.5 Creedmoor vs .243 Winchester. 50 BMG M33 BALL - ammoterra.com Get gun deals, hand's on reviews, educational content and updates on law changes, daily! This bullet is 0.50 in diameter and typically 2.25-inch long. New reloading data must be opened as a PDF document in an up-to-date compatible PDF viewer. But a higher ballistic coefficient doesn't necessarily mean it is a better bullet. 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. Muzzle Velocity - 2,952 is a screaming velocity, HSM AMAXs run around 2,680, and Barrett Ball is around 2,750. What Is 50 BMG? A Brief Explanation - Aiming Expert A high number also means that the bullet will retain MORE velocity as it moves down range. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but it does include some of the more popular rounds for each cartridge. 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. .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) No extra bullets are sent. 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. Load Data - Barnes Bullets The guns that use these bullets were used to target troops to save from enemy guns. . For hunters, stopping power is a critical factor in choosing a certain cartridge. Retail Price: $478.50. It has a .30-06 Springfield design with a long taper case wall for various types of weapons. To use either of these rounds, muzzle brakes and other support is needed to use rifles chambered for these cartridges. Some of them operate by recoil principle, while others use gas. TMI50BMG ammunition is loaded to precise standards, using only the finest components, and processes. 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. Citadel 1911 Review: Best Budget-Friendly Pistol? They wanted a heavy projectile at 2700 feet per second (f.p.s. It is strong enough to hold a large volume of pressure. While these two cartridges might overlap in some shooting applications, we think there are niches where they stand apart as well. DPMS LR-308 [Review]: The AR, Back to Basics. Ballistic Coefficient - CHUCKHAWKS.COM While the .338 rounds have a much smaller diameter than the huge .50 cal rounds, the exponentially heavier bullet weights of the 50BMG rounds make up for the large size. To test the power, we see that a .50 BMG cartridge can cross the .9 mark, with a flat projectile motion. What is the best scope for a .50 BMG and what is the strongest 50 BMG? and the speed of the bullet. They can easily enter through light armors and hit targets. These are extremely large rounds that require heavy weapons as well as other equipment to shoot accurately. Thus, to begin zeroing on an optically centered scope, you have to come down 30 minutes at the start. That all said, there are deals out there. The Hornady 750gr AMAX bullet has become popular with its very high ballistic coefficient and is typically the choice for extreme ranges beyond 1500 meters. A 50 caliber bullet is measured to be an inch. [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. They are intended mainly for long-range shooting. The .50 Browning Machine Gun (.50 BMG) was developed for the Browning .50 caliber machine gun in the late 1910sas countries began producing armored vehicles leading up to WWI. 338 LM Federal MatchKing BTHP Gold Medal 250gr, 338 LM Nosler Trophy Grade AccuBond 300gr. Firearm Setup. Different 50 caliber bullets are used for various purposes that have individual compositions. 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. They should show closer accuracy between each other however, because the form factor is constant. The .338 Lapua Magnum has a much shorter history than the other cartridge we will be examining in this article. This calculator will produce a ballistic trajectory chart that shows the bullet drop, bullet energy, windage, and velocity. The physics and theories behind the ballistic coefficient can get quite cluttered and complicated, though we highly recommend diving into the subject when you have the time. Aaronthal Weapon Systems [citation needed], The .50 BMG round was used as a sniper round as early as the Korean War. The bottom line is this. 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. 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. In this section, we will take a look at bullet energy and penetration for comparing the 50 BMG vs 338 Lapua Magnum. The term BMG means Browning Machine Gun. In context of the 338 Lapua vs 50 BMG where both are popular long distance rounds and to a smaller extent hunting rounds, velocity is a key component to our comparison. Of course, how much penetration you need is going to depend on the game you are hunting. And besides, were talking a .5 diameter wound size; you dont need a whole lot of expansion anyway if you want any meat left over. 50 caliber refers to the bullet of this size shot by a gun, and not the casing. This gun was later developed into the M2HB Browning which with its .50 caliber armor-piercing cartridges went on to function as an anti-aircraft and anti-vehicular machine gun, capable of penetrating 0.9 inches (23mm) of face-hardened armor steel plate at 200 meters (220yd),[6] 1 inch (25mm) of rolled homogeneous armor at the same range,[7] and 0.75 inches (19mm) at 547 yards (500m).[8]. Barnes Solid Bore Rider Bullets 50 BMG (510 Diameter) 750 Grain Spitzer Boat Tail Box of 20 Developed to reduce pressures and allow higher velocities, this bullet is constructed of a homogenous metal throughout with no lead core or jacket to separate on impact. Put me on the Waiting List. Modern Ballistics Although 50 cal is a very penetrating bullet, research has found something to stop it. [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. Powder is matched carefully to each specific load for optimal pressure, velocity and consistent accuracy. The mass is one of the bullets. This is near impossible to handle accurately unless accessory gear is used to help absorb and stabilize the rifle. 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. You would be surprised how many of them have never given their rounds BC a thought. Dont let the comparison to the 50BMG throw off your judgment as to what this cartridge can do. Thread starter remrifle333; Start date Apr 23, 2011; Help Support Long Range Hunting Forum Become a supporting member. Steel armors can also stop it from entering. By understanding these different parameters, we can not only better adjust to specific shooting conditions and be aware of our limitations, but we can also begin to tease apart certain situations each of these cartridges might be better suited. In our minds, there is no one cartridge that is above and beyond better than another. [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. 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. Lets first take a look at the recoil energy (ft.lb) of these two rounds in general. The .50 BMG cartridge is also produced commercially in a wide range of specifications, including armor piercing, tracing, and incendiary. The two most important variables are the Initial Velocity and the Ballistic Coefficient. It also has a strong recoil force as the cartridge is filled with powder. 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. Barrel Length inches 36 Ballistics Coefficient (G1) 0.707 Ballistics Coefficient (G7) 0.350 Sectional Density 0.362. 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. Recoil is also a component to accuracy though most will deny it has any effect on them. 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. Gun deals, hand's on reviews, educational content and news on law changes, every day! 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. It can disable most unarmored and lightly armored vehicles. When we look at the graph, it is quite a stark contrast between cartridges. There are several variants of this 50 caliber round. Muzzle 100 yds. Heck, the BC of a bullet can change based on temperature, altitude, and pressure. For a lot of cartridge comparisons we have done, recoil is usually not that huge of an issue. As far as the BCs go for these two cartridges, both show phenomenal numbers. Bullet: 661 gr M33 Ball Bullet Weight: 661 gr Bullet Diameter: 0.510 50 BMG Archive - Barrett Firearms Use this ballistic calculator in order to calculate the flight path of a bullet given the shooting parameters that meet your conditions. ShootersCalculator.com | .50 BMG, 7.62mm and 5.56mm with adjusted sights Still, by comparing the recoil energies, it will translate loosely into what you feel. About the previous point, a clean kill means you are not going to have to track a wounded animal sometimes a couple hundred yards and possibly in the dark and cold. American Marksman: 50 BMG M33 BALL 660 GR FMJ - 150 AC Federal American Eagle 50 BMG Ammo 660 Grain FMJ - Ammo Deals Seriously, these are heavy duty rounds that fill a very specific niche in the shooting world. Any round from this bullet produces between 10,000 and 15,000 foot-pounds force muzzle energies. And this is case when comparing most cartridges. Any armor with composite metal foam is strong to stop a 50 cal bullet. 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. Ballistics Calculator - Federal Premium Ammunition 50 Cal is generally known as the bore and the nominal bullet diameter. For hunting, a lot of hunters want expansion to cause a larger wound and more damage. 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. [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. 50 BMG 750 gr A-MAX Match - Hornady Manufacturing, Inc 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! The .30-06 Springfield, the standard caliber for American soldiers in both World Wars and a popular caliber amongst American hunters, can produce muzzle energies between 2,000 and 3,000 foot-pounds force (3,000 and 4,000J). We dont have a single set of data we can look at to determine stopping power. The primary military use of this round is in the M2 Browning machine gun and anti-materiel rifles such as the Barrett M82. Barrel Lengths & Velocities for the 50 BMG - Lilja : Lilja [35], In the United States, Washington, D.C. disallows registration of .50 BMG rifles, thus rendering civilian possession unlawful. We can estimate penetration based on the sectional density because of what the SD is derived from. The average chamber pressure in this round as listed in TM43-0001-27,[18] the U.S. Army Ammunition Data SheetsSmall Caliber Ammunition, not including plastic practice, short cased spotter, or proof/test loads, is 54,923psi (378,680kPa). The email address you entered is not valid. Designed for long range training and target practice. The ballistic coefficient of the Barrett 50 BMG bullet is 0.64. The Army then returned to John Browning for the actual gun. What Does 50 BMG Stand For? A Brief Explanation - Optics Bible Sign up to receive new product announcements, special offers, and the annual product catalog. 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. It can shoot up to ranges of 330 yards and floats in the air for about seven seconds, before dropping to the ground. Ballistic coefficient - formulasearchengine We are not huge advocates of its use in hunting, but if you have the desire to take it to the field, your biggest concern is how it flies, in which case check out the next section. If we have two bullets with the same weight, but different diameters, the smaller diameter localizes the force to a smaller area and gives you deeper penetration. The ballistic coefficient gives you an idea of how streamlined a bullet is. The time for a .50 calibre bullet to travel one mile at a constant speed of 1400feet per second is around four seconds. Gain a deep knowledge of ballistic science and access our improved ballistic calculator. Similar to snipers, 50 BMG pistols are also made of hard materials to support the powerful cartridge. only today ! The 50 BMG is another caliber with . Again, this conclusions and estimates are based solely on the factory loads we have been examining here and the data that accompany them. The .338 LM is no slouch when it comes to long range shooting. Need ballistic coefficient (BC) of American Eagle XM33 ball 660 grain Barnes Bullets TSX .50 BMG 647 gr BTHP Rifle Bullet, 20/box - 30700 With the .338 Lapua Magnum vs .50 BMG, recoil takes on a bit more of an important role. In addition to the usual tables and graphs of drop, velocity, and windage, Modern Ballistics has these unique features: Sight Angle. Under STANAG 4383, it is a standard service cartridge for NATO forces as well as many non-NATO countries. What is 'Ballistic Coefficient'? Fundamentals of the G1 and G7 Standar MARK WATNEY MEMORIAL CRATER : This is the 14.9x102mm SOP, a wildcat 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. [39] However, .50 BMG rifles registered prior to the enacted bans remain lawful to possess in California[37][40] and Connecticut. PMC X-Tac Match combines all the performance of world class ballistics with a price point that is friendly for your wallet. The ballistic coefficient or measure of drag for the .50 BMG is 1.05 which, is higher than any other commercially available around. The rounds intended for machine guns are made into a continuous belt using metallic links. anti-tank rifle" and that then "Ordnance contracted with Winchester to design a .50-cal. 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.