12 Gauge Shotgun VS .50 Cal: Which is More Better? (Edited for TOS)

Published on August 25, 2017
Duration: 11:05

This video compares the destructive power and ballistics of a 12-gauge shotgun slug against a .50 BMG rifle round. It details chronograph readings for both firearms and demonstrates their performance on steel targets at 20 yards. The .50 BMG significantly outperforms the 12-gauge slug in penetration and overall force, as evidenced by its ability to destroy a steel plate and damage filming equipment, while the 12-gauge slug had no effect.

Quick Summary

Comparing a 12 gauge slug and a .50 BMG round, the 12 gauge slug averaged 1207 fps and had no effect on mild steel. The .50 BMG achieved velocities of 2760-2772 fps and completely penetrated steel plates, demonstrating a significant power disparity.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction: 50 Cal Friday
  2. 00:50Introducing the 12 Gauge Shotgun (JW2000)
  3. 01:14Ammunition: 12 Gauge Slug vs .50 BMG
  4. 01:45Chronograph Setup and Testing
  5. 02:30First Shot: 12 Gauge Slug Velocity
  6. 03:44Second Shot: 12 Gauge Slug Velocity
  7. 03:47Switching to .50 BMG Rifle
  8. 04:08Introducing the Armalite AR-50
  9. 04:45First Shot: .50 BMG Velocity
  10. 05:11Second Shot: .50 BMG Velocity
  11. 05:53Recoil Comparison: 12 Gauge vs .50 BMG
  12. 07:06Final Test: Steel Plate Penetration
  13. 07:2512 Gauge Slug vs Steel Plate
  14. 08:15.50 BMG vs Steel Plate
  15. 08:41Damage Assessment: Equipment and Target
  16. 09:21Analysis of .50 BMG Impact
  17. 10:14Conclusion: Power Disparity

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the velocity differences between a 12 gauge slug and a .50 BMG round?

The 12 gauge Fiocchi slug averaged 1207 feet per second. In contrast, the .50 BMG rounds from Freedom Munitions achieved significantly higher velocities, measuring 2760 fps and 2772 fps.

How did a 12 gauge slug and a .50 BMG round perform on steel targets?

At 20 yards, the 12 gauge slug had no effect on mild steel. The .50 BMG round, however, completely penetrated the mild steel and armored steel plates, causing extensive damage and fragmentation.

What is the difference in recoil between a 12 gauge shotgun and a .50 BMG rifle?

Recoil is perceived differently; the 12 gauge offers more of a 'kick,' while the .50 BMG provides a 'pressure-related' recoil or 'push.' The heavy weight of the .50 BMG rifle also helps manage its felt recoil.

Which firearm is more powerful: a 12 gauge shotgun or a .50 BMG rifle?

The .50 BMG rifle is demonstrably more powerful than a 12 gauge shotgun with a slug. This is evident in their ballistics and penetration capabilities, with the .50 BMG exhibiting several times the force.

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