HOW MUCH DIRT DOES IT TAKE TO STOP A 50BMG?

Published on July 9, 2017
Duration: 5:21

This video demonstrates a practical test by firearms personality Edwin Sarkissian to determine the stopping power of packed dirt against a .50 BMG round. Using a Barrett M82A1 rifle and API ammunition, Sarkissian fired into a series of Lowe's 5-gallon buckets filled with tightly packed desert dirt. The experiment concluded that approximately 24-30 inches of packed dirt, equivalent to two buckets, was sufficient to stop the .50 BMG projectile.

Quick Summary

Firearms instructor Edwin Sarkissian demonstrated that approximately two 5-gallon buckets of tightly packed desert dirt (24-30 inches) are sufficient to stop a .50 BMG Armor-Piercing Incendiary (API) round fired from a Barrett M82A1 rifle. The projectile penetrated the first bucket and lodged within the second.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Preparation: Packing Dirt Buckets
  2. 01:04Experiment Introduction: The Goal
  3. 01:31Firearm and Ammo Setup: Barrett M82A1 & API Round
  4. 01:57The Shot: Firing the .50 BMG
  5. 02:16Damage Assessment: Bullet Penetration
  6. 03:51Conclusion: Stopping Power Findings

Frequently Asked Questions

How many buckets of dirt are needed to stop a .50 BMG round?

According to the test conducted by Edwin Sarkissian, approximately two 5-gallon buckets of tightly packed desert dirt, totaling about 24-30 inches, were sufficient to stop a .50 BMG Armor-Piercing Incendiary (API) round.

What rifle was used in the .50 BMG dirt test?

The test utilized a Barrett M82A1 rifle, a well-known semi-automatic anti-materiel rifle chambered in .50 BMG, equipped with a Vortex optic and bipod.

What type of .50 BMG ammunition was used for the stopping power test?

The demonstration employed .50 BMG Armor-Piercing Incendiary (API) ammunition. This type of round is designed for penetration and features an incendiary component that ignites upon impact.

What was the outcome of the .50 BMG impact on the dirt buckets?

The .50 BMG API round heavily damaged the first bucket and penetrated into the second bucket, where it was stopped. The subsequent buckets remained largely unaffected, indicating the dirt's effectiveness.

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