200 yds. During wartime, especially WW2, the US coast guard, and military used 50 BMG rifles towards helicopters. Since the .50 BMG (23.00 23.33 g tungsten with muzzle velocity of 4,000 ft/s (1,219 m/s)) is very large it needs heavy weapons to support it. They should show closer accuracy between each other however, because the form factor is constant. Not match ammo. It might not compete with some hand loaded cartridges, but you cant get much better when it comes to a factory load. There's a reason militaries worldwide still use a 50 BMG bolt-action rifle for sniping. 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. 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. Access features of the Reloading Handbook on your mobile device with the Reloading App. You might be strictly a hunter or strictly a competition shooter, but the majority of us are a mixture of both. . 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. The bullet type and powder make the recoil force different between bullets. .30/06 165-gr./.490 ballistic coefficient 5.56x45 mm 55 gr./.246 Ballistic coefficient Usually the higher the ballistic coefficient the greater the effective range of the round. On the other hand, 50 BMG is one of the various types of 50 Cal. And like the 50BMG rounds, we will revisit this shortly. Its really the only way either of these rounds can be fired accurately. It answered a lot of my questions. 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. Although 50 cal is a very penetrating bullet, research has found something to stop it. The .50 BMG is a bigger, heavier bullet that delivers a reliable killing shot up to an astounding range of about 3300 yards. For example, the G1 BC of a standard 5.5645 55gr FMJ roundusually falls at around 0.243. Use this ballistic calculator in order to calculate the flight path of a bullet given the shooting parameters that meet your conditions. 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. The M2 and M9 links, "pull-out" designs, are used in the Browning M2 and M3 machine guns. The two most important variables are the Initial Velocity and the Ballistic Coefficient. What we hope you draw from this is that both of these cartridges have a BC that corresponds with highly streamlined bullets. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) Copyright Hornady, Privacy Policy | CCPA Request | Accessibility Policy | Terms of Use, Designed and developed by IdeaBank Marketing. And like we said, if you need a large cartridge like both of these are, you probably already knew you were going to be dealing with recoil. This graph should give you a good idea about the major differences we are looking at here. In our minds, there is no one cartridge that is above and beyond better than another. They wanted a heavy projectile at 2700 feet per second (f.p.s. Within the United Kingdom, it is legal to own a bolt action .50 BMG rifle with a section 1 Firearms Certificate. You can find an email form and contact information here. [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. .338 Lapua Mag vs .50 BMG Cartridge Comparison. AP (ARMOR PIERCING) 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. . kilojoules). It has the velocity, the BC, and the trajectory to make shots of even 1,500 yards. 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. Almost all rounds have a ballistic coefficient of less than 1.0, but large rounds like the 50 BMG can exceed this normal BC. . Factory loads for civilian purchase are limited with most of the available rounds coming with bullet weights between 650 and 750gr. [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. For the .338 LM, we recommend the Nosler Trophy Grade AccuBond 300gr round. A 50 caliber bullet is measured to be an inch. As far as availability goes for the 50 BMG vs 338 Lapua Magnum, both are going to be harder to come by then smaller, more traditional hunting and target cartridges. This is why their weapons are hard to find and limited in number. [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. When we look at the graph, it is quite a stark contrast between cartridges. 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. Thank you. The trajectory is what just about every hunter or competitive shooter of every skill level will be interested in when comparing two different cartridges. 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). 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. . Each cartridge is loaded with either Hornady A-MAX bullets, our high-performance boattail hollow points, or the new, radically superior ELD Match bullets. Recoil is also a component to accuracy though most will deny it has any effect on them. Looking at it another way, if one is off by 5%, they're probably all off the same amount, making our comparison valid. Introducing the latest products from the worldwide leader in ammunition. It will a produce a line graph showing the bullet drop and flight path of the bullet. It is still a good idea to check legality before making a purchase. Mostly the twist rate of the rifling of 50 BMG is 1 in 15, with eight lands. [15], A common method for understanding the actual power of a cartridge is comparison of muzzle energies. However, it is restricted in California. 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. On the other hand, 50 BMG is designed for machine gun operations, which belongs to 50 Cal. It excels in all of the ballistic categories that we have covered in this article. Usually, these can leave a severe wound. Similar to snipers, 50 BMG pistols are also made of hard materials to support the powerful cartridge. Lets take a look at the velocities of each round from the muzzle out to 1,000 yards. The bottom line is this. Beretta 3032 Tomcat [Review]: A Worthy Self-Defense Pistol? Description: Lake City 50 BMG ammunition consists of Lake City brass, boxer-primers and 660 Grain projectiles. 338 LM Federal MatchKing BTHP Gold Medal 250gr, 338 LM Nosler Trophy Grade AccuBond 300gr. Now I am curious about the comparison between the LM 338 and the 30-378 weathering magnum. Again, this conclusions and estimates are based solely on the factory loads we have been examining here and the data that accompany them. Excellent quality, and great customer service from Dave Moore of Spider Firearms. . This bullet weighs much less even with the large size. Hornady's original goal: "Ten bullets through one hole.". They have various models for different cartridges. . 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. The first 50 BMG ammunition was the 13.2mm TuF to attack against armored targets. Other than armed forces, civilians use this bullet round for target shooting and sports. 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. To gain more knowledge and quick learning, a comparison table is always the best form. Higher velocities, with a stable bullet, also aid in long range performance, which is critical for both hunting and competition shooting. More importantly, we are interested in how flat a bullet flies over a given distance. Of course, how much penetration you need is going to depend on the game you are hunting. Maybe even more so when looking at these two rounds. 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. [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. In this way, the user can know how much recoil the 50 BMG round has due to impact. .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) cartridge. Some of them operate by recoil principle, while others use gas. Retail Price: $478.50. The higher the value, the better the bullet can travel through the air. Parks theorizes that the misconception originated in historical doctrine discouraging the use of the M8C spotting riflean integral .50-caliber aiming aid for the M40 recoilless riflein the antipersonnel role. But they are also dangerous and must be used with caution during operations to avoid fatalities. 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 While Glock is a master of simplicity and reliability, Walther has gone for a more elaborate design. 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. Both of these cartridges have found a place in the long range shooting. The time for a .50 calibre bullet to travel one mile at a constant speed of 1400feet per second is around four seconds. They are intended mainly for long-range shooting. As time goes, they are becoming more popular among shooters and hunters. anti-tank rifle" and that then "Ordnance contracted with Winchester to design a .50-cal. Citadel 1911 Review: Best Budget-Friendly Pistol? A user can shoot easily from a distance of about two kilometers. From the bullet seating to the optimal charges and velocities, Hornady Match ammunition is designed to live up to company founder, J.W. [35], In the United States, Washington, D.C. disallows registration of .50 BMG rifles, thus rendering civilian possession unlawful. 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. I was also surprised with thebackground. The Bullet Has a Superb Ballistic Coefficient compared To Other 50 Caliber Bullets That Have separately Formed driving bands . The minimum SD for hunting large game is .250. [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]. It is inversely proportional to the negative acceleration a high number indicates a low negative acceleration. The.50 BMG is quite legal for buying without the need for a special license or process. The term BMG means Browning Machine Gun. Most people who are using a .50 BMG are not hunting and are looking at extreme distance shooting. Teamed with Colt, he produced prototypes ready for testing and, ironically, completed them by Nov. 11, 1918the Great War's end. Lake City 50 BMG Ammo Details. 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. Copyright 2023 ShootersCalculator.comALL rights reserved. It is a scaled up version of the venerable .30-06 (standard issue in infantry rifles for the U.S. in both World Wars). The 50 BMG rounds are quite impressive with BCs all above the .7 mark and one round coming in with a 1.05BC. Ballistic Coefficient: 0.572 Diameter: 0.51" Material: Copper Length: 1.892" Features. TMI50BMG ammunition is loaded to precise standards, using only the finest components, and processes. They are easily portable to shoot at great ranges with destructive forces. 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. Under STANAG 4383, it is a standard service cartridge for NATO forces as well as many non-NATO countries. This e-mail address is already subscribed. They have barrel shrouds and a compensator to keep the gun in level. Sight Height (in) Must be a number greater than 0. I doubt too many microbiologists discuss the BCs of ammunition! Even after the differences between 50 Cal vs 50 BMG, we see that they are quite similar in various features. How much energy is required to take down an animal varies and the amount that actually gets transferred to the target varies. Required fields are marked *. Velocity is key for proper penetration and expansion, which is critical for hunting. 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. Unsubscribe at any time. 12.7 x 99mm, APEI, M 02, "Advancements in Lightweight .50 Caliber Ammunition", "DoD Wants Bullet That Can Change Direction After Being Fired", "EXACTO Guided bullet demonstrates repeatable performance against moving targets 2904152 | weapons defence industry military technology UK | analyse focus army defence military industry army", "EXACTO Guided Bullet Demonstrates Repeatable Performance against Moving Targets", "Metal link M9 for cal. Both cartridges have the velocity needed for long range shooting though the 50BMG seems to show slightly higher velocities and this gap between the cartridges widens as the rounds move downrange. 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. It saw service with the military in both Afghanistan and Iraq and is still in use with military personnel today, but it has also found a loyal following among civilians. This can be useful in comparing cartridges or loads. '"[5], The American Rifleman further explains that development was "[r]eputedly influenced by Germany's 13.2x92 mm SR (.53-cal.) 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. Even so, computer generated data is a proven and safe means for comparing two cartridges as we will do here. To handle these rounds in the field, youre going to have to haul around a 30+lb rifle. Velocity fps: 2940: 2806: 2677: 2551: 2428: 2309: Energy ft lbs: 12666: 11541: 10499: 9534: 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. Even so, its difficult to compare the accuracy of two cartridges by the means that we have. Various ammunition is also available to allow firing with lower quality bullets. To begin, these selected rounds all have excellent BCs that most would be more than happy with. Effect? 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. We hope that this article has highlighted these differences and provided you with a reliable source for making your own decision of which cartridge better fits your needs.
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