Testing .50 BMG in a Semi-Auto Shotgun

Published on December 6, 2021
Duration: 12:37

This video tests the feasibility of firing a .50 BMG round from a 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun. Initial tests show significant energy loss due to a poor gas seal. An enhancement using a 3D-printed sleeve improved the seal and dramatically increased projectile energy, though it caused casing deformation and extraction issues.

Quick Summary

Firing a .50 BMG round from a 12-gauge shotgun is possible but inefficient due to a poor gas seal. A 3D-printed sleeve can improve the seal and increase projectile energy, but may cause casing deformation and extraction issues. The JTS-12 shotgun withstood the experiment.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: .50 BMG in a Shotgun?
  2. 00:58Baseline: .50 BMG vs 12 Gauge
  3. 03:10First .50 BMG Shotgun Test
  4. 05:10Enhanced Test Setup: 3D Printed Sleeve
  5. 07:39Second Test: With Chamber Support
  6. 10:24Final Inspection & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you fire a .50 BMG round from a 12-gauge shotgun?

While technically possible to chamber and fire a .50 BMG round in a 12-gauge shotgun like the JTS-12, it's highly inefficient without modifications. The .50 BMG projectile is smaller than the shotgun bore, creating a poor gas seal and significant energy loss. Enhancements like a 3D-printed sleeve can improve performance.

What happens when you fire a .50 BMG in a 12-gauge shotgun?

When a .50 BMG is fired in a 12-gauge shotgun without a proper seal, the casing fire-forms to the chamber, but much of the propellant gas escapes around the projectile. This results in significantly reduced impact energy compared to firing from a dedicated .50 BMG firearm. The casing can also deform severely.

How did Brandon Herrera improve the .50 BMG shotgun test?

Brandon Herrera used a 3D-printed plastic sleeve to act as an adapter and create a better gas seal between the .50 BMG cartridge and the 12-gauge barrel. This modification significantly increased the pressure and energy of the fired round, causing more damage to the target.

Did the 12-gauge shotgun survive firing .50 BMG rounds?

Yes, the JTS-12 semi-automatic shotgun used in the test survived firing multiple .50 BMG rounds, even with the enhanced adapter. However, the spent casings were severely deformed and difficult to extract, indicating the extreme stress placed on the firearm.

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