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.50 Bmg
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The Powerful .50 BMG Cartridge
The .50 BMG (12.7×99mm NATO) is an exceptionally large and powerful rifle cartridge designed for long-range sniper rifles and heavy machine guns. Originally designed for the M2 Browning machine gun in the early 20th century, the .50 BMG round has seen over 100 years of military service and remains popular today among civilian shooters and hunters.
A Brief History
The .50 BMG was developed by John Browning in the early 1900s for use in the M2 heavy machine gun. At the time, armies were seeking larger and more powerful rounds to achieve greater range, accuracy, and lethality on the battlefield. The .50 BMG addressed this need and was adopted into military service in 1921.Over the next several decades, the .50 BMG saw action in every major conflict around the world. Its accuracy and incredible ballistic performance at long range made it the ideal round for sniping and anti-materiel use. By the early 2000s, most NATO countries had adopted the .50 BMG for standardization across their military forces.
Design and Specifications
The .50 BMG fires a massive .510″ diameter bullet weighing over 700 grains (45 grams). It operates at an extremely high pressure of over 60,000 psi and can achieve muzzle velocities exceeding 2,900 fps (feet per second) from long rifle barrels. These ballistic characteristics give the .50 BMG unmatched accuracy and terminal performance out to 2,000+ yards.
Due to its size, rifles chambered for .50 BMG feature heavily reinforced actions to contain the immense pressure and recoil. They are also designed with sturdy bipods and monopods to facilitate shooting from the prone position. Common barrel lengths range from 20″ to 36″.
Military and Law Enforcement Use
In the military, the .50 BMG serves largely in the anti-personnel and anti-materiel role. Its accuracy and ballistics allow it to effectively target enemy personnel, thin-skinned vehicles, radar sites, parked aircraft, and similar targets at extreme distances. All major military sniper rifles, including the U.S. M107, are chambered for .50 BMG due to this versatility.
Many law enforcement agencies also employ .50 BMG rifles for barricade penetration, bomb disposal, counter-sniping, and disabling vehicles. The immense power and range make it suitable for neutralizing heavily armored or entrenched threats beyond the reach of lesser rifle cartridges.
Hunting and Long Range Shooting
In recent years, the .50 BMG has gained a strong civilian following due to interest in extreme long range shooting. Rifles from companies like Barrett, McMillan, and Serbu chambered for .50 BMG allow enthusiasts to accurately engage targets beyond one mile. Though prohibitive laws restrict private ownership of .50 BMG rifles in a few U.S. states, most places have no regulations regarding these firearms.
A niche group of hunters also pursue big game with .50 BMG rifles. At normal hunting ranges, the .50 BMG delivers absolutely devastating terminal effects on animals as large as elk, moose, and African game. However, most hunters consider it excessive for this use due to the pelt and meat damage inflicted.
Availability and Cost Considerations
The .50 BMG’s popularity among militaries ensures a steady supply of surplus ammunition at affordable prices. Surplus ammo typically costs $3-$4 per round. New production match-grade loads usable for long range shooting can cost $5-$10 per round.
Rifles chambered for the cartridge are somewhat rare and expensive, with most models starting around $3,000. The extreme recoil and muzzle blast produced by the .50 BMG generally restrict most civilian shooters to firing no more than 10-20 rounds per outing. As such, those interested must carefully weigh the cost versus utility of ownership.
Shooting and Reloading the .50 BMG
The .50 BMG produces roughly 10 times the recoil energy of a standard high-power rifle cartridge. Muzzle brakes and recoil pads are essentially mandatory equipment to help mitigate the substantial kick. The concussive muzzle blast is also extreme enough to require hearing protection while shooting or standing near a .50 BMG rifle.
Reloading ammunition for the .50 BMG is widely practiced among civilian shooters due to the high cost of factory loads. However, the process requires a heavy-duty single-stage press, dies, shell holders, primers, and powder measures specifically built to accommodate the oversized .50 BMG components.
The .50 BMG’s Continued Popularity
Few rifle cartridges share the legendary status and historical pedigree of the .50 BMG. After over 100 years of military service in countless conflicts, it remains firmly entrenched as the go-to round for long-range snipers and anti-materiel use. The .50 BMG also seems poised to enjoy many more years of popularity among civilian shooters and hunters. Its unmatched ballistic potential continues to fascinate enthusiasts and ensure a steady supply of rifles and ammunition options catering to this powerful heavy-hitter of the shooting world.