50BMG M2 AP - Armor Piercing Ammunition Testing

Published on May 8, 2020
Duration: 12:12

This video features Karl Kasarda and Ian McCollum of InRangeTV testing .50 BMG M2 Armor Piercing (AP) ammunition using a PGM Hecate II rifle against AR450 steel plates. The AP round demonstrates significant penetration, easily passing through both plates. A comparison with standard .50 BMG Ball ammunition shows its inability to penetrate a single plate. The discussion includes historical context with the Mauser Tankgewehr and touches upon rifle availability and modern caliber comparisons.

Quick Summary

The PGM Hecate II rifle was used to test .50 BMG M2 AP ammunition against two stacked 3/8 inch AR450 steel plates. The AP round easily penetrated both plates, while standard .50 BMG Ball ammunition failed to penetrate a single plate, highlighting the effectiveness of AP rounds against hardened steel.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: PGM Hecate II & Test Setup
  2. 02:00.50 BMG M2 AP Round Test & Penetration
  3. 02:59Post-Shot Analysis: Damage Assessment
  4. 05:51.50 BMG Ball Round Test vs Steel
  5. 07:42Historical Context & Modern Caliber Comparison
  6. 10:01Rifle Availability & Closing Remarks

Frequently Asked Questions

What rifle was used to test the .50 BMG M2 AP ammunition?

The test utilized the PGM Hecate II, a French military .50 caliber anti-materiel and sniper rifle, known for its long-range engagement capabilities up to 1800 meters.

How did the .50 BMG M2 AP round perform against steel plates?

The .50 BMG M2 AP round demonstrated exceptional performance, easily penetrating two stacked 3/8 inch AR450 hardened steel plates (3/4 inch total thickness) with clean holes.

What is the difference in performance between .50 BMG AP and Ball ammunition against steel?

.50 BMG AP ammunition successfully penetrated hardened steel plates, while standard .50 BMG Ball ammunition failed to penetrate a single 3/8 inch plate, causing only cratering.

Is the PGM Hecate II rifle available to civilians?

No, the PGM Hecate II rifle is restricted to law enforcement and military sales in the United States. Other PGM models like the Mini Hecate and Ludus are available to the public.

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