50 CAL ARMOR PIERCING INCENDIARY ROUNDS SLOW MO!

Published on March 24, 2014
Duration: 5:07

This video showcases the destructive power of .50 caliber Armor Piercing Incendiary (API) rounds fired from a Barrett M107 rifle, captured in extreme slow motion at 50,000 FPS. The footage clearly demonstrates the projectile's ability to penetrate a 1/2-inch steel plate, with the incendiary component igniting upon impact. Jerry Miculek highlights the significant fire hazards and ricochet risks associated with this type of ammunition.

Quick Summary

Armor Piercing Incendiary (.50 CAL API) rounds ignite upon impact with targets like steel plates, creating a significant flash and fire hazard. The hardened steel penetrator core pierces the metal, while the copper jacket often shears off. These rounds pose considerable ricochet risks.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: High-Speed Camera Setup
  2. 00:41Firing .50 CAL API Rounds
  3. 01:51Slow-Motion Impact Analysis
  4. 02:46Target Inspection & Safety

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when .50 CAL Armor Piercing Incendiary rounds hit a steel plate?

When .50 CAL Armor Piercing Incendiary (API) rounds impact a steel plate, the hardened steel penetrator core pierces the metal, while the incendiary component ignites, creating a bright flash and potential fire hazard. The copper jacket typically shears off during penetration.

What is the purpose of the incendiary component in API ammunition?

The incendiary component in API ammunition is designed to ignite upon impact. This serves multiple purposes, including potentially igniting flammable materials behind the armor target and acting as a visual tracer to confirm a hit, especially in low-visibility conditions.

What safety concerns are associated with .50 CAL API rounds?

Significant safety concerns include the intense fire hazard from the incendiary element, the high risk of ricochet due to the projectile's power and hardness, and the potential for fragmentation upon impact, necessitating robust safety protocols and protective gear.

How thick of a steel plate can .50 CAL API rounds penetrate?

In this demonstration, .50 CAL API rounds successfully penetrated a 1/2-inch thick mild steel plate. The exact penetration capability depends on the specific ammunition construction, velocity, and the exact composition and thickness of the armor.

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