50cal vs Steel Beam

Published on March 28, 2019
Duration: 24:29

This video from Edwin Sarkissian, a high-authority firearms influencer specializing in destructive testing, explores the penetration capabilities of various calibers against steel I-beams. The .50 BMG round, particularly the Black Tip AP variant fired from a Serbu BFG-50A, proved capable of penetrating all three beams, while other calibers like 9mm, .44 Magnum, .500 Magnum, .30-30 Winchester, 7.62x39mm, .458 SOCOM, 7.62x51mm, and .50 AE failed to achieve full penetration.

Quick Summary

In a destructive ballistics test by firearms influencer Edwin Sarkissian, the .50 BMG caliber, specifically Black Tip Armor Piercing ammunition fired from a Serbu BFG-50A, proved capable of penetrating all three 3/16-inch thick steel I-beams. Other calibers, including 7.62x51mm and .458 SOCOM, showed limited penetration, while handgun rounds failed entirely.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Setup
  2. 00:359mm Handgun Test
  3. 01:37.44 Magnum Test
  4. 03:54.500 Magnum Test
  5. 06:28.30-30 Winchester Test
  6. 08:237.62x39mm AK-47 Test
  7. 09:12.458 SOCOM Test
  8. 10:317.62x51mm SCAR 17 Test
  9. 11:47.50 BMG Penetration Test
  10. 13:25.50 AE Handgun Test

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber is most effective at penetrating steel beams based on the Edwin Sarkissian video?

The .50 BMG caliber, particularly the Black Tip Armor Piercing ammunition fired from a Serbu BFG-50A, demonstrated the highest penetration capability, successfully defeating all three 3/16-inch thick steel I-beams tested in the video.

Which common handgun calibers failed to penetrate steel beams?

In the test, 9mm, .44 Magnum, .500 Magnum, and .50 AE rounds all failed to penetrate the first steel I-beam, with bullets often disintegrating or causing only minor surface damage.

What was the performance of .50 BMG ammunition types against steel?

.50 BMG Black Tip AP penetrated all three beams. Green Tip (Tungsten core) penetrated two beams, and Red Tip (Incendiary) penetrated two beams before fragmenting.

Did rifle calibers like 7.62x51mm or .458 SOCOM penetrate the steel beams?

The 7.62x51mm rounds from an FN SCAR 17S penetrated the first beam but were stopped by the second. .458 SOCOM rounds created deep dents but did not penetrate the first beam.

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