HOW STRONG IS ALUMINUM vs 50CAL

Published on December 30, 2017
Duration: 10:03

This video from Edwin Sarkissian, an established firearms content creator, provides a practical demonstration of the penetration capabilities of various .50 BMG ammunition types against a thick aluminum plate. The expert-level analysis details the performance differences between Spotter, API, AP, and APIT rounds, offering valuable insights into terminal ballistics for large-caliber rifle cartridges.

Quick Summary

Expert Edwin Sarkissian demonstrates that .50 BMG API and AP rounds can fully penetrate a 2.5-inch thick aluminum plate. While API rounds created a cratered entry, AP rounds achieved penetration with a cleaner hole, showcasing the distinct terminal ballistics of these specialized large-caliber cartridges.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Setup
  2. 00:56Spotter Round Test
  3. 02:41API (Silver Tip) Round Test
  4. 04:18AP (Black Tip) Round Test
  5. 06:29APIT Round and Side-Profile Test

Frequently Asked Questions

How effective are .50 BMG rounds against thick aluminum?

In tests against a 2.5-inch thick aluminum plate, .50 BMG API and AP rounds demonstrated full penetration. A Spotter round created a crater but did not penetrate, highlighting the significant power of specialized .50 BMG ammunition.

What are the differences between API and AP .50 BMG rounds?

API (Armor Piercing Incendiary) rounds, often silver-tipped, penetrated the aluminum plate and caused some cratering on impact. AP (Armor Piercing) rounds, typically black-tipped, also penetrated fully but created a cleaner entry hole, suggesting the incendiary component influences the initial impact.

What equipment was used in the .50 BMG aluminum penetration test?

The test utilized a Barrett M107 style .50 caliber rifle and various .50 BMG ammunition types. Hearing protection, specifically Walker's electronic hearing protection, was also visibly used to ensure shooter safety during the high-decibel firing events.

Can a .50 BMG round penetrate 2.5 inches of aluminum?

Yes, .50 BMG API (Armor Piercing Incendiary) and AP (Armor Piercing) rounds are capable of fully penetrating a 2.5-inch thick T651 ASTM B 209 aluminum plate, as demonstrated in this expert-led ballistics test.

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from Edwin Sarkissian

View all →