Can The World's Most Expensive Bullet Be Stopped?

Published on September 19, 2025
Duration: 13:09

This video tests the penetration capabilities of the expensive Raufoss .50 BMG round against steel plates, comparing it to cheaper Israeli API rounds. The Desert Tech HTI rifle, a compact bullpup, is used for testing. While both rounds penetrate 1.25-inch steel, neither fully penetrates 1.75-inch steel, though the Raufoss shows a more significant incendiary effect.

Quick Summary

The Raufoss NM140 MP .50 BMG round, costing over $100, features a tungsten carbide penetrator. In tests with a Desert Tech HTI, it penetrated 1.25-inch steel but failed to fully exit 1.75-inch steel, though it produced a significant incendiary effect.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Raufoss .50 BMG Cost & Test
  2. 00:25Solid Brass .50 BMG vs Steel Plates
  3. 01:31Desert Tech HTI Rifle Overview
  4. 05:08Israeli API vs 1.25-inch Steel Test
  5. 06:54Raufoss NM140 MP vs 1.25-inch Steel
  6. 11:27Final Showdown: 1.75-inch Steel Penetration

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Raufoss NM140 MP .50 BMG round so expensive?

The Raufoss NM140 MP is exceptionally expensive due to its complex construction, utilizing seven different materials including a tungsten carbide penetrator. This advanced design aims for superior performance, justifying its high cost per round, often exceeding $100.

How did the Raufoss and Israeli API .50 BMG rounds perform against 1.25-inch steel?

Both the Raufoss NM140 MP and the Israeli API rounds successfully penetrated the 1.25-inch mild steel plate. The Israeli round achieved this at 2840 FPS, while the Raufoss also penetrated, exhibiting a significant incendiary effect.

Can the Raufoss .50 BMG round penetrate 1.75-inch steel?

In this test using the Desert Tech HTI, the Raufoss NM140 MP did not fully penetrate the 1.75-inch steel plate. While it created a substantial incendiary flash, it failed to exit the plate, unlike the Israeli API round which managed to poke through.

What rifle was used to test the .50 BMG rounds?

The ballistics tests were conducted using the Desert Tech HTI (Hard Target Interdiction) rifle. This rifle is highlighted for its compact bullpup design and multi-caliber capability, easily accommodating rounds like .50 BMG, .416 Barrett, and .408 CheyTac.

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