Can a Boulder Stop a 50 Cal Sniper Rifle?

Published on April 8, 2026
Duration: 1:35

This video tests the penetration capabilities of various calibers against a boulder, culminating with the .50 BMG. While smaller calibers like .22 LR, 9mm, and .45 ACP caused minimal damage, larger rounds like 5.56mm and 12 gauge slugs began to chip the rock. The .308 and initial .50 BMG shots caused significant fragmentation but did not penetrate. A second .50 BMG shot successfully penetrated the boulder.

Quick Summary

Testing various calibers against a boulder revealed that smaller rounds like .22 LR, 9mm, and .45 ACP caused minimal damage. Intermediate calibers like 5.56mm and .308 Winchester, along with a 12 gauge slug, chipped away at the rock but did not penetrate. Ultimately, two .50 caliber shots were required, with the second successfully penetrating the boulder.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Boulder vs. Bullets
  2. 00:06.22 LR Test
  3. 00:129mm Test
  4. 00:20.45 ACP Test
  5. 00:27Desert Eagle Test
  6. 00:365.56mm Green Tip Test
  7. 00:4412 Gauge Slug Test
  8. 00:53.308 Winchester Test
  9. 01:03.50 Caliber Test (First Shot)
  10. 01:16.50 Caliber Test (Second Shot - Penetration)

Frequently Asked Questions

What calibers were tested against the boulder?

The test included a range of calibers, starting with smaller rounds like .22 LR, 9mm, and .45 ACP. It progressed to intermediate rifle calibers such as 5.56mm green tip and .308 Winchester, along with a 12 gauge slug. The test concluded with .50 caliber rounds.

Did any smaller caliber rounds penetrate the boulder?

No, smaller calibers like .22 LR, 9mm, and .45 ACP caused minimal to no damage, with rounds either leaving small marks or bouncing off. Even the 5.56mm round only penetrated about an inch deep, and the 12 gauge slug and .308 Winchester caused surface damage but no penetration.

What was the result of the .50 caliber tests on the boulder?

The initial .50 caliber shot caused significant fragmentation and created a hole in the boulder, but it did not fully penetrate. A subsequent .50 caliber shot successfully sliced straight through the boulder, demonstrating its immense power.

Which firearms were used in the boulder penetration test?

The video featured various firearms to test different calibers. These included handguns for .22 LR, 9mm, and .45 ACP, an AR-15 for 5.56mm, a 12 gauge shotgun for slugs, a rifle for .308 Winchester, and a .50 caliber rifle for the final tests.

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