2000 Yard 50BMG Ricochet to the Head. Is It Real?

Published on January 1, 2020
Duration: 9:20

This video debunks a viral claim of a 2,000-yard .50 BMG ricochet. Through frame-by-frame analysis and ballistic calculations, the host demonstrates the incident likely occurred at a much closer range (around 170 yards). The expert emphasizes the dangers of using improper steel targets, like mild steel, with high-power calibers and highlights the importance of selecting appropriate AR550 steel for safe long-range shooting.

Quick Summary

Expert analysis debunks a viral .50 BMG ricochet claim, showing it likely occurred at ~170 yards, not 2,000. The video highlights the extreme danger of using mild steel targets with high-power calibers, recommending AR550 steel for safety and proper ballistic performance.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Viral Video & 2000 Yard Claim
  2. 01:14.50 BMG vs 5.56 NATO Ballistics
  3. 01:56Calculating Ricochet Time & Distance
  4. 03:00Frame-by-Frame Video Analysis
  5. 04:06Ricochet Speed & Lethality
  6. 06:09Original Source & Incident Details
  7. 07:10Safe Target Selection: AR550 Steel

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the viral .50 BMG ricochet video at 2,000 yards real?

No, expert analysis using frame-by-frame timing and ballistic calculations suggests the incident occurred at a much closer distance, estimated around 170 yards, not the claimed 2,000 yards. The sound return time was inconsistent with such a long distance.

What are the dangers of shooting mild steel with a .50 BMG rifle?

Shooting mild steel with high-power rounds like the .50 BMG is extremely dangerous. The steel is too soft, leading to significant deformation and unpredictable, potentially lethal ricochets. Proper AR550 steel targets are recommended for safety.

How fast was the ricocheting .50 BMG bullet traveling?

The host estimated the ricocheting bullet's speed to be roughly 230-300 feet per second. While significantly slowed from its muzzle velocity, this speed is still considered potentially dangerous, with 300 fps being a threshold for penetrating skin.

What is the recommended steel target material for calibers like .50 BMG?

For high-power calibers such as .50 BMG, AR550 steel targets are strongly recommended. This material is significantly harder and more abrasion-resistant than mild steel, providing a safer surface that reduces the risk of dangerous ricochets.

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