Can These Anti-Aircraft Rounds Be Stopped?

Published on January 30, 2026
Duration: 13:58

This video provides an expert-level demonstration of the terminal ballistics of three historical .50 caliber anti-aircraft rounds: M1 Blue Tip Incendiary, M20 APIT, and M8 API. Fired from a Desert Tech HTI, the rounds are tested against various steel targets and a ballistic torso, showcasing their destructive potential and penetration capabilities. The host, demonstrating high authority in firearms testing, uses specialized equipment like chronographs and high-speed cameras to gather detailed performance data.

Quick Summary

This expert analysis tests historical .50 caliber anti-aircraft rounds: M1 Blue Tip Incendiary, M20 APIT, and M8 API, fired from a Desert Tech HTI. The M1 Blue Tip shows significant incendiary effects but limited penetration on hardened steel. The M20 APIT and M8 API demonstrate better armor penetration capabilities, with the M8 API penetrating 1.25-inch steel but not 1.5-inch steel. Muzzle velocity for the M20 APIT was 2794.9 FPS.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to .50 Cal Anti-Aircraft Rounds
  2. 00:53M1 Blue Tip vs. AR550 Steel Target
  3. 02:11M1 Blue Tip vs. Ballistic Torso
  4. 06:06M20 APIT Testing
  5. 10:15M8 API Testing

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of .50 caliber anti-aircraft rounds were tested?

The video tested three historical .50 caliber rounds: the M1 Blue Tip Incendiary, the M20 Armor-Piercing Incendiary Tracer (APIT), and the M8 Armor-Piercing Incendiary (API). Each has distinct characteristics for penetration and destructive effects.

How did the M1 Blue Tip Incendiary round perform against steel targets?

When fired at a 1/2-inch AR550 steel target at 60 yards, the M1 Blue Tip Incendiary round caused a large flash and smoke but only minor dimpling on the hardened steel, indicating limited penetration against such robust targets.

What was the muzzle velocity of the M20 APIT round?

The muzzle velocity of the M20 APIT round, as measured by a RangeCraft chronograph when fired from a Desert Tech HTI rifle, was recorded at 2794.9 feet per second (FPS).

Can .50 BMG rounds penetrate thick steel plates?

The M8 API round successfully penetrated a 1.25-inch mild steel plate but failed to fully penetrate a 1.5-inch mild steel plate, getting stuck in the back. This demonstrates the significant, but not absolute, penetration capability of .50 BMG API ammunition against steel.

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