50 bmg ballistic coefficient

DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) contracted with Teledyne Scientific Company to develop the EXACTO program, including a .50-caliber guided bullet. [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. If you check the Internet, it is very common to find 50 BMG Ball Ammo BC values in the 0.65 to 0.67 ranges. 200 yds. This shows most dramatically in the case capacity where the .50 BMG can hold nearly 200 more grains of powder than the 338LM. It runs on all modern Windows (Win98 and greater) computers. It will a produce a line graph showing the bullet drop and flight path of the bullet. It answered a lot of my questions. This ammunition usually contains Swedish brass and perfect military specifications. Availability: Out of Stock. Lets take a look at the velocities of each round from the muzzle out to 1,000 yards. [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). Special Offer: Join our private community and get exclusive gun deals, handpicked gear recommendations and updates on law changes, every day! When comparing the 9mm handguns available, two models that always top the discussion are the Walther PPQ and the Glock 19. As for powder charges, we used conservative numbers for each round based on the hand loading specifications from Nosler. All data created using our free ballistic calculator. In the case of the 338 Lapua vs 50 BMG, we still feel the same. I highly recommend him and his product. They are both quality handguns, but their makers have taken two very different approaches to the designs. 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. Ballistic Coefficient (BC) is basically a measure of how streamlined a bullet is; that is, how well it cuts through the air. 400 yds. The 338LM rounds under our specifications have recoil energies ranging between 29 and 33ft.lb. Retail Price: $478.50. Bullet: 661 gr M33 Ball Bullet Weight: 661 gr Bullet Diameter: 0.510 Fill, sign and download Ballistic Chart online on Handypdf.com However, the strength depends on the sturdiness and power of the rifles used for this bullet. Hi! However, bullets shot from pistols are slower as the gunpowder takes longer to burn. Hornady Match rifle ammunition is loaded with the most accurate, consistent match bullets in the world, featuring our AMP bullet jackets. 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). The higher the number, the less drag the projectile will experience. A .50 in caliber cartridge developed for the M2 Browning heavy machine gun in the late 1910s, entering official service in 1921. Just from first glance, we see that the various rounds of each cartridge are pretty varied and a general trend for one cartridge over the other doesnt jump out right away. [30][31] The M15-series metal "push-through" links were used in the M85 machine gun. 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. Like all Federal American Eagle ammunition, the 50 BMG provides reliable feeding and great ballistics. anti-tank rifle" and that then "Ordnance contracted with Winchester to design a .50-cal. When this is the case, we will be sure to make it clear what we are doing. But it differs from other types of 50 caliber bullet rounds. The email address you entered is not valid. 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. 12.799mm Technical data", "Technical Manual Small-Arms Ammunition, TM9-1990, U.S. War Department", "SHOT Show 2006 New Rifles, Shotguns, Pistols Offer Enhanced Performance", "Weaponry: .50 Caliber Rifle Crime," GAO Office of Special Investigations letter", "CHAPTER 943 OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC PEACE AND SAFETY", "Are .50 BMG rifles legal in California? However, Los Angeles banned this bullet round. With modern firearms, the majority of centerfire rifle cartridges can be tolerated with regards to the recoil. Our .50 BMG ammunition is ready for action. It is a great investment if you want to get into long range shooting and will be especially useful if you handload. Lets take it a step further and take a look at the rounds we have selected for comparison. As the 50 BMG bullet has a high ballistic coefficient, it is used for powerful sniper rifles. This is especially true if that bullet also has a high ballistic coefficient. 300 yds. The .50 Browning Machine Gun (.50 BMG, 12.799mm NATO and designated as the 50 Browning by the C.I.P. 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. Recoil is also a component to accuracy though most will deny it has any effect on them. Almost all rounds have a ballistic coefficient of less than 1.0, but large rounds like the 50 BMG can exceed this normal BC. In addition, these snipers will have less drift from the winds of the bullet. During operation or simply game shootings, it can make a significant wound in cases of accidents. Done (0.63 seconds). [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. It is a great investment if you want to get into long range shooting and will be especially useful if you handload. Most people who are using a .50 BMG are not hunting and are looking at extreme distance shooting. Mathematically, it is the ratio of a bullet's sectional density to its coefficient of form. Again, this conclusions and estimates are based solely on the factory loads we have been examining here and the data that accompany them. for the the South African 690gn. But a higher ballistic coefficient doesn't necessarily mean it is a better bullet. Looking at just the basic physics, a .50 bmg has a muzzle velocity of about 420 meters per second (1480 feet per second). Most of the cluster around the same amount of energy, but there is some variation. Aaronthal Weapon Systems Velocity fps: 2940: 2806: 2677: 2551: 2428: 2309: Energy ft lbs: 12666: 11541: 10499: 9534: 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. It is made a standard bullet for important army forces. Both of these cartridges are going to produce a tremendous amount of recoil. The ability to hit distant targets is . 50 Caliber has different types of rounds, while 50 BMG is a particular one. 50 Cal 647 Grain Ball pulled bullets. For testing your limits on the range, we dont think you can go wrong with the .338 LM Hornady ELD Match 285gr. The rounds intended for machine guns are made into a continuous belt using metallic links. 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. Please let me know how it can be improved upon. Similar to snipers, 50 BMG pistols are also made of hard materials to support the powerful cartridge. AP (ARMOR PIERCING) M2 My problem is that the upper came with a 30 minute rail. Federal Ammunition 50 BMG Ballistic Data. When we look at the graph, it is quite a stark contrast between cartridges. .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) 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 firearm has been zeroed in at 200 yards. KelTec Sub 2000 [Review]: Best PCC Firearm? Users can easily use them for personal use. After four seconds, the bullet will have dropped around 256 feet. Out to 400 yards, there is little to no difference between the two cartridges. Excellent quality, and great customer service from Dave Moore of Spider Firearms. It has the power to disable the engines of vehicles and penetrate concrete walls. The cartridge itself has been made in many variants: multiple generations of regular ball, tracer, armor-piercing (AP), incendiary, and saboted sub-caliber rounds. I want this to be the best ballistic trajectory calculator out there. We are measuring the bullet drop (inches) from 100 out to 1,000 yards. This comparison is interesting because of how similar the sectional densities are despite the major differences in bullets. And seeing the stopping power in action, we leave that to you. Since a 50 cal bullet can slice through a body without protective armor, it can also kill someone. The proof/test pressure is listed as 65,000psi (450,000kPa). If you do not have a Shooting Chronograph, I strongly suggest you purchase one. Use this ballistic calculator in order to calculate the flight path of a bullet given the shooting parameters that meet your conditions. This line of ammunition is 100% Lake City made. As the 50 BMG bullet has a high ballistic coefficient, it is used for powerful sniper rifles. Heck, the BC of a bullet can change based on temperature, altitude, and pressure. They wanted a heavy projectile at 2700 feet per second (f.p.s. It is inversely proportional to the negative acceleration a high number indicates a low negative acceleration. I agree with Michael. Check TopScopesfor Barrett.50 Cal. . 400 yds. As time goes, they are becoming more popular among shooters and hunters. Find load data for your cartridge. Before we get into the meat of the article with our comparisons, we want to briefly touch on how these two cartridges look up next to each other. On the other hand, 50 BMG is designed for machine gun operations, which belongs to 50 Cal. In addition, these snipers will have less drift from the winds of the bullet. Its ballistic coefficient is 1.050. These include heavy stopping power that can be carried over incredible ranges. Though they also carry quite a significant amount more powder and as we saw previously, you pay for it with the recoil. 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. On the other hand, a 50 BMG is a type of 50 Caliber round. We are working on a massive list, but this list won't be ready for a few weeks or months. Usually with the sniper comes some accessories to clean and use effectively. While these two cartridges might overlap in some shooting applications, we think there are niches where they stand apart as well. The projectiles are high quality hand pulled 647 grain M8 API projectiles which have been cleaned, resized, and inspected before loading. They do have some pull marks. Zero Range (yd) The primary military use of this round is in the M2 Browning machine gun and anti-materiel rifles such as the Barrett M82. Designed for long range training and target practice. The common rifling twist rate for this cartridge is 1 in 15in (380mm), with eight lands and grooves. For comparison, a similar monolithic bullet in .50 BMG usually maxes out around 800 grains at 2,900 fps. A lot of competitions wouldnt allow a .50 caliber round, but if you just enjoy taking shots upwards and beyond 1,000 yards, the 50 BMG is hard to beat. This bullet is 0.50 in diameter and typically 2.25-inch long. With its trajectory and energy and bullet design options there are no limits to the type of hunting you can do with it. If you do not have a Shooting Chronograph, I strongly suggest you purchase one. . Us has made 50 BMG the standard as the largest bullet round in terms of shell size. Military use 50 caliber in machine guns and snipers, as well as regular shooters. So when game time comes make sure you are ready and enjoy the accuracy of Federal American Eagle 50 BMG ammunition! For further comparison, you'd be hard pressed to find a 5.56 load recipe that hits 1,400 ft-lbs. To use either of these rounds, muzzle brakes and other support is needed to use rifles chambered for these cartridges. Informative, interesting and well written. 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. The 50 BMG rounds are quite impressive with BCs all above the .7 mark and one round coming in with a 1.05BC. 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. And this is case when comparing most cartridges. This is the web home of Modern Ballistics: the world's most sophisticated small arms exterior ballistics program for the personal computer. For simply comparing two different cartridges, we are going to omit it for the sake of clarity. This is because the bullet is very large, so the wound it makes is also large and deep, but still curable. All of them but one .338 LM round break the .55 mark. As we mentioned earlier, the velocity has a lot of influence on other aspects of the bullets behavior such as expansion. 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. Instead, we want to take an unbiased look at the data in several ballistic and other performance category and compare them. An upgraded variant of the M2 Browning HB machine gun used during World War II is still in use today. The rigidity and strength are used to penetrate tough surfaces easily. Still, by comparing the recoil energies, it will translate loosely into what you feel. All in all, 50 BMG is the best cartridge with great ballistic coefficient, diameter, and other features that expanded its use. Higher velocities, with a stable bullet, also aid in long range performance, which is critical for both hunting and competition shooting. According to the American Rifleman: "Actually, the Browning .50 originated in the Great War. Mostly the twist rate of the rifling of 50 BMG is 1 in 15, with eight lands. Its a culmination of several factors including bullet energy, penetration, bullet expansion, and shot placement. To test the power, we see that a .50 BMG cartridge can cross the .9 mark, with a flat projectile motion. These are factory loads that are available for purchase. . 300 yds. 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. A user can shoot easily from a distance of about two kilometers. It still has more penetrating power than lighter weapons such as general-purpose machine guns, though it is significantly heavier and more cumbersome to transport. Its also not the most expensive .338 LM factory load that is available. This is near impossible to handle accurately unless accessory gear is used to help absorb and stabilize the rifle. The 50 BMG is the winner of this section..50 BMG vs .50 Beowulf: Stopping Power. 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. These are excellent speeds for long range shooting, especially when shot from a rifle with the proper twist rate to stabilize them in flight. The bigger the ballistic . 50 BMG was designed for anti-aircraft weapons during World War I. Federal Ammunition 50 BMG Ammo Details. This weapon was used by other snipers, and eventually purpose-built sniper rifles were developed specifically for this round. .50 BMG Ballistics Variables Bullet Weight: 661 grain Ballistic Coefficient: 0.62 (G1) Scope Height: 3 inches Ambient Conditions Temperature: 59 Pressure (absolute): 29.92 inHg Cross Wind (90 or Full Value): 1 mph MODEL 82A1 .50 BMG (29 BARREL) MODEL 82A1CQ .50 BMG (20 BARREL) DOWNLOADS In certain aspects and certain situations, sure, there are cartridges better suited to the task than others. 50 BMG basic cartridge dimensions-All sizes in inches (in). This data was taken from the standards used by the ballistic calculator for the .338 LM and the .50 BMG rounds. The numbers with the 50BMG rounds are astounding, especially to some who might only be familiar with the more common hunting rounds. The minimum SD for hunting medium game is .210. Think of it paired with the energy of the bullet. To handle these rounds in the field, youre going to have to haul around a 30+lb rifle. The 338 LM was designed and produced in the late 1980s. 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. Different snipers have different ranges depending on their design. With the .338 Lapua Magnum vs .50 BMG, recoil takes on a bit more of an important role. But they are also dangerous and must be used with caution during operations to avoid fatalities. Introducing the latest products from the worldwide leader in ammunition. .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. The biggest issue we have with the 50 BMG is the sheer weight of the rifle. Gain a deep knowledge of ballistic science and access our improved ballistic calculator. Dont let the comparison to the 50BMG throw off your judgment as to what this cartridge can do. Ballistics Coefficient (abbreviated "BC") is a bullet's ability to resist air friction and stay airborne. It will a produce a line graph showing the bullet drop and flight path of the bullet. The less a bullet drops during its flight, the easier it is to make adjustments for longer distance shots. The max I have ever seen anyone run is around 3,000 and that is considered to be hot. Your email address will not be published. This is the Ferret .50; a top-end attachment to an AR15 lower. It excels in all of the ballistic categories that we have covered in this article. This can be useful in comparing cartridges or loads. Some notable companies that produce 50 BMG sniper rifles include Barrett Firearms, Accuracy International, Arms Tech Ltd, Armalite, Bushmaster, Desert Tech, Serbu Firearms, etc. These are extremely large rounds that require heavy weapons as well as other equipment to shoot accurately. Properties. 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! We have done our best to remove any that have major damage, but individual opinions may vary on what . So there is a fine line a lot of hunters try to walk when it comes to penetration. Both are going to penetrate just about any hide or armor that is out there, its what they were designed to do, and we have seen from the velocities that they are going to speed and power behind them to get the job done. As far as the BCs go for these two cartridges, both show phenomenal numbers. A bullet's BC is typically less than 1 and recorded to the thousandth decimal place (with notable exceptions; the 50 BMG's BC exceeds 1.000). Before we wrap up the article, we wanted to pick a round from each cartridge that we really like for certain applications. While it travels in the air, it causes a shockwave which is equally dangerous to make a severe wound. The 7.62 is the "screw you way over there" round. . It has an aluminum color tip with a heavy build. Velocity fps: 2940: 2806: 2677: 2551: 2428: 2309: Energy ft lbs: 12666: 11541: 10499: 9534: While it is only two factors that go into stopping power, they are the best for comparing two cartridges besides comparison in the field. Barrel Length inches 36 Ballistics Coefficient (G1) 0.707 Ballistics Coefficient (G7) 0.350 Sectional Density 0.362. R. remrifle333 Member. Get My Cartridge Comparison Handbook! A wide variety of ammunition is available, and the availability of match grade ammunition has increased the usefulness of .50 caliber rifles by allowing more accurate fire than lower quality rounds. 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. Copyright 2023 ShootersCalculator.comALL rights reserved. You might be strictly a hunter or strictly a competition shooter, but the majority of us are a mixture of both. 338 LM Federal MatchKing BTHP Gold Medal 250gr, 338 LM Nosler Trophy Grade AccuBond 300gr. Military Requirement: due to the rounds being from Lake City Ammunition . To gain more knowledge and quick learning, a comparison table is always the best form. The .50 BMG is an impressive long-range cartridge, especially when paired with a high-quality bolt-action or semiautomatic rifle and a good optic. How important the ballistic coefficient is with shooters often depends on the distance of shots they are taking. For hunters, stopping power is a critical factor in choosing a certain cartridge. The Heat Shield tip on the ELD Match bullet creates the perfect meplat and outperforms BTHP bullets. I was also surprised with thebackground. We can estimate penetration based on the sectional density because of what the SD is derived from. 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 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.572 Diameter: 0.51" Material: Copper Length: 1.892" Features. In ballistics, the ballistic coefficient is used to measure the ability of something to withstand air resistance. Within the United Kingdom, it is legal to own a bolt action .50 BMG rifle with a section 1 Firearms Certificate. The bottom line is this. Trajectory follows a similar trend where both show very flat trajectories, though the 50 BMG excels in this category as well. I love hunting, so I often have to deal with hunting equipment. When dealing with more obscure cartridges that dont have a huge market and takes quite a lot more material to make and you have the trifecta for expensive rounds. We also know that this bullet can enter very tough materials easily. From the bullet seating to the optimal charges and velocities, Hornady Match ammunition is designed to live up to company founder, J.W. Another factor that goes into a cartridges stopping power is the penetration of the bullet. Your email address will not be published. Its really the only way either of these rounds can be fired accurately. Muzzle Velocity - 2,952 is a screaming velocity, HSM AMAXs run around 2,680, and Barrett Ball is around 2,750. It couldnt be more clear that the 50BMG carries exponentially more kinetic energy with it than the .338 LM rounds. PMC X-Tac Match .50 BMG Ammunition 10 Rounds 740 Grain Solid Brass Projectile 2830fps 50XM. Since a .50 caliber bullet is manufactured with a solid metal surface and core, it is very powerful. [3], In response to the need for new anti-aircraft weaponry during World War I, John Browning developed the .50 BMG. These have the strength to destroy materials with a collection of ammunition. Although 50 cal is a very penetrating bullet, research has found something to stop it. The SD comes from the diameter of the bullet and the weight of the bullet. 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. [39] However, .50 BMG rifles registered prior to the enacted bans remain lawful to possess in California[37][40] and Connecticut. The two most important variables are the Initial Velocity and the Ballistic Coefficient. ShootersCalculator.com is in the process of being massively overhauled. A .50 BMG round can effectively disable a vehicle when fired into the engine block. There is a very small circle of people out there who have turned to the 50BMG for hunting purposes. It might not compete with some hand loaded cartridges, but you cant get much better when it comes to a factory load. 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. [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. Lake City 50 BMG Ballistic Data. [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. A 50 cal bullet has the power to cut through a human body with ease. '"[5], The American Rifleman further explains that development was "[r]eputedly influenced by Germany's 13.2x92 mm SR (.53-cal.) 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. It boasts a BC of 0.874, and some indicators point to a 0.900 BC at 2,900 fps. . Both of these cartridges are capable of accuracy at extreme distances, and both have enormous stopping power. Barrett Tillman, American Rifleman,February 23, 2017, Last edited on 14 February 2023, at 19:38, SaudiYemeni border conflict (2015present), world record for the longest confirmed kill, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division, https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2017/2/23/the-50-cal-browning-machine-gun-the-gun-that-won-the-war/, "MCWP 3-15.1 Machine Guns and Machine Gunnery", "Browning Machine Gun Caliber .50 HB, M2", "Canadian elite special forces sniper makes record-breaking kill shot in Iraq", "Hotshot sniper in one-and-a-half mile double kill", "British sniper Craig Harrison (The Silent Assassin) breaks record, kills target from 1.5miles away", NATO Infantry Weapons Standardization, Per G. Arvidsson, ChairmanWeapons & Sensors Working GroupLand Capability Group 1 - Dismounted Soldier NATO Army Armaments Group, "Army Ammunition Data Sheets for Small Caliber Ammunition", Cartridges for Long-Range Sniping Rifles by Anthony G Williams, Igman Ammunition Cal.

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